Northwestern University marks 1 year of construction for new Ryan Field facility, Wildcats football team playing at temporary site
Share this @internewscast.com

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) — The new Ryan Field facility is slated to open September 2026 at Northwestern Univeristy.

When it makes its debut, the expectation is that it will be a space for Northwestern Wildcats and also a resource for the whole community.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

It’s been exactly a year since Northwestern University broke ground on a new Ryan Field, and it continues to take shape.

University officials marked the construction anniversary with an announcement that the arena will be a shared space with several community groups.

“While we might not have football games and large crowds every day, a facility like this is designed to serve as a versatile asset for the community,” expressed Pat Ryan, Jr. from Ryan Sports Development.

Though Northwestern athletics will be the primary occupant of Ryan Field, university representatives have revealed their plan for a second key tenant. This will include a coalition of local organizations such as Evanston Township High School athletics, the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, the Fellowship of Afro-American Men (FAAM), and Kuumba Evanston.

READ MORE | Northwestern University breaks ground on new Ryan Field facility

“The revamped Ryan Field will become a venue where youth, brimming with potential and opportunities, can gather to develop and grow,” stated Dave Davis from Northwestern University.

The new Ryan Field is not just a stadium, but a way to strengthen ties between the university and the community.

“We’re hopeful to partner with northwestern athletics and the office of community relations to find ways to dismantle systemic barriers to youth sports,” said Chris Livatino, Evanston Township High School athletic director.

The goal is to also bring more people together around shared experiences, like movie nights on the plaza and ice skating in the winter.

“What’s happening here is creating opportunities for communal magic in ways that are going to be inspiring in ways that are going to lift up whole community,” Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss said.

When completed, Ryan arena will be the first NFL-style stadium at a college.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
FBI opens investigation after driver allegedly rams ICE vehicle during Arizona traffic stop attempt

FBI Investigates After Driver Allegedly Collides with ICE Vehicle in Arizona Traffic Stop

In a startling event on Thursday morning, a vehicle carrying two Immigration…
Kim Zolciak gushes over Kyle Mowitz romance for first time after ex Kroy Biermann's scathing warning

Kim Zolciak Opens Up About New Romance with Kyle Mowitz Amidst Tensions with Ex Kroy Biermann

Kim Zolciak made it official on Wednesday by sharing her budding romance…
Taylor Swift earns first Songwriters Hall of Fame nomination in debut year of eligibility

Taylor Swift Celebrates Her First Nomination for Songwriters Hall of Fame in First Year of Eligibility

In a groundbreaking move, pop sensation Taylor Swift might soon make history…
California police officer struck and killed by car while stopping to help driver

Tragic Loss: California Officer Fatally Struck While Heroically Assisting Stranded Driver

The La Mesa Police Department is grieving the loss of one of…
How inflatable costumes ballooned at anti-Trump rallies due to a Portland protester's frog outfit

Inflatable Costumes Take Center Stage at Anti-Trump Rallies, Inspired by Portland Protester’s Frog Attire

In Portland, Oregon, a unique form of protest unfolded when Seth Todd…
ALDOT cooperating with investigators following shooting that led to Kimber Mills' death in central Alabama

ALDOT Collaborates with Authorities in Investigation of Fatal Shooting of Kimber Mills in Central Alabama

On Sunday morning, a tragic shooting occurred during a bonfire gathering in…
Chilton County dog trainer found guilty in animal cruelty case

Chilton County Dog Trainer Convicted: Shocking Animal Cruelty Case Unveiled

CHILTON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — A dog training facility owner in Verbena…
A Trump supporter wearing an inflatable costume is attacked in moving gif

Shocking Video: Man in Inflatable Trump Costume Assaulted at ‘No Kings’ Protest in Blue State

A man from Massachusetts has been officially charged after reportedly attacking a…
Young girl who fell from Disney Dream cruise was too 'small' to set off man overboard alert: report

Report Indicates Young Girl’s Fall from Disney Dream Cruise Did Not Trigger Man Overboard Alert Due to Size Constraints

A tragic incident occurred when a 5-year-old girl fell 50 feet into…
Sonya Massey death: Jury shown autopsy photos as testimony continues in murder trial of former Illinois deputy Sean Grayson

Shocking Courtroom Revelations: Autopsy Photos Unveiled in Gruesome Murder Trial of Ex-Illinois Deputy

PEORIA, Ill. — On Thursday, the murder trial of former Sangamon County…
Miami Heat's Terry Rozier, Portland coach Chauncey Billups arrested in FBI probe

FBI Investigation Leads to Arrests of Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier and Portland Coach Chauncey Billups

Charges against Rozier and Billups are tied to two significant cases: one…
Man accused of killing teacher wife after wandering shirtless and warning of ‘too many cops’ nearby: police

Shirtless Man Arrested for Allegedly Killing Teacher Wife, Claims ‘Too Many Cops’ Were Close: Police Report

A Texas man has been taken into custody following allegations that he…