Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Welcome Home to New Ryan Field Party!
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
5:00pm - 9:00pm
THE GREAT CHICAGO FOOD FESTIVAL
Enjoy a night of free food and beverage from some of the best chefs, restaurants and local favorites from Chicago and Evanston.
GET LOUD AT THE WILDCAT WALL
Stand inside the Wildcat Wall and get a first look at the space designed to make Northwestern one of the most exciting student sections in college football.
OFFICIAL WELCOME AND RALLY
Hear directly from Coach David Braun about the new home of Northwestern Football and what he needs you to bring and the role of Northwestern students in bringing New Ryan Field to life.
Shuttleswill run continuously from game-day shuttle stops on campus beginning at 4:30p til 9:30p
Your event is FREE. Claim it using your student ID number through your Student HQ ticket page.
WELCOME HOME, WILDCATS.
More about the Great Chicago Food Festival
More about the BIG 10 Grill Out
Claiming Your Free Ticket
Ryan Field App
The stadium itself is 320,000 square feet larger than the old Ryan Field — with fewer seats, in service of a premium experience for every fan. Not a smaller stadium — the first of its kind.
Capacity—every seat premium
sf larger than the old Ryan Field, including plaza and festival grounds
Most expensive college football stadium ever built
of ADA-required minimum—most accessible major stadium ever built
