Northwestern Football to Play Majority of Home Games at Enhanced Martin Athletics Facility

Northwestern University has announced that its football team will be playing the majority of its home games at the Lanny and Sharon Martin athletics facility near Lake Michigan on the Evanston campus. The decision comes as the university continues the rebuilding process of Ryan Field, with a new state-of-the-art stadium set to open in 2026.

The enhanced Martin athletics facility, offering breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, North Campus, and the Chicago skyline, will serve as a temporary structure for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. It aims to bridge the gap between the old Ryan Field and the future stadium. Other teams such as the lacrosse, women's and men's soccer teams will also be utilizing the facility for their home games.

President Michael Schill expressed his enthusiasm for the decision, stating that it was a win for the Northwestern community. He emphasized that hosting games on campus would not only enhance the fan experience but also reduce travel burdens for the student-athletes and fans. Additionally, Schill highlighted the economic benefits of football game days in Evanston.

The exact details of the temporary facility's design are still being determined, but it will be a temporary enhancement to the existing Martin athletics facility and part of Chap and Ethel Hutcheson Field. It is noted that the capacity of the temporary facility will be considerably less than both the old and future Ryan Field.

2023 season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase season tickets for the enhanced Martin athletics facility. Northwestern students will also have reserved seats. Non-season ticket holders can join the wait-list for season tickets at the lakeside venue. Additional information regarding the season ticket timeline, seat selection process, seating options, and parking will be communicated by Northwestern Athletics.

The university has partnered with InProduction, a company well-known for their work on various structures used in sports events, including NASCAR viewing areas in downtown Chicago, as well as temporary seating and staging for college athletics at other universities. Construction for the enhanced Martin athletics facility is expected to begin in early summer and will remain operational until the end of the 2025 season.

The decision to keep the majority of home football games on the Evanston campus will not only benefit the football program but will also provide a boost to nearby businesses, positively impacting downtown Evanston and Central Street on game days.

Northwestern Football Head Coach David Braun expressed his excitement about the gameday experience for the program and the entire Wildcat community, highlighting the opportunity to create a true home field advantage for the team. He sees the temporary facility as a perfect bridge to the upcoming opening of the new Ryan Field.

The enhanced Martin athletics facility will also benefit Northwestern's top-ranked lacrosse team by providing additional seats for home games. This season, despite not having the temporary facility yet, six out of seven home lacrosse games have sold out, showcasing the demand for seats in the picturesque venue by the shores of Lake Michigan.

More information regarding logistics and ticket opportunities will be released in the near future. The university expects the enhanced Martin athletics facility to create a memorable gameday experience for the Northwestern community and visitors alike.