ryan field

L399KImikew

Visited two falls ago for Gopher Game oct 2013 and was not impressed. Concessions were weak. Parking non existent. No tailgate atmosphere. Fan base apathetic. The field looked nice and the long, natural grass caters to the home team. Stadium needs video boards, sound system and amenties to compete in BIG.

ChicagoBizTraveler

This is by far the worst, most outdated and depressing stadium in the league. Insufficient restroom facilities and concessions, and just inefficient design. Only stadium in the league with "port a potties".

cbce1pjb

Easy to get to using Metra,which has a train station two blocks away.No parking hassles or traffic. Great atmosphere. Saw Fighting Illini vs NU Wildcats. You are very close to the action which was great for a Big Ten game. The facility is not the most up to date but I liked the stadium. The stadium has enough modern, high tech features for me.Not a bad seat anywhere. Tailgating was everywhere just west of the field in the parking lot. Would return.

schnoodlelover

We enjoyed watching the game but there is scaffolding at the end of the field (for photographers) that covers up half of the scoreboard.

650amyr

Great field! There really isn't a bad seat in the house! Pick any one according to your budget and you're still going to be close enough for the action. Food was great and there was a lot of variety. We talked to some of the fans and they were friendly and inviting (minus the ones who were suffering from consumption stupidity). To top it off, our team won and made the trip even better!

foco3552

We recently went out to Chicago to watch the Nebraska-Northwestern game. We're trying to visit one big 10 stadium every year, and this one was decent. It wasn't the biggest or nicest field, but it was fun. I'm sure the amount of Nebraska fans that were there, or the fact that Nebraska won didn't hurt either

TrnrMom

Pluses: easy to get to from Chicago, friendly fans, enough women's bathrooms, new video boardMinuses: Its outdated, hard metal benches, old facilities, unintelligible PA system, TV tower blocking the new video board, little shade. Bottom line: Wouldn't come here except our team was playing Northwestern

nyredhawk

Bleacher seating, very little shady areas to escape the onslaught of summer sun and metal support beams that are rusting out makes Ryan itself a disappointing place that doesn't reflect the Northwestern image of a world-class university. I am told the basketball arena is even worse. Hey NU, if you are claiming that sports help create a healthy atmosphere among students, alums and anyone interested in your fine academic institution, you need to have facilities that match.

Buckeye325

Was here for the Ohio State/Northwestern game In October 2013. I had tickets in Section 111 about 10-15 rows from the field and the visibility was great. Venue is on smaller side and reminded me of a large high school stadium. Stadium is somewhat dated and the 'guts' of it (concessions, walking ramps, etc) looked rundown. We took the L from downtown to the stadium which is convenient, but it is PACKED after the game and you have to wait for awhile to leave. Ryan Field is not located directly on Northwestern's campus, but rather in the middle of a residential neighborhood, which is a cool sight. Take some time to check out Northwestern's campus too! Would definitely return if the chance presents itself!

ghp3

Went to two Northwestern games last fall after moving to the area. Like the fact that the stadium is very "old-school", oval with bleacher seats, real grass, reasonably priced concessions, get close to the action. Described it to my kids as more like a larger high school field and a big stadium. (Our previous experience was Univ. of Pittsburgh games at Heinz Field.) Main downside is the influx of opposing fans for big games. Felt like I was in enemy territory.

CathyE260

We have been to all the Big 10 schools to watch a game. This is one of my favorite places to visit. The campus is beautiful. The fans are respectful. The area is very nice and safe. Downtown Chicago is 40 minutes away. Lots of great restaurants and bars to choose from. Highly recommend a visit to NW!

smdyl

Although it has fewer than 10,000 students, the Big Ten's only private university has been fielding some competitive football teams in the last few years. As season ticket holders since the late '70's we have seen positive changes in the last fifteen years. Now the stands are usually full!College football games "feel different" than going to a professional football game.Fun for the entire family.

curtf866

Just saw my first Northwestern game at Ryan Field and it was a great experience. The home crowd was so into the game.

nanr604

My husband and I have season tickets to NW football; I am not a big football fan, but it is a great way to spend a crisp, fall afternoon. When was the last time you went to a Big Ten Football Game? There are always tickets available so you can drive to Evanston spur of the moment. It's fun to cheer the home team on and then go out for a pizza or a walk on the lakefront.

wendyl901

I am an Evanston resident, and I enjoy having the stadium in my neighborhood. It can be loud, and crazy on game days (not to mention a traffic nightmare!), but Evanston/Northwestern take good care of residents and visitors, so the stadium is clean and well-kept, and activities are well-supervised and relatively orderly. There is no big bar scene in the immediate area, so that keeps some of the potential problems at bay, and due to the fact that the stadium itself rests in an upscale bedroom community, a family element is much in evidence, which adds to the overall feeling of safety and comfort when attending an event, particularly in the evening. Games are a lot of fun, and you get a big-college feel in a more intimate and personal setting. Fun for the whole family.