Northwestern University Athletics
Letter from Dr. Gragg on the Future of Ryan Field
9/22/2021 11:01:00 AM | General
Ryan Field, the home of Wildcats football and Northwestern commencement, will be rethought and rebuilt thanks to a remarkable lead gift from the Patrick ’59, ’09 H and Shirley Ryan ’61, ’19 H (’97, ’00 P) Family
Wildcats,
Northwestern has played football in a stadium at the corner of Central Street and Ashland Avenue in Evanston for more than a century.
Although modern for 1926, the structure designed by James Gamble Rogers resembled great Roman baths surmounted by medieval towers that reflected the collegiate gothic style he employed as University Architect on Northwestern's Evanston campus. The crescent shape plan provided the best possible view to the most possible spectators, with the rise of the grandstands designed for maximum comfort and optimal sightlines.
In 1949, newly constructed south end zone bleachers were added in a curved plan to complete a horseshoe-shaped stadium following the Wildcats' Rose Bowl victory over the University of California. Renovations to the stadium in 1997 included the addition of a new press box, new seating, and concession spaces, as well as lowering the field and converting the playing surface from artificial turf to grass.
Now, I am excited to let you know we are poised to embark on a plan to completely transform the site at Central and Ashland.
Ryan Field, the home of Wildcats football and Northwestern commencement, will be rethought and rebuilt thanks to a remarkable lead gift from the Patrick '59, '09 H and Shirley Ryan '61, '19 H ('97, '00 P) Family , part of the largest single philanthropic gift in Northwestern University's history.
The development of the new stadium will be defined by four principles:
We deeply appreciate the Ryan Family's enduring dedication to our student-athletes. Their generosity, vision and leadership defies description. The impact the Ryan Family has had on Northwestern University, and will have on so many future generations of students, is truly incomparable.
The new Ryan Field will be a world-class venue befitting this institution's pursuit of excellence in all areas.
For more information, visit: RebuildRyanField.com
Go 'Cats!
Positively,
Dr. Derrick Gragg
Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation
Northwestern University
Northwestern has played football in a stadium at the corner of Central Street and Ashland Avenue in Evanston for more than a century.
Although modern for 1926, the structure designed by James Gamble Rogers resembled great Roman baths surmounted by medieval towers that reflected the collegiate gothic style he employed as University Architect on Northwestern's Evanston campus. The crescent shape plan provided the best possible view to the most possible spectators, with the rise of the grandstands designed for maximum comfort and optimal sightlines.
In 1949, newly constructed south end zone bleachers were added in a curved plan to complete a horseshoe-shaped stadium following the Wildcats' Rose Bowl victory over the University of California. Renovations to the stadium in 1997 included the addition of a new press box, new seating, and concession spaces, as well as lowering the field and converting the playing surface from artificial turf to grass.
Now, I am excited to let you know we are poised to embark on a plan to completely transform the site at Central and Ashland.
Ryan Field, the home of Wildcats football and Northwestern commencement, will be rethought and rebuilt thanks to a remarkable lead gift from the Patrick '59, '09 H and Shirley Ryan '61, '19 H ('97, '00 P) Family , part of the largest single philanthropic gift in Northwestern University's history.
The development of the new stadium will be defined by four principles:
- Increase accessibility at every level – exceeding ADA compliance to improve fan comfort, safety and equity
- Reinforce role as an economic engine for the City of Evanston during and after construction
- Commit to environmental sustainability
- Facilitate a first-class fan experience for students, alumni and the surrounding community
- Provide a state-of-the-art home where Northwestern Football will compete, and attract the best and brightest student-athletes in the nation
We deeply appreciate the Ryan Family's enduring dedication to our student-athletes. Their generosity, vision and leadership defies description. The impact the Ryan Family has had on Northwestern University, and will have on so many future generations of students, is truly incomparable.
The new Ryan Field will be a world-class venue befitting this institution's pursuit of excellence in all areas.
For more information, visit: RebuildRyanField.com
Go 'Cats!
Positively,
Dr. Derrick Gragg
Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation
Northwestern University
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