New Ryan Field opened on Oct. 2, 2026, exactly 100 years after the debut of Dyche Stadium on the same site. Designed for a maximum capacity of 35,000 people, with 12,000 fewer seats, the new stadium is intimate but energetic. The multi-year rebuild stemmed from a transformative gift to Northwestern from the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Family. Photo by Ryan Kuttler
Northwestern University opened New Ryan Field on Friday, Oct. 2, as the Wildcats hosted Penn State in front of approximately 30,000 fans, students, alumni, campus community members, neighbors and more.
For a historic event like this — and a resounding 34-13 victory over the visiting Nittany Lions — University photographers documented opening night at the new state-of-the-art stadium.
After a ceremonial ribbon-cutting featuring the Ryan Family, Northwestern President Mung Chiang and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, the doors opened to a flood of eager fans ready to check out the new digs.
Beautiful plazas surround the building, featuring colorful murals, photo ops and space to socialize before the game.
Food and drink options are plentiful, and there’s something for everyone including the Great Chicago Food Festival, local favorites like Hecky’s Barbecue and grab-and-go markets to keep people moving through the concourses.
Inside, the Wildcat Wall is the focal point in the stands where 2,000 enthusiastic students bring the energy, taking school spirit to a new level. For everyone else, the seats have comfortable chairbacks and great sightlines, creating a sense of intimacy unlike the typical football stadium.
We’ll add to this photo gallery as the football season goes on. Photos by Shane Collins and Ryan Kuttler
Photo credit: Shane CollinsThe Ryan Family is joined by Northwestern officials including President Mung Chiang and City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss for the official ribbon cutting before the game.
Photo credit: Shane CollinsThe exterior plaza spaces and the interior concourses filled with Northwestern fans the moment the gates opened for the first game on Oct. 2.
Photo credit: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern AthleticsPat Ryan Sr. takes part in pregame festivities on the field before the first game on Oct. 2.
Photo credit: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern AthleticsThe Wildcats take the field after pregame festivities that included a tribute to the Ryan Family, the National Anthem and an F-16 flyover.
Photo credit: Northwestern Now staffA mural, designed by Weinberg College student Avni Palsamudram, stretches more than 80 feet wide along the southwest corner of the stadium near the student entrance.
Photo credit: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern AthleticsThe Wildcat Wall is a standing section for 2,000 students in the south end zone.
Photo credit: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern AthleticsNorthwestern scores a touchdown midway through the opening game against Penn State.
Photo credit: Shane CollinsAfter the Wildcats established an early lead over Penn State, the Northwestern University Marching Band kept the energy up during halftime.
Photo credit: Northwestern Now staffRyan Field has 200,000 square foot of outdoor festival space around the stadium. Every ticket includes access to food, drinks, live music, DJs and entertainment before kickoff.
Photo credit: Shane CollinsDuring the first game against Penn State, Northwestern President Mung Chiang spent a good deal of time cheering alongside students on the Wildcat Wall.
Photo credit: Shane CollinsIt took only one game for students to establish the Wildcat Wall as a key factor in the new Ryan Field game day atmosphere.
Photo credit: Shane CollinsIn traditional fashion, the football team approaches the student section after a win to sing the Northwestern fight song.
