Chicago’s big ten stadium
Opens October 2, 2026
America’s best conference, in America’s best stadium for the sport. Better-than-television sightlines from every seat. Instead of the poor sightlines inherent in a traditional stadium bowl, New Ryan Field leverages modern engineering to bring every seat closer to the field, optimizing every fan’s view of the action and creating the intimacy of an arena with the scale of a stadium.
Instead of the traditional college stadium experience with skyboxes for the few and benches for the many, every fan at the new Ryan Field will get a premium experience with a comfortable seat, protected from the weather by a canopy.
With 200,000 square feet of parks and plazas surrounding the stadium but within the ticketed perimeter, the new Ryan Field will host pregame activities for every type of fan. In addition to traditional Big Ten tailgating, there will be an ‘NFL Experience’-inspired family festival in a new park and a plaza featuring pop-ups from some of Chicago’s best restaurants. In addition, the new Ryan Field will have a student plaza and hall hosting student festivities with food and live music, as well as a community tailgating zone.
The opening of the new Ryan Field symbolizes more than a new stadium. It represents years of investment, growth, and belief in the future of Northwestern Football.
With 88% of eligible snaps returning from the 2025 season, this roster was built here. This leadership was built here. This culture was built here.
A program already constructed to compete in the Big Ten and pursue College Football Playoff contention. A stronger culture, a tougher identity, and a roster capable of competing in the Big Ten and beyond.
A world-class hospitality venue designed for Chicago’s business community. With a hidden garden entrance, beautiful patio, refined interiors, and all-inclusive food and beverage, the East Club is designed to rival Chicago’s finest restaurants and deliver the most elite corporate entertainment experience in Chicago.
The most immersive, high-energy club in college football, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before. The all-inclusive experience includes 50-yard-line club seats, a field-level terrace, exclusive access to the Northwestern hype tunnel, and front-row access to the post-game press conference.
A Northwestern-themed country club experience designed for the traditional Northwestern major donor, trustee, and lifelong loyalist, with refined finishes, warm interiors, and some of the best sightlines in college football. The all-inclusive club features the best brunch in town on game day, a climate-controlled environment, and a terrace overlooking Northwestern Medicine Park.
The most affordable premium experience in the building — and some of the best sightlines in football. Padded club seats with cupholders. 30-foot glass wall. Nostalgic Northwestern décor. Loyalty discounts for long-tenured season ticket holders; WILD member rate for recent alumni.
The stadium itself is 320,000 square feet larger than the old Ryan Field — with fewer seats, in service of a premium experience for every fan. Not a smaller stadium — the first of its kind.
Capacity—every seat premium
sf larger than the old Ryan Field, including plaza and festival grounds
Most expensive college football stadium ever built
of ADA-required minimum—most accessible major stadium ever built
Choose from eight private in-bowl hospitality spaces at Ryan Field, hosting groups of 25 to 250 to watch the game together in Chicago’s premier setting. Or enjoy a private tailgate on the grounds, offering full-service pregame and halftime hospitality within the gameday footprint. Ryan Field’s private clubs are also available for non-gameday meetings, receptions, celebrations, and events.
Kevin O’Brien Tailgating Tents
Your own private tailgate, steps from the gates.
Field bars
Located in the south endzone, these open-air bar and beer halls put fans on the sidelines with true see-the-field sightlines.
Scoreboard Terraces
Two terraces with their own dedicated bars, each offering ~2,000 square feet overlooking the field with direct scoreboard views. Capacity ranges from 150 to 250 guests per terrace — ideal for corporate entertaining with a premium game day atmosphere.
South End Zone Patios
Two patios above the vomitories in the south end zone, adjacent to the student section. At 280 square feet with capacity for 25 guests each, these intimate spaces offer an energetic vantage point for hosts who want their guests immersed in the atmosphere of the game.
Press-level party decks
Two expansive decks on the press level overlooking the field, each offering 2,175 square feet with capacity for 100 to 250 guests. These are purpose-built for large-scale private events and corporate hosting.
Tickets are now available to the public!
