The original Ryan Field was built in 1926 and was originally known as Dyche Stadium.
The stadium was renamed Ryan Field in 1997 to honor the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan family.
The final game at the historic stadium was played in November 2023 before the scheduled demolition.
The new stadium project is designed to be a smaller, more intimate venue than its predecessor, aimed at enhancing sightlines.
The stadium site has been a central fixture of Northwestern University athletics for nearly a century.
Ryan Field is a collegiate stadium in Evanston, Illinois, primarily serving as the home venue for Northwestern University's football team. As of July 2026, the original historic structure has been demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art replacement stadium currently under active construction. The site remains a pivotal landmark for the university and the Big Ten Conference athletic landscape. Historically, the stadium was known for its open-air configuration and traditional collegiate design. The new facility project aims to modernize the fan experience while maintaining a presence in the local residential neighborhood. Visitors should note that the physical stadium structure is not currently open to the public due to ongoing construction work. The site remains a focal point for Northwestern's sports legacy and urban planning discussions in Evanston.
The perimeter fencing on Central Street offers views of the construction progress.
Check the official Northwestern Athletics website for current construction progress and stadium renderings.
Review local Evanston news for updates on parking and site access during the construction period.
Monitor the university's schedule to see if home games are being hosted at temporary alternate venues.
Attempting to access the construction site perimeter or gated zones, which are strictly off-limits.
The facility is currently closed and under active construction as of mid-2026.
