Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Adds Tailgating Options for Wildcat Fans
9/24/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 24, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. — This season, the Wildcats have added even more elements to football game days so fans can make special memories with their family and friends on Saturdays. For the last nine years, fans of all ages have enjoyed the free pregame fan fest in Wildcat Alley that features the NU Marching Band, interactive games, Willie the Wildcat, cheerleaders, the AthletiCo Skill Zone, face painting, Goose Island's Beer Garden and much more.
This season the 'Cats added a private tailgate party right by Ryan Field for season ticket holders and 3-pack purchasers who want to avoid the hassle of planning a party and who want to hang out with other loyal fans. For more information about pricing, food and drinks at the Purple Platinum Tailgate Tent, please e-mail wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu or call 847-491-CATS.
Season ticket holders and single-game ticket buyers have many places to hang out before the games with free parking lots on campus and in Evanston. For a fun tailgating atmosphere in the closest public parking lot to Ryan Field head to the North Beach Lot near Sheridan and Lincoln for football Saturdays. In addition to traditional tailgating activities put on by fans, the Athletic Department will be adding different elements each week to make this the lot to be in this season. For Saturday's game against Minnesota, the cover band Bad Medicine will be performing your favorite Bon Jovi songs.
“We are trying to provide a variety of tailgating options so we can appeal to as many fans as possible,” said Tracie Hitz, associate athletic director for sales and marketing. “We are always adding elements to Wildcat Alley and this year we are focusing on the North Beach Lot, including a jumbotron showing games before the Penn State and Wisconsin games.”
Some other things to note about Wildcat Football this season include:
• An increased number of ticket discounts for the North Shore Community. There are still discounts available, including Take a Kid to the Game Day on October 10th at 11 am. This promotion allows two children in the 8th grade and under to be admitted free with each adult end zone ticket purchased on the day of the game, which breaks down to less than $9 per person.
• The creation of a youth ticket price in the corner end zones. This half-price ticket ($15 for nonconference and $20 for conference games) is valid in Sections 122-124 and Sections 113-115 and must be purchased in advance.
• Extended Ticket Office hours for the convenience of fans purchasing tickets after work. The Ticket Office at Ryan Field (1501 Central Street) is now open from 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• A new partnership with Harris Bank to sync up with the Guest Services stations that were improved last season. The Harris Bank Helper stations are located inside Gates E and Gate P, as well as on Walker Terrace. The Wildcat ushers will make you feel welcome at Ryan Field so be sure to ask them for help throughout the day.
• New picnic tables to Walker Terrace for fans who are looking for a nice place to enjoy their food, which includes additional ovens cooking Lou Malnati's Pizza and an upgrade to premium coffee inside the stadium.
• Purplepalooza for the Wildcats' game against Penn State on Halloween at 3:30 p.m. The 'Cats need all fans to wear purple or dress in their best Halloween costume for this huge matchup with the 2008 Big Ten Champions. It will be the biggest Halloween party of the year so don't be scared to go to Wildcat Alley to trick or treat beginning at 1:30 p.m., enjoy the game and then stay in your seat for postgame fireworks that night.
Let us know what you think about your Wildcat Football gameday experience by filling out the online fan survey. Everyone who completes a survey is automatically entered for a chance to win $500 with a new winner selected every month.
We want to hear from you as well as see you, so please e-mail wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu with photos of your Wildcat spirit at the football games and we will post them on our Northwestern Athletics Facebook page. Randomly selected fans each month will have the chance to attend a football practice and meet Coach Fitz this season. You can also get to know Coach Fitz by following him on Twitter!
