Northwestern University begins construction on new Ryan Field stadium

Northwestern University in Evanston held a formal groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new Ryan Field, set to open in 2026. The project, funded privately, is expected to have a significant economic impact of $660 million in Evanston and surrounding areas. The university aims to allocate 35% of subcontracted spending to local, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses, totaling an estimated $208 million. Despite receiving approval from the City of Evanston and the Village of Wilmette, local residents have expressed concerns about noise and traffic during construction and events at the facility. The new Ryan Field, part of a $480 million donation from the Ryan family, will seat 35,000 and feature a canopy to focus noise and light on the field. It will boast cutting-edge technology, local restaurant concessions, and Gold LEED certification. Northwestern plans to play most home games at its lakefront facility until the new stadium's completion, with a temporary structure accommodating games with reduced capacity. The Wildcats have a lineup of home games scheduled at various venues leading up to the opening of the new Ryan Field in 2026. To address community concerns and enhance the partnership with Evanston, Northwestern University has committed to increasing its annual payment to the city to over $150 million for the next decade. The project is expected to create over 2,900 jobs during the rebuild, providing a boost to the local economy. The university's investment in the new Ryan Field aims to not only modernize the sports facilities but also contribute to the overall development and well-being of the Evanston community.