Ryan Field guide: schedule, kickoff times, food, parking and bag policy

Ryan Field holds 35,000 fans and is home to Northwestern Wildcats (NCAA FBS (Big Ten)). This page lists every remaining home game with its kickoff time, and the stadium's gates, food, parking and bag rules.

Capacity	35,000
Opened	October 2, 2026
Home teams	Northwestern Wildcats (NCAA FBS (Big Ten))
Address	1501 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60208

When are the remaining home games?

2 home games left, starting Fri Nov 6, 2026. Times are local (Central).

Date	Game	Kickoff	Competition
Fri Nov 6, 2026	Northwestern Wildcats vs Iowa Hawkeyes	time TBA	College football
Fri Nov 27, 2026	Northwestern Wildcats vs Illinois Fighting Illini	time TBA	College football

When do the gates open at Ryan Field?

Two hours before kickoff. (source)

What are the tailgating rules at Ryan Field?

Tailgating is not permitted on Northwestern property, including the stadium's parking lots. Kevin O'Brien Tailgating Tents, each a 100 sq ft tent paired with a 130 sq ft patio for up to 25 guests, can be reserved as a private hospitality space steps from the gates. (source)

Is there a sun and shade map for Ryan Field?

Not yet. The new Ryan Field opened in 2026, and no lidar survey has been flown over it since it was built. We only publish seat and sun data measured from a survey of the stands as they are now, so this guide sticks to the schedule, parking and stadium policies until a newer survey is flown.

Before you go

Bags: One bag per person no larger than 12 in x 6 in x 12 in is permitted. Wallets, purses, drawstring bags, fanny packs, lunch bags, and soft-sided coolers smaller than that size are allowed. Backpacks of any kind, including clear backpacks, and hard cases such as coolers, briefcases, suitcases, and instrument cases are not permitted. Exceptions are made for medical bags and diaper bags accompanying guests with young children, and all bags are subject to inspection. Bag policy.
Payment: Ryan Field is a cashless facility accepting only debit, credit and mobile payments. Reverse ATMs are available onsite to load cash onto a prepaid debit card for use at concessions and retail locations.
Getting there: Metra's Union Pacific North Line stops at Central Street station, about a five-minute walk from the gates. CTA Purple Line stops at Central station a few blocks further east. CTA Bus 201 stops in front of the stadium. Shuttle service runs along a Campus Shuttle Line and a Downtown Shuttle Line starting three hours before kickoff, dropping off and picking up along Ashland Avenue at Ryan Field. Parking and transit.
Food: Outside food and drink are not permitted, with exceptions for allergy and medical needs. Empty refillable water bottles no larger than 32 oz are allowed; all other bottles, cans, or beverage containers are not allowed.