Ryan Field

–The bathroom situation is among the worst, not ready for your bladder or bowels if you gotta go quick.
–The parking is a joke, you think that street parking would be easy. They ticket you for parking on the street nearby. You think they could pull strings but the local police would rather line it’s pockets.
— it’s on the smaller side, not the best Gameday atmosphere or fanbase.
— Back to parking, why wouldn’t you allow for street parking on a stadium surrounded by streets???
–The food was good for the value.
Nothing here screams Big Ten Football.

I must admit I am biased. I am an alumnus and love the football team. I get excited walking up to the stadium and seeing its old-​time turrets rise from the horizon. It’s clunky and has limited concessions, and not updated, but somehow charming. Like a ‘not as historic’ version of Wrigley or Fenway.
Cool stuff: Mustard’s Last Stand nearby, neighborhood parking (if you can walk just a bit), close to the EL, reasonable tickets compared to their larger brethren, including $ 10 «lap tickets» for 2 and under, goofy weather affected by the lake.
I love this place. But — I am biased. Very

Holy crap they have Frank’s hot sauce in pumps!!! WAAAAAHHHHH #died
Ryan Field is the smallest football stadium in the Big Ten (in terms of capacity) at 47,130 seats. This lends a more cozy feel to home games, as opposed to the vast roaring crowds at OSU’s Horseshoe or UMichigan’s Big House.
Concessions are mostly student-​run, and prices aren’t atrociously high. A hot dog + drink costs roughly as much as you’d expect. And yes, as previously stated, they have hot sauce dispensers next to the standard ketchup/​mustard/​relish. More places on Earth need Frank’s pump-​able jugs.
I’ve seen some great evening games here under the lights in September and some very chilly games in late November. My dad’s an alum (Rick S, BSEE ’76, MBA ’78) and has taken me to plenty of Northwestern games over the years for which I’m very appreciative.
My only real issue is the placement of the Jumbotron in the far northeast corner, which is practically out-​of-​view for most fans. A more centrally-​located screen would be a vast improvement, since its current spot makes no sense and I find myself squinting to see slow motion replays.
Go ‘Cats.

Went to the Ball State/​NW football game. This was a night game which, like Wrigley for so long, wasn’t built to accommodate night games. Four large sets of temporary lights are used to facilitate night games. I like Ryan Field, it has a few unique looks to it that set it apart from other fields. The northern end zone elevated patio is a nice touch to the field, problem is, during games very few get to access it or choose seating up there. Access to Ryan is also extremely fan friendly. We found street parking in a neighborhood only five blocks away. For those of you familiar with Chicago sports event parking, free might as well be a Mandarin Chinese word. Fans a patrons of Wildcat sports might be the most polite and mild mannered I’ve ever seen. Ryan sits in the middle of NW’s sports quadrant, so you can visit their field house, basketball area, baseball and softball fields and other prominent facets of NW nearby. Parking lots to the east and west of Ryan offer tailgating, not sure how much spots are though. The undercarriage of Ryan has occasional food booths and more infrequently, a souvenir stand. As far as the seats, you might want to bring a seat cushion or a cushion/​back support as the vast majority of the seats are bleacher. These get a little old after 3+ hrs. Ryan is nice, nothing over the top though.

Very disappointed. Super expensive for even the seat at the very very top (literally the last row). Visitor/​Home team seating sideline was wrong on the website. No diaper changing stations in 2 bathrooms, had to walk to find one.
Seats are bench seating, not actual seats. Signs for parking are not clear, and the shuttle buses are not marked properly.

Parking is a pain or incredibly expensive.
I’ve never actually been inside, as I am a vendor on the outside, where the wind can really whip like a maniac around the stadium. Dress warm! But if you don’t I’ll be there to offer warm knitwear for your frozen fingers and ears!
I love the atmosphere, even when the ‘cats are losing, the energy of the fans is amazing.

Go U Northwestern!
My most recent trip actually wasn’t my first but it has been a while since I have been here. Ryan Field is the smallest football stadium in the Big Ten seating 47,130. While it may not feel like it for every game it is nice to have a Big Ten atmosphere in Chicago. Big Ten games will draw many alumni as well as non-​conference games with Illinois native schools. There are really no bad seats in this stadium due to its compact size much like the basketball arena. There are east, west and south stands. The student section is on the southwest side with the band to their right. The Wildcats will come out of the tunnel on the north end of the field and there is a wildcat statute that heads the south of the field.
The stands and seating areas were nice, no complaints here. The concessions are really affordable compared to other large sporting venues. You can get a few things and not be completely broke. I think water was $ 4 and a pretzel was $ 4.50. There is a huge jumbotron to aid in your game viewing experience and a classic football announcer.
When the Cats get a W be sure to stick around and sing Go U Northwestern with the team and the band.

A friend invited me to a northwestern game versus western Illinois and had a great time. Didn’t tailgate but it seems pretty awesome.
Field is well kept and all seats have a great view. Gate staff can be a bit confusing but they try their best with large groups.
Tried a Italian beef from here and it was not great, but then again it’s stadium food.
I did see people getting that Connie Pizza though, maybe next time I am in Chicago and catch a game here I will sample the pizza.

I’ve been coming here since before I was a graduate student at Northwestern, I saw Melissa Ethridge perform here when it was Dyche Stadium which still appeals to my sometimes immature sense of humor. When I was a graduate student here the ‘Cats were still setting the NCAA record for consecutive losing seasons, but in a Japanese language class a large muscular White student (defensive lineman) said, in excellent Japanese, «The Wildcats will go to the Rose Bowl, we’ve got a new coach.» The Japanese language professor couldn’t stop laughing and assumed that the student meant to say something else, but he stood his ground and I think the whole class remembered him a couple years later when Pat Fitzgerald captained the former doormats of the Big10 to Pasadena. I’ve been a season ticket holder since those days, and now younger football fans don’t realize how bad Northwestern was for how long, but the vestigial traits still palpable at Ryan Field are that this is the only Big 10 football stadium filled on game day with lots of people who don’t know how to behave at a college football game. First off, almost everyone is sober, and lots of people bring children. One of the repeat season ticket holders in my section reads during the game, usually some serious literature or drama. That’s all fine and good, but the annoying thing is, there are a lot of people who stand up and block view of the game in the middle of plays. It’s common enough that some games I miss half the third downs. I’m not talking about the plays where everyone stands out of excitement. I mean clueless people not paying attention to the game who get up to look at something not on the field, or to go to the restrooms, or whatever, but right in the middle of game play. And the ushers not only don’t do anything about it, they may contribute to the problem.
The concessions choices are limited, but staffed by students and other volunteers using some of the proceeds for charity or some student organization or both. The logistics aren’t professional, they often run out of hot coffee and hot chocolate on cold days, don’t have enough hot dogs on busy days (there should be no surprise that Michigan fans fill up the stadium when the Wolverines come to town), and the souvenir stands have only a small fraction of the nice school logo clothing available at the student union or bookstore, they always seem overwhelmed after exciting wins (as if they always plan for losing seasons). Security is very professional, but a lot of them are Northwestern police officers so that makes sense.
The games themselves are a sports bargain, since the surprise ’94-’95 teams Northwestern has developed from the doormat of the Big10 to perennial spoilers, somehow competitive while hampered by high academic standards, very unpredictable; often losing to worse teams and just as often beating better teams. I’m proud to see how many of our football players not only graduate (highest in the Big10), but graduate with real degrees, and sometimes graduate degrees (5^th year seniors using all of their eligibility). The Northwestern University Marching Band is smaller than any other Big10 marching band, but as talented as any of them, as befits an elite music program.
The best transportation strategy is the train if you’re local, or a bike ride through the Evanston-​Skokie sculpture park if weather allows. If you’re coming from out of town, for poorly attended games there’s adequate private lot parking, very limited parking in residential streets, but for typical games park downtown Evanston and take a bus shuttle in, or walk. Restaurants right by here on Central get overwhelmed game day, consider eating earlier downtown or a little farther out like at Sarkis or New York Bagel and Bialys.

Believe it or not, but I have never been to a college or NFL football game so this was exciting for me. We tailgated at a friend’s place rather than the actual field, which was still a lot of fun.
The parking lot was full of energetic fans relaxing and grilling. It wasn’t too crowded even though it was the first game of the season. The actual field was smaller than I thought, but our seats were not cramped. We had bleacher style seats, which could put a strain on your back, but it was fine by me. We say study by a huge updated scoreboard, which even had live look ins at other games.
We bought season tickets so we’ll have an opportunity to come to many more games.

I enjoy going to games at Ryan Field. It is not state of the art for fan conveniences. It is not loaded with suites. It is old school. There are no bad seats. Obviously the Northwestern Wildcats are not the Chicago Bears. Northwestern is one of the greatest academic institutions in America. This means the fans are LAID BACK! They want the Cats to win, but it does not ruin their day if they do not. They are used to football losses. Makes the wins more special. It is a great place to spend an Autumn day.
Unlike attending Bears games, the odds of the fan behind you being blind drunk and vomiting on you are next to nothing. Also unlike Bears games, the odds of the fans near you having an undergraduate degree at Northwestern games is good, unless they are children.
The place is great for kids. Family friendly. Also unlike Bears games, you need not fear some intoxicated goof in a Bears jersey standing up and cursing the refs. opposing team or opposing fans.
These people have PERSPECTIVE. They have no need to live vicariously through athletes!!!

Is this a high school?
I’ve experienced better.
Wait…what? Gophers won?
Ryan Filed was the stop this year on my fourth annual Gophers Football road trip. First year, Madison, Second year, USC. Third year, UNLV. I have mixed football loyalty as I am both a Badger and a Gopher alum.
It is a short walk to Ryan Field from the purple line of the L, so it was cheap and convenient to get to the stadium from downtown. However, this stadium does not even compete with its Big Ten competitors. Camp Randall and Memorial Stadium in Lincoln are two that I have been to that put it to shame. I imagine there are high school stadiums out there which would have a similar vibe to Ryan Field. Lots of empty seats and anemic local fans.
Now that I have insulted the Northwestern fan base, I have to say that their fans were friendly and welcoming. Not as friendly as USC fans, but night and day difference from the treatment I have seen and experienced for Gophers fans at UW and UNLV. Sorry to say my fellow Badgers, but some of you bad apples get way too belligerent when you are drunk. It is just a game, lighten up. UNLV fans are even worse than the worst Badger fans I have seen, though. Kicking the backs of Gopher fans seats and yelling some truly vile things which I will not repeat.
Back to Ryan Field… another downside is there were no eating or drinking establishments anywhere nearby that we could find. I guess I have been spoiled by Sally’s at TCF and the Stadium Bar in Madison which were within crawling distance to their respective arenas.
Big House in 2014!

a great game and event, I guess i am out of the loop because I was shocked to learn that they sell no beer. I asked the lady why and she said because they are college kids, and I was like, and… Another fun fact is that no re-​entry even with your ticket. While it was a lot of fun, it seemed very Jr high-​ish to me, showing my age? Perhaps. I commented to my friend that I am pretty sure there was more alcohol at my high school games, different times perhaps

Not a bad stadium, but pretty small. Having just a white plastic chain separating the fans from the field was unusual. Things were a little disorganized, but not too bad for a sold out stadium that isn’t use to it. The main problem it has is only one bar within walking distance.

Can’t have a bad seat at Ryan. Recently attended to see the Huskers take on Northwestern in a barn burner. Ryan could undoubtedly use a facelift, but for what it is its a great place to watch a game. The seating offers a great view from wherever you are. Although The concession stand and exterior could use a facelift.
Tailgating was difficult in that the areas are well outside of boundaries of the stadium. However they do offer shuttles to the field. The atmosphere was fairly tame considering but filled with Huskers fans much to my enjoyment.

I went to Northwestern years ago and went to one (sad) football game during that whole experience. My husband now goes there and we were invited to tailgate before the NU — Indiana University game. Man, tailgating is not what I remember. I recalled packaged hot dogs, cheap beer in plastic cups and baggo.
This tailgate had a bartender. A real, live, drink-​taking bartender serving mimosas, screwdrivers, beer and soft drinks. We had a catered breakfast and some beverages, great conversation and a Portillo’s catered lunch.
However, does this place not have real bathrooms? I’m not opposed to port-​o-​potties, but I have to believe there are real bathrooms somewhere in the stadium. I’m glad it was a nice day, because I think those bench seats would be pretty cold in a month or two.

I was excited to head to Ryan Field this past weekend to watch what promised to be a very interesting football game. I’ve been to a good number of stadiums in the big ten and while I’m bias, I appreciate a good stadium and a good crowd. This stadium was smaller than many but the field was nice and the crowd was enthusiastic.
I go to sporting events to cheer on my team, get rowdy and eat good stadium food. That may seem weird but I believe a good portion of fans go to games and expect good food. Now what do I mean by good food? Well I’m not talking about gourmet anything. I’m looking for good old hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders and nachos. These are items that you SHOULD NOT mess up. Unfortunately the food here was BAD, and I mean BAD. I got the worst hamburger I have ever eaten in my life. The bread was soggy and gross and the meat was soft and soggy. A friend got a hot dog and said it was terrible as well. I’ve never been to prison but I’m sure this is what prison food taste like. If you want to not starve eat before the game or after. Don’t come here expecting good stadium food.
Ryan field is OK. While it’s a cool location to watch your team play the Wildcats and Evanston is very pretty, I would rather watch at a decent bar that has decent food and good drink specials.

GO CATS!
Ryan Field brings great memories of amazing times wearing purple and white, sometimes freezing our arses off and sometimes not.
Is it comfy? Nah, not really. Who cares though? Its home of the Cats, its cozy and we are looking forward to coming back in ’10 for a few games.

As a Chicago Sports fan, the Wildcats are not exempt. Every year they fiercely play their way through the big ten championship and we enjoy every single game. We have moved away from our beloved city, but usually make it back just in time to the Wildcats’ homecoming game in October and we are never disappointed. Ryan field is a shrine to the Northwestern Football program, and I consider myself fortunate to have been somehow involved in part of this history, albeit from the stands.
Ryan Field is a place where some great memories have been made, and it holds a very special place in my heart. See you in October !!!

Pat, first off I’ve been to your high school stadium and it’s nothing like Ryan Field. Second, I agree with you on the food issue, it’s terrible! Third, clearly you haven’t watched Northwestern Football since 1995 (which is most of your lifetime), because they have had a winning record vs. everyone in the Big 10, with the exception of Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Purdue. We’ve also won more conference championships than anyone not wearing a Buckeye or Wolverine uniform.
With that said I’ll argue that this is one of the best stadiums in college football. As John C. points out this is «one of the most classic stadiums in the big ten». The stadium is beautiful and gets piercingly loud. Attendance could be better, but the stadium as a whole is outstanding!
Note to Northwestern Athletic Department:
Please stop serving stale nachos and if you insist on charging $ 4.50 for them please give me a full tray of nacho chips.