In a conference with some of the biggest
stadiums in college football, Ryan Field is different, as it is one of
the smallest stadiums in college football. Before moving into Ryan Field, the Northwestern
Wildcats played many of their games at Soldier Field in Chicago. In the mid
1920s, William A. Dyche, Vice President of the University, led an
effort to build a new stadium for the Wildcats. His effort was
successful and a new stadium was constructed in 1926 at a cost of
$1.425 million. Originally known as Northwestern Stadium, the Wildcats
christened the stadium on October 2, 1926 against South Dakota. Later
that season, Northwestern Stadium was renamed Dyche Stadium.
Only two additions have been completed at the stadium since its
opening. In 1949, the stadium was enclosed in the south endzone giving
the stadium its horseshoe look. Prior to the start of the 1961 season
a press box and second deck was added. Tartan Turf replaced the
natural grass playing field in 1973. It was replaced with grass in
1997. Dyche Stadium was renamed Ryan Field in 1997 when the press box was
renovated and expanded to include the stadium club. A new endzone
facility was also completed to house locker and equipment rooms on the
north endzone. Today, Ryan Field has a capacity of 49,256. One unique
feature of Ryan Field is the large bronze
wildcat mounted behind the south end zone.
Famous Players: Sam Simmons, Javiar
Collins, Austin King School Traditions: Mascot, Willie the
Wildcat, the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk, School Song, "Go! U
Northwestern"
PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AND RYAN
FIELD
Ryan
Field
