Here’s the latest on Northwestern’s temporary football stadium plan

With spring sports winding down, it’s a relief that football season is just around the corner!

As Northwestern gears up for its 2024 football season opener against Miami of Ohio in under 100 days, plans for the Wildcats’ lakeside venue are swiftly moving forward. Assistant Vice President and Deputy Athletics Director Jesse Marks shed light on how the project came about and what fans can anticipate as part of the game-day experience.

Preliminary discussions for the project began in March, transitioning into design mode by the end of the month and into April. While alternative options like SeatGeek Stadium were considered, Marks highlighted the benefits of the lakeside venue for fans, students, and student-athletes.

“Would SeatGeek Stadium have been a viable option? Absolutely,” Marks affirmed. “But our student-athletes would have faced a three-hour journey back home after the game, delaying their reunion with their families after a long bus ride. Additionally, fans would have to endure 45-minute to an hour-long highway traffic. This isn’t the experience we aim to offer.”

After receiving approvals from the NCAA, the Big Ten, and the city of Evanston, and ensuring feasibility for broadcast and game operations, the project received the green light.

Construction is set to commence in a few weeks, with site preparation scheduled for early June to install the temporary stands. Work will continue throughout the summer to ensure readiness for the August 31 season opener.

Part of the construction involves stripping down and reassembling the current seating structure at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium to accommodate more seating. This section, situated on the west side, will feature a mezzanine and a press box.

The venue will have spectators on all four sides of the field, accommodating approximately 15,000 attendees.

Premium seating options, including suites, club seats, and field-level tables, will be located in the south end. Sixteen suites across two levels will be available. The east sideline, overlooking the lake, will feature bench seating.

The north grandstand will house student and band seating, with specific student ticketing numbers yet to be determined. Marks indicated that a similar reservation system to basketball games at Welsh-Ryan Arena will be utilized for student tickets. However, only two home games—against Indiana on October 5 and Wisconsin on October 19—will be played after students return to campus and the fall quarter begins. The final two home games in November will take place at Wrigley Field.

Marks confirmed that neither the terrace at the end of the Walter Athletics Center nor the balcony on the Kellogg Global Hub would be utilized for additional viewing. However, the spot at Walter Athletic Center could potentially be utilized for recruiting visits.

Design plans for enhancing the video experience are still in progress. Currently, Martin Stadium only features one relatively small video board in the northeast corner of the stadium.

Among the new additions will be a version of the new Ryan Field sales center in the Walter Athletics Center lobby. Visitors will have the opportunity to preview the new Ryan Field and see a model of the stadium. Initially planned for the Wilson Club in Welsh-Ryan Arena, plans were adjusted to replicate the sales center at the new site due to the lakefront stadium.

The playing surface will remain the same turf currently in place, with necessary conversions to accommodate all teams that will utilize the stadium. In addition to the football team, these teams include both the men’s and women’s soccer teams, as well as Northwestern’s lacrosse program.

Regarding parking, Marks mentioned that there is actually more parking available on campus than at Ryan Field, albeit spread across smaller lots that may require a short walk. Tailgating traditions will continue, albeit with some adjustments. While there are fewer surface lots available due to parking garages, some will be open for those seeking a more private tailgating experience.

Northwestern will activate a tailgate village and beer garden on the lakefill, where fans can register online to park their cars. From there, fans can customize their experience by bringing food or taking advantage of catering options. Groups can opt for a group tailgate or rent out space for a semi-private event on the shores of Lake Michigan. Marks likened this plan to Ravinia Festival, a well-known outdoor concert venue north of campus.

Northwestern has also explored the possibility of a student tailgate village at a nearby location.

Between the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Northwestern will collaborate with the city of Evanston to determine whether the structure will remain up between campaigns or if modifications will be made over the offseason.

For fans eagerly anticipating the spectacle, opportunities will soon arise. Pre-sale for season ticket holders begins on June 10 and runs through July 16. Pre-sale for mini-plans and single-game tickets, if available, begins on July 26.

Marks acknowledges the temporary venue’s imperfections but emphasizes its uniqueness and excitement. “Is it going to be perfect? No. Is it going to be fun, unique, and exciting? Yes,” Marks stated. “We want all of our fans, students, and university community to celebrate with us and enjoy the process.”