Inside Northwestern’s incredible new $800 million stadium which includes ice rink and Christmas market in winter
NORTHWESTERN University last month broke ground on an $800 million project which includes a new football stadium.
The stunning new Ryan Field is set to open in time for the Wildcats' 2026 season.
It will sit on the site of the former stadium, which was demolished in April after 97 years of hosting Northwestern Wildcats football.
The new stadium will sit just outside the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago.
Artist renderings show the stadium wouldn't look out of place in the NFL, let alone college.
But it will seat just 35,000 spectators, a reduction from the 47,000 capacity previous stadium.
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It will feature a community park for local residents and the public to use all year round.
One rendering showed what it would look like in winter around Christmas.
An ice rink with a Christmas market and tree was pictured with the stadium towering over in the background.
Fans on social media were excited to see the project take shape after looking at the epic renderings.
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"Outstanding," one commented.
"At least they care about their football to make upgrades," another noted.
The project is privately funded and will generate thousands of jobs for the area.
The Wildcats will relocate to a stadium on the lakefront for the next two seasons before moving into their new home.
A ceremony took place on June 24 as ground was broken on the new stadium.
University officials were joined by Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss as well as members of the Ryan family.
“The new Ryan Field is important to our Wildcats, yes, but it is much more than a football stadium," Northwestern president Michael Schill said.
"This state-of-the-art facility also will serve as a vibrant venue for the Evanston community, hosting community-oriented events such as winter festivals, family movie nights, and youth sports events.
“From athletics to academics and research, the Ryan Family has supported Northwestern in ways that will resonate with our community for generations to come.”
Mayor Biss added, "This is an exciting day as we welcome the next phase of this project.
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"I am proud of the collaboration it demonstrates, as represented not only by a historic agreement that fundamentally transforms the financial relationship between Evanston and Northwestern, but also by the commitment to the idea that partnership is essential for either institution to realize its full potential.
"I look forward to future opportunities for us to work together to improve the lives of all community members.”
