Northwestern University's Ryan Field Project Progresses with Expanded Construction Hours

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston city officials have approved extended work hours for construction crews working on Northwestern University's $800 million Ryan Field project.

The construction project team, known as the Central Street Consortium, will now be able to work on site maintenance and preparation activities from 7 to 9 p.m. on weeknights and from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.

"The work conducted during these additional hours is required to comply with the City’s noise ordinance, and the impact is expected to be minimal," 7th Ward Ald. Eleanor Revelle said in a message to residents.

"The additional work hours allow the project to progress and stay on time," Revelle said. "The additional work hours are at the City's discretion and will be continually re-assessed. "

So far this month, crews have completed the installation of sheeting, reducing noise and vibrations in the area, and deep foundation work is expected to be finished by early August, according to the consortium.

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Mass excavation is ongoing as the stadium bowl approaches its permanent field level ahead of the planned pouring of concrete foundations.

Evanston residents have been invited to a virtual community forum next week to get updates on the Ryan Field project and Northwestern's temporary lakeside football field.

Online registration is available for the remote meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m., July 23.

Northwestern has previously unveiled plans to build a temporary lakefront football stadium to host its football team for the 2024 and 2025 seasons during construction of the new field, with the first game scheduled for Aug. 31.

The temporary stadium will have fewer than half as many seats than the planned 35,000-seat capacity new Ryan Field, and university officials are looking for new ways to generate revenue.

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The first five home games of the Wildcats season will be at the new stadium, while the Nov. 16 matchup against Ohio State and the Nov. 30 games against the University of Illinois are set to be played at Wrigley Field.

This week, Northwestern representatives announced a partnership with SME, a "leader in experiential marketing and premium hospitality," that was negotiated by a joint venture with the Ricketts family.

"Hosting our home games along the shore of Lake Michigan allows us to provide our fans with a truly unique and scenic gameday experience," Daniel Nunes, senior associate athletic director, said in a statement.

"We are excited to bring our university community together in this beautiful setting as we look to create meaningful gameday memories for our fans, along with the ultimate home field advantage for our football program."

Related:

• Waterfront Wildcats: Northwestern Football To Play At Lakefront Field In 2024, 2025
• Northwestern Breaks Ground on New Ryan Field Amid Legal Challenges
• 4th & Long For Ryan Field Lawsuit: Judge Out Tosses 3 Of 4 Counts Of Neighbors' Complaint
• 'Backroom Deal' Led To Illegal Vote To Rezone Ryan Field In Evanston, Lawsuit Alleges
• Ready To Rock At Ryan Field: Plan For Concerts At New Football Stadium Approved