As Chicago Bears consider the venue’s location and battle with officials, in the same state - Illinois - construction has just begun on a new academic stadium north of Chicago. This major event marks the beginning of an ambitious stadium redevelopment project in Evanston to serve both the university community and the city's residents.

Construction officially begins

On June 24, 2024, Northwestern University held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Ryan Field. The project, which is 100% privately funded, is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the city of Evanston and the surrounding area. According to university estimates, the new Ryan Field will generate nearly $660 million in economic impact. This amount includes not only the direct investment in the construction of the stadium, but also the benefits of new jobs, increased tourism and increased traffic to local businesses and companies.

Northwestern University has committed that 35% of the total subcontract spending will go to local minority and women-owned construction firms. This means that $208 million of the project's budget will go to support these businesses, providing important support for economic diversity in the region.

© Central Street Consortium

The redevelopment of Ryan Field has gained the approval of both the city of Evanston and the village of Wilmette. Although some residents expressed concerns about potential noise and increased traffic due to construction and later concerts at the stadium, the project was given the green light to proceed. The university assures that more than 2,900 new jobs will be created during the redevelopment, further highlighting the economic benefit to the region.

To add to the project's benefits to the city of Evanston, the university has committed to paying the city more than $150 million a year for the next 10 years. Such an operation is intended to offset any inconvenience associated with the construction and provide long-term financial benefits.

During the construction of the new Ryan Field, which will include the 2024 and 2025 sports seasons, a temporary athletic field on the Evanston campus new Ryan Field is scheduled for completion in 2026.

© Northwestern University

Academic stadium in line with sustainability

Ryan Field, construction of which has already begun, will have a number of sustainability-related features. One of these will be a special roof that is designed to keep noise and light focused on the field, as well as the latest technology.

In addition, the stadium will have a modern scoreboard, as well as concessions with food from local restaurants. The facility will also achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold certification.

LEED Gold certification is a prestigious level of accreditation that a building or structure can achieve by meeting strict sustainability standards and earning at least 60 % of the available LEED points. These standards include energy consumption, lighting, water and materials use and sustainable strategies.

© Northwestern University