Football is back on the lakefront: What to know about game days in September

A historic season for Northwestern football begins this weekend. Before opening the new Ryan Field in October, the Wildcats start the home slate with two final lakefront games at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.

The first game is this weekend, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, against South Dakota State. The ’Cats return home for the final game on the lakefront at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, against Colorado.

To help you navigate, Northwestern Now has compiled notes and campus policies that will be in effect for these first two events before the action shifts to Ryan Field.

Are tickets still available?

Yes, fans can still purchase single-game tickets for both primetime matchups taking place at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.

What buildings will be closed?

The Henry Crown Sports Pavilion — including the Norris Aquatics Center, Combe Tennis Center, membership office and wellness suite — will be closed on both Sept. 5 and 19 to accommodate various game-day activities. These facilities will reopen the morning after each game.

As an alternative, Blomquist Recreation Center will operate with an adjusted schedule on game days to ensure students, faculty, staff and members have sufficient recreational options.

Walter Athletics Center will be closed to the public on game days but accessible to authorized University personnel, student-athletes and credentialed media.

Read more about recreation facilities during home football games.

What about Norris Center?

On game days, Norris University Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The bookstore will be open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Luna’s Pub and Grill will be open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Public access to other buildings will be restricted, so Northwestern community members are encouraged to always carry their Wildcard for entry.

The campus area adjacent to the lakefront and south of Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium will be open before, during and after games. However, the lakefront walking and biking path will be closed from the north edge of the lagoon to the beach on game days.

Where can I park when there’s a game?

Due to heavier vehicle and pedestrian traffic, it may take longer to travel around campus on game days, so plan ahead.

Six Evanston campus parking lots — all within less than a mile from the venue — have been designated as game-day parking areas.

These lots close four hours before kickoff except for football parking pass holders. See game-day maps for additional information regarding specific locations and parking lot assignments.

For all games, including those at Ryan Field, signage will be posted in each lot to indicate closing times and dates. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed.

The Cook Hall lot will close at 4 a.m. on game day and will reopen immediately after the game ends. The remaining five lots will close six hours before kickoff. Fans are permitted to keep their cars parked in designated lots for up to two hours after a game. Sanitation crews will clean up parking areas after the games.

How can I get around without a car?

With campus parking limited at these times, Northwestern game-day shuttle buses will be available from the Ryan Field West Lot to Northwestern Medicine Field. Fans also are encouraged to use public transportation or bikes when possible.

Pace Commuter Rideshare vehicles can drop passengers off anywhere along Sheridan Road near campus. A designated rideshare pickup point has been established on Colfax Street between Orrington Avenue and Sheridan Road.

For those with accessibility needs, golf carts will make regular pickups and drop-offs four hours before kickoff and one hour after the final whistle.