A redevelopment of Northwestern’s Ryan Field is on the way, part of a $480 million gift to the school from Patrick and Shirley Ryan that will also support research in medical sciences and bolster university leadership positions in business.
The gift is the largest in school history, and it comes from the biggest benefactors of the school and the Wildcats’ athletic department, as the football stadium (Ryan Field), football practice facility (Ryan Fieldhouse) and basketball stadium (Welsh-Ryan Arena), among other buildings, all bear the Ryan name.
“We deeply appreciate the Ryan Family’s enduring dedication to our student-athletes,” Northwestern athletic director Derrick Gragg said in a release. “The impact of their visionary generosity on past, present and future Wildcats is truly incomparable. The rebuilt Ryan Field will be a world-class venue befitting this institution’s pursuit of excellence in all areas.”
The construction process will take multiple years, all but ensuring that Northwestern will likely have to play its home football games elsewhere during the process.
Ryan Field is 95 years old and has not been renovated since 1997. The 47,000-seat venue is widely considered to be one of the most outdated college football stadiums in the country.
Details on the proposed renovations are scarce, with the request-for-proposal process for an architect just getting underway, but the school says it will create “an enhanced gameday experience for students, alumni, fans and the surrounding community.”
The redevelopment goals include exceeding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and focusing on environmental sustainability.
“Shirley and I believe in the power of sports to develop the whole person — mind, body and soul for all students. This holistic approach prepares Northwestern student-athletes to be the leaders of tomorrow,” Pat Ryan said in a release. “And as long-time fans of all Wildcat teams, we have seen firsthand how powerful Northwestern Athletics can be in building community.”
(Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
