Tuesday November 28, 2023

Northwestern Secures Approval For New $800M Football Stadium

  • The Evanston City Council amended the zoning code and the building permit to rebuild Ryan Field.
  • The rezoning will allow the new stadium to host up to six concerts per year — a point of contention among residents.
A rendering of the inside of the proposed rebuild of Ryan Field.
Northwestern University
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

After a highly contentious debate over a year, Northwestern is moving forward with plans to revitalize its historic football stadium.

Late Monday, the Evanston City Council approved both an amendment to the zoning code and the building permit to rebuild Ryan Field; the latter measure passed by a 6-2 vote, while the former passed 5-4 with a tiebreaker from Mayor Daniel Biss after six hours of deliberation.

The rezoning issue has been at the crux of this saga. Northwestern’s plan to build the $800 million privately funded stadium involved the venue being able to host up to six concerts per year and serve alcohol, which required rezoning from the city of Evanston. 

Residents of the neighborhood surrounding Ryan Field heavily opposed the measure, saying that adding concerts and alcohol to the venue would lead to noise pollution and “crimes of opportunity.” The opponents are expected to sue the city over the approval. 

“While we are elated with the Council’s decision, we remain deeply committed to being sensitive and responsive to the concerns raised throughout this process,” said Northwestern’s senior executive director of neighborhood and community relations Dave Davis. “We recognize the emotional depth of this issue and extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who shared their perspectives.”

NU sweetened the deal for the city and its residents by committing $157.5 million in donations to local schools and organizations over 15 years.

Regardless of how anyone feels about it and assuming the university can get past the legal challenges, construction is expected to begin immediately on a new Ryan Field that will replace the 97-year-old one. The new stadium will have a seating capacity of 35,000 for football and 28,500 for concerts.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Delaware receiver Kym Wimberly leaves St. Francis defenders behind as he turns a reception into a touchdown in the final minute of the first half at Delaware Stadium, Saturday Sept. 16, 2023.

Delaware to Pay $5M to Move to Conference USA, FBS

Delaware will be the first football program to pay the FBS $5M.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young hugs team owner David Tepper on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

David Tepper’s Reign Marred by Firings

Between the Panthers and Charlotte FC, Tepper has fired five head coaches.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh's comments on athlete compensation highlight the NCAA's hypocrisy.

Jim Harbaugh’s Athlete Compensation Comments Highlight NCAA Hypocrisy

Harbaugh can donate to athletic department employees, but not players.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Reich’s Firing Sign of Tepper-Fueled Chaos in Carolina

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Lane Kiffin

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.
LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the NCAA Womens Basketball Final Four National Championship at American Airlines Center.
November 6, 2023

Who Is The Highest-Paid Women’s College Basketball Coach?

LSU rewarded Kim Mulkey after winning a national title after her second year leading the program.
The Pac-12’s Collapse Will Have Ripple Effects on College Basketball.
November 6, 2023

The Pac-12’s Collapse Will Have Ripple Effects on College Basketball

The existing Pac-12 host a college basketball season for the last time.
Favre Presley
November 3, 2023

Brett Favre Controversy Casts Shadow Over Mississippi Gubernatorial Race

Candidate Brandon Presley has made the scandal one of his talking points.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Adidas
Multiple - USA Careers
NBA
Multiple - USA Careers
Kroenke Sports Enterprises
Multiple - USA Careers
Wimbledon center court on a partly sunny day

Wimbledon Expansion Fate Rests In London Mayor’s Office

London borough of Wandsworth votes against $250 million expansion bid.
A rendering of the proposed renovations to the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football stadium.
November 17, 2023

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Investing $65M in Stadium Renovation

It’s the biggest renovation since the venue opened in 1971.
November 17, 2023

Tiger, Rory's New Golf League Dealing With Setback As Dome Collapses

The dome at SoFi Center in South Florida collapsed.
Sponsored

USGA’s Amanda Weiner on Delivering
Personalized Fan Experiences with
 AI and Automation

How the USGA is using AI to streamline content creation and distribution.
A general view of Kauffman Stadium before a game between the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Angels.
November 16, 2023

Royals May Consider Third Stadium Site After Missing Deadline

The other two options are in KC’s East Village and Clay County.
A rendering of the front of San Diego FC's proposed training center and youth academy.
November 10, 2023

San Diego FC Breaks Ground on $150M Training Facility, Academy

San Diego FC's academy will be the first of its kind in MLS.
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban does his traditional walk around at Bryant-Denny Stadium before a game against the Tennessee Volunteers.
November 9, 2023

Nick Saban’s Car Dealership Group Moves Into Florida For $700M

Saban’s group now owns nine dealerships across the South.
November 8, 2023

The Company Operating Super Bowl LVIII's Host Stadium Just Sold For Over $2B

Legends is buying ASM Global in a major deal.