Northwestern Unveils 2026 Football Venue Plans, Featuring Ryan Field Opener
Northwestern University has revealed exciting plans for its 2026 football season, including details about the venues for home games. This unveiling comes after the Big Ten Conference announced its home and away schedule for that year. The Wildcats will play seven home games, with the opening two matchups set for Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
2026 Home Game Schedule
The Northwestern Wildcats will kick off their home schedule with two non-conference games:
- September 5 – vs. South Dakota State at Northwestern Medicine Field
- September 19 – vs. Colorado at Northwestern Medicine Field
The remaining five home games will take place at the new Ryan Field, with Penn State visiting for the inaugural game on October 2. This date marks a historic moment, as it celebrates 100 years since the original stadium hosted its first football game in 1926.
Significance of Ryan Field Opening
Mark Jackson, Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, emphasized the importance of the new Ryan Field. “This venue reflects our commitment to excellence,” Jackson stated. He expressed gratitude toward fans and highlighted the cultural foundation laid by Head Coach David Braun. The new stadium aims to enhance the experience for both student-athletes and supporters.
Construction and Ticket Information
The ongoing construction of Ryan Field is scheduled for completion in mid-September 2026, allowing for a smooth transition into Big Ten play. Pat Ryan Jr., CEO of Ryan Sports Development, acknowledged the dedication of workers and partners in maintaining the project timeline.
Recent season ticket holders for 2023-2025 will enjoy priority access for seat selection in the new venue. Current ticket holders will be contacted by a representative to facilitate the process. Those interested in obtaining new season tickets can complete the Insider Form to receive updates and information.
2026 Football Schedule Overview
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| September 5 | South Dakota State | Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium |
| September 19 | Colorado | Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium |
| October 2 | Penn State | Ryan Field |
| October 10 | Ball State | Ryan Field |
| October 24 | Rutgers | Ryan Field |
| November 7 | Iowa | Ryan Field |
| November 28 | Illinois | Ryan Field |
Community Engagement Events
As part of its commitment to the community, Northwestern intends to host two major events at Ryan Field:
- Halloween/Fall Festival – Celebrating local traditions in October
- Winter Festival – Featuring a market and winter activities for all ages
These festivals are designed to engage the Northwestern and Evanston communities, reflecting the university’s proactive approach in incorporating community feedback. Further details will be released soon.
In summary, the 2026 season promises to be a landmark year for Northwestern Football, with the opening of Ryan Field and a slate of exciting games ahead.
