Construction Progresses on Record-breaking College Football Stadium
By Fay Harvey
EVANSTON, Ill. — Construction on Northwestern University’s Ryan Field, the $850 million project that will become the most expensive college football stadium in history, resumed earlier this month with metal decking and steel erection work underway. The new 35,000-seat facility will replace the original Ryan Field, built in 1926, and aims to deliver a world-class experience with premier seating, modern amenities and advanced technology.
The project is being completed by the joint venture of national construction firm Turner Construction and Chicago-based The Walsh Group, with design work by national firm HNTB Chicago-based firm Perkins&Will. The firm site design group, ltd., also based in Chicago, joins the Chicago and Madison civil engineering teams of SmithGroup on the design team.
Approved by the Evanston City Council in November 2023, groundwork began in February 2024 with the demolition of the original Ryan Field. The last piece of the original stadium, a press box, was removed in May, and a groundbreaking ceremony followed in June 2024.
Inspired by NFL stadiums and English Premier League stadiums, Ryan Field will feature enhanced sightlines and a state-of-the-art canopy to improve light and sound for an immersive fan experience. Despite its reduced seating capacity — down 30% from the original — the stadium’s footprint will expand by 78%, covering 125,000 square feet. Surrounding the stadium, community green spaces, plazas and parks are planned for use in entertainment, dining and events.
The design adheres to Universal Design Standards, ensuring accessibility for all visitors and meeting American Disability Act (ADA) requirements. Sustainability is a priority as well. More than 99% of materials from the original stadium will be recycled and repurposed, and the university is working toward LEED Gold certification.
Northwestern University has pledged to allocate 35% of project contracts to minority-owned, woman-owned and local Evanston businesses, with $133 million already awarded. Local businesses, including Ozinga, Continental Electric and Illinois Masonry Corporation, have received $27 million so far, with the total expected to reach $200 million in contract awards to minority and women-owned business.
Economic benefits are also anticipated, with the project expected to generate $659 million in economic impact for Evanston, $1.5 million in indirect tax revenue and more than 2,900 construction-related jobs.
“We are extremely proud of the strong partnerships we have forged so far,” said Dave Davis, Northwestern University’s executive director of Neighborhood and Community Relations, in a statement. “We are encouraged to see that this generational investment is already having a meaningful and positive impact, and we look forward to seeing all we can accomplish through these partnerships.”
The stadium is slated to be complete in 2026.