Big Ten football

Northwestern Wildcats

Evanston, Illinois - Ryan Field - Purple and White - Willie the Wildcat

The most accessible Big Ten venue for visiting fans, just north of Chicago and often close to a home-and-home split in the stands.

A lakefront campus, a small bowl and the most accessible Big Ten game from a major airport.

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Stadium: Ryan Field
Capacity: 47,330
Opened: 1926
Conference: Big Ten

How to watch

Broadcast and streaming

Predominantly conference network windows with national exposure when a ranked opponent visits.

Conference network

Big Ten Network carries the early windows that national bundles treat as an add-on tier.

National windows

Marquee matchups move to national broadcast partners, usually announced 12 days out.

Out-of-market

A live TV bundle that includes the conference network is the simplest single subscription.

Subscribe to B1G+

Stream Northwestern games on Fubo

Fubo carries conference networks, national windows and NFL Sunday action with cloud DVR. Try it free for the games you cannot get over the air.

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Tickets

What tickets actually cost you in planning

Evergreen demand patterns, not a live price feed. Verify current inventory at the source before you book travel.

Visiting fans regularly outnumber the home crowd against Ohio State, Michigan and Iowa, and inventory reflects it.
This is the cheapest way for a Chicago-based fan to see a marquee Big Ten program in person.
Purple parking passes sell out first; Metra from downtown Chicago is the simpler plan.

Where to sit

A small capacity means every seat is close. The west sideline faces away from the afternoon sun.

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Traditions

What makes a Northwestern Saturday different

Lakefill tailgates

The lakeside setting is unlike any other stop in the conference.

Hat trophy

The Illinois rivalry closes the regular season and the trophy game still draws the biggest home crowd.

Tailgating

Lot tailgating is limited compared to the rest of the league. Plan on Evanston restaurants.
Neighborhood parking is restricted and ticketed.

Wind off the lake is the constant. Windproof layers and a hat beat bulk.

Best tailgating gear

Travel and stay

Fly into O'Hare and take the Blue Line plus the Purple Line rather than driving.
Stay in Chicago and treat the game as a day trip.

Weather: Lake-effect wind makes November games feel colder than the forecast. September on the lakefront is close to perfect.

Bundle your stay with game tickets

Around the game

Beyond the stadium in Evanston, Illinois

Downtown EvanstonWalkable from campus with a real restaurant scene, not just bars.
ChicagoThirty minutes on Metra or the Purple Line; stay in the city and commute to the game.

Rivalry weekends

vs Illinois vs Wisconsin vs Purdue

Northwestern game-day packing list

6 items

Saved on this device so you can check it off the morning of the game.

Stadium

Ryan Field

Capacity 47,330Opened 1926Evanston, Illinois

A small-market Big Ten stadium just north of Chicago that regularly fills with visiting fans.

- The Purple Line from Chicago is the least stressful way in.
- Neighborhood parking is heavily restricted. Use the paid lots or transit.

FAQ

Northwestern questions

What channel is Northwestern on?

Predominantly conference network windows with national exposure when a ranked opponent visits.

How hard is it to get Northwestern tickets?

Visiting fans regularly outnumber the home crowd against Ohio State, Michigan and Iowa, and inventory reflects it.

Where should I sit at Ryan Field?