Ryan Field

Ryan Field
Name	Ryan Field
Location	Evanston, Illinois, U.S.
Broke ground	1925
Opened	1926
Renovated	1997, 2025 (planned)
Owner	Northwestern University
Operator	Northwestern University
Surface	FieldTurf (2004–present)
Former names	Dyche Stadium (1926–1996)
Seating capacity	47,130
Tenants	Northwestern Wildcats football (NCAA) (1926–present)

Ryan Field. It is the home stadium for the Northwestern Wildcats football team of the Big Ten Conference and is located on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Originally dedicated as Dyche Stadium in 1926, the venue was renamed in 1997 following a major donation from the family of Patrick G. Ryan, a prominent university trustee and insurance executive. The stadium is known for its intimate, horseshoe-shaped design and its role as a cornerstone of college football in the Chicago metropolitan area.

History

The stadium was constructed in 1926 and named for William A. Dyche, a former Evanston mayor and university business manager. Its early years coincided with the rise of the Northwestern Wildcats football program under coaches like Lynn "Pappy" Waldorf and saw the team claim Big Ten Conference championships in 1936 and 1931. A significant structural expansion in 1949 under the direction of architect James R. Edmunds added the iconic upper deck on the west side, increasing capacity. The facility was officially renamed in 1997 to honor the Ryan family following their substantial gift, which coincided with the team's resurgence under coach Gary Barnett and a trip to the Rose Bowl Game.

Facilities and features

The stadium's bowl design creates a tight sideline proximity, with the west side upper deck providing a dominant view of the playing field and nearby Lake Michigan. The playing surface was converted from natural grass to FieldTurf in 2004. Premium seating areas include the Walter Athletic Center at the north end zone, which houses team facilities and the Danny Wasieleski Recruiting Lounge. The south end zone features the traditional scoreboard and the Go 'Cats Concourse, while the press box is named for longtime broadcaster WGN Radio personality Wally Pipp. Concession offerings highlight local vendors from Chicago and Evanston.

Notable events

Beyond college football, the stadium has hosted a variety of significant events. It was the site of the Chicago College All-Star Game from 1934 to 1936, featuring contests between NFL champions and college all-stars. In 1976, it held an American football exhibition game between the Chicago Bears and the Buffalo Bills. The venue has also staged major concerts, including performances by The Grateful Dead in 1978 and 1979, and U2 during their The Joshua Tree Tour in 1987. It served as a filming location for key scenes in the 1986 film *Wildcats*, starring Goldie Hawn.

Renovation and redevelopment

In 2023, Northwestern University and the Ryan family announced a comprehensive plan to demolish the existing structure and construct a new, state-of-the-art stadium on the site. The project, led by architects HOK and with major funding from the Ryan family and alumni, is scheduled for completion in 2026. The new design promises enhanced fan amenities, reduced capacity for a more intimate experience, improved accessibility standards, and year-round community programming spaces. The redevelopment has involved extensive review with the City of Evanston and discussions with local residents' groups.

Transportation and access

The stadium is accessible via the Purple Line of the Chicago "L", with the Central Street station located approximately one mile away. On game days, the university operates shuttle buses from the Evanston Davis Street station served by Metra's Union Pacific North Line. Primary vehicular access is via Central Street from Sheridan Road or Ridge Avenue, with parking distributed in campus lots and nearby facilities like the Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. The Evanston Police Department manages traffic control and public safety for major events.

In popular culture

The stadium's distinctive architecture and Chicago-area setting have made it a recognizable backdrop in film and television. Its most prominent feature was in the 1986 sports comedy *Wildcats*, where it stood in for the fictional "University of Illinois". Exterior shots have appeared in episodes of the television series *The Good Wife* and *Chicago Fire*. The venue is also frequently referenced in the writings of Chicago Tribune columnists like Rick Telander and in the broadcasts of longtime radio voice Dave Eanet.

Category:Football venues in Illinois Category:Northwestern University Category:Sports venues in Chicago