Tailgating

Make Game Day Yours

Ryan Field is happy to encourage and support tailgating, with options ranging from traditional self-tailgating to premium private spaces and large-scale pregame celebrations.

Student Tailgating

Student tailgating areas supported by Ryan Sports give Northwestern students a dedicated place to gather, celebrate and build new gameday traditions before kickoff.

Kevin O’Brien Tailgating Plaza

The Kevin O’Brien Tailgating Plaza offers a dedicated destination for fans who want to make tailgating part of their gameday experience. The plaza includes a variety of ways to gather without the hassle, offering premium hosted experiences. Located inside Ryan Field, these premium private spaces accommodate groups of up to 25 guests and provide a distinctive setting to gather, entertain and enjoy elevated hospitality. Groups larger than 25 can purchase multiple tents and combine them. From pregame festivities through halftime, Tailgating Tents offer a unique way to come together and experience the excitement of Northwestern football.

Big Ten Grill Out

The Big Ten Grill Out brings the energy of a massive tailgate to Ryan Field, welcoming home and visiting fans alike.

Enjoy everything you love about game day: the smoke, the burgers, the cold drinks and the hours before kickoff at a scale you've never seen. With barrel grills and corn roasters cooking sweet corn in the husk, you don't need a parking pass, a cooler or a friend with a truck. Come hungry.

Self-Tailgating

Traditional self-tailgating is available in designated surface parking lots, subject to event-specific parking availability and policies.

Tailgating is not permitted in City of Evanston parking garages.