The Ryan Field Renovation transformed Northwestern’s 70-year-old dilapidated football stadium into a modern, Division I NCAA caliber facility. The priority for the renovation was presenting a new image to spectators while harmonizing with the existing 1926 structure. The new high-rise press box cantilevers over the existing west side upper-deck seating. The enclosed levels include a 325-seat stadium club seating, a level for the written press, and a level for the broadcast press. Each level enjoys a column-free view of the action on the field. The “Wildcat Den” was created in the sheltered seating area located under the press box. A 19,000 sf football facility was also constructed to house the sports medicine and athletic training, football locker rooms, and equipment rooms.
GYH completed the project on an accelerated schedule. From programming to occupancy, the entire project was completed in just 20 months, and the new stadium was unveiled in time for the start of the Northwestern Wildcat’s football season.
