Skip to main content

Events

The Central Street Consortium regularly hosts events to engage the Evanston community in the project to rebuild Ryan Field and to learn more about careers in the construction industry. Browse upcoming events below, and view presentation materials from past events.

Join Us for Office Hours

A member of the Central Street Consortium team will be at the will-call ticket office in Welsh-Ryan Arena at 2705 Ashland Ave. from 9 to 11 a.m. each Wednesday. Neighbors are welcome to come chat about special programs and construction career opportunities and to learn more about local businesses.

CSC representatives also will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Wednesday at the CSC Resource Center at 1910 Greenwood Ave. in Evanston. 

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.

Past Events

Oct
15
2025

Virtual Parents Session

5:00 PM Online

Parents of high school juniors and seniors are invited to learn about career pathways in construction and related industries.

Oct
21
2025

Evanston Township High School Career Fair

10:00 AM Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave.

Experts from CISCO, the Central Street Consortium and their trade partners will expose students to real-world career pathways, union opportunities and direct industry engagement.

  • When:  Oct. 21, 10 a.m.
  • Where: Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave. 
Oct
30
2025

Truck or Treat

3:30 PM West stadium lot at Ashland Ave. and Central St.

Join Northwestern and the Central Street Consortium (CSC) in celebrating Halloween with the workers and heavy equipment that are bringing the new Ryan Field to life. Costumes are encouraged at this family-friendly event that previews the new Ryan Field's future as a  welcoming space for the local community.

  • When: Oct. 30, 3:30-6 p.m.
  • Where: West stadium lot at Ashland Ave. and Central St.

While registration is not mandatory, we encourage you to RSVP online  so we can share more information with you closer to the time of the event. Local businesses interested in participating in the fun may  submit a request online  for more information.

May
14
2025

Beyond the Build

11:00 AM Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St., Evanston

This interactive community workshop will highlight expanding access to employment, training and advancement opportunities for local residents — both on the Ryan Field project and in high-demand industries beyond.

  • When: Wednesday, May 14
  • Where: Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St., Evanston

Participants will gain insight on career paths in construction, the skilled trades and more, while learning how organizations like HIRE360 connect jobseekers with apprenticeships, training and mentorship.

Register now to save your spot.

Mar
12
2025

Join the Ryan Field project

5:00 PM Rebuilding Exchange (1245 Hartrey Ave. in the green building)

Are you a skilled tradesperson or job seeker looking for construction work? Join the team building the new Ryan Field!

Evanston residents seeking opportunities in construction and related trades are invited to connect with hiring contractors at an upcoming job fair. 

  • When: March 12, 5-7 p.m.
  • Where: Rebuilding Exchange (1245 Hartrey Ave. in the green building)

This event provides a valuable opportunity to network with industry professionals, learn more about the hiring process, and explore potential career paths in the field.

To maximize your experience, attendees are encouraged to upload a resume in advance.

Can’t make it to the event? Submit your resume online, and a member of the CSC team will follow up with you directly.
Jan
29
2025

Ryan Field Construction Trade Fair – Connecting Prime Contractors with Diverse and Local Businesses

5:00 PM The Trade Collective, 1910 Greenwood Ave., Evanston, IL

 

The Ryan Field Construction Trade Fair fosters connections between the prime contractors engaged in the Ryan Field project and local businesses, including minority- and women-owned enterprises, as well as Evanston-based companies.

The event provides a unique platform for local and diverse businesses to learn about procurement opportunities in construction trades, professional services and other sectors. Prime contractors will be available to discuss project needs, share information about upcoming opportunities and explore potential partnerships.

Attendees will discover subcontracting opportunities in various industries and have the opportunity to network directly with contractors on the Ryan Field project, building relationships for future collaborations.

Register online.

Nov
21
2024

Turner School of Construction Management

4:00 PM 1910 Greenwood Ave., Evanston

Participate in a free program designed to prepare diverse, women-owned, veteran/disabled, LGBTQ and small business contractors for future business opportunities. Gain insights and meaningful tools to help you target your business for quality and growth while developing strategic business relationships.

The program runs from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. each Thursday from Oct. 10 through Nov. 21. Each class is unique and taught by some of the best professionals in the construction industry.

Turner School of Construction Management is the oldest community outreach program in Turner's history, and we want you to be a part of it. Register online.

Oct
29
2024

Truck or Treat

4:30 PM Ashland Ave. and Central St., Evanston

Join Northwestern and the Central Street Consortium for a Halloween event fit for the “Bob the Builder” or “Terrific Trucks” fan in your home!

Come out Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for candy, games, prizes and a close-up view of some of the heavy equipment used in the Ryan Field build. Costumes are encouraged at this family-friendly event that previews the new Ryan Field's future as a welcoming space that brings the local community together.

Activities will take place in the west stadium lot at Ashland Ave. and Central St. Residents are encouraged to register online so we may share more information with you closer to the time of the event. Local businesses interested in participating in the fun may submit a request online for more information.

Sep
18
2024

Evanston happy hour and open house

5:30 PM Firehouse Grill at 750 Chicago Ave., Evanston
Join us for an exclusive Evanston happy hour and open house to connect with Evanston neighbors and the Rebuild Ryan Field construction team. This special event is designed to help residents expand their networks and engage with key players who are seeking to employ and contract with the local community. Register online.
Sep
17
2024

Pre-bid meeting: Interior finishes

8:00 AM Virtual
Join our virtual pre-bid meeting to learn about upcoming contracting opportunities related to interior finishes at the new Ryan Field. Members of the team will explain and answer questions about the bidding process, timelines and requirements and share insights on how minority and women-owned businesses can participate. Register online.
Sep
5
2024

'Kits, 'Cats and Kids Block Party

4:30 PM Evanston Township High School’s Lazier Field at 2285 Church St., Evanston
Northwestern Athletics and Recreation welcomes back an annual favorite, the 'Kits, 'Cats and Kids Block Party, to Evanston. The event is free and open to all. This year’s block party features inflatables, free refreshments, activity booths, music, guest speakers and more! Evanston food truck favorites will be present with food available for purchase.
Jul
23
2024

Northwestern University Community Meeting: Ryan Field and Temporary Lakeside Facility Updates

7:00 PM Zoom
Northwestern University invites you to join us for a virtual community forum. We will provide important updates on the Ryan Field Project and the temporary lakeside football field. 
Jul
17
2024

Connect with the Electricians Union

4:00 PM 1910 Greenwood Ave, Evanston

The Central Street Consortium hosted an information session at the Trade Collective July 17 for anyone interested in learning more about becoming a union electrical apprentice.  More than 30 people attended the session.  Representatives from the Local Employment Program and Oakton Community College were on hand to talk about workforce training programs for local residents. Peter Braithwaite also attended to introduce local residents to the CSC team and Local Employment Program Representatives. To learn more about how to become an electrician, click here.

Jun
26
2024

What it takes to become a carpenter

3:00 PM 1910 Greenwood Ave, Evanston

Interested in learning more about what it takes to become a carpenter? Join the Central Street Consortium and the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council as they share more information about the program and the application process.