Northwestern Athletics Unveils Lakeside Gameday Experience Amenities for 2024 Football Season
7/16/2024 10:00:00 AM | Football
EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern will provide an array of exciting new gameday experience amenities available to Wildcat fans, visiting teams and college football fans for its five home games less than 50-yards from the entrance at Martin Stadium along the shores of Northwestern's Evanston campus.
Partnering with SME, a leader in experiential marketing and premium hospitality, Northwestern is set to transform the Lakefill area along the shoreline of Lake Michigan into the ultimate football festival and gameday tailgating experience called 'Lakeside Gameday'. W Partners, a strategic marketing advisor for Northwestern and NU Athletics, helped negotiate the partnership between Northwestern and SME.
"We are excited to welcome fans to Northwestern Football's home on the lakefront for the next two seasons as it will be one of the most unique and exciting atmospheres in sports," said Wally Hayward of W Partners. "Whether you have a ticket to the game or not, you will want to be part of creating your own customized [pre, during and post]-game tailgate experience with family, friends, and/or clients at Lakeside Gameday along Northwestern's iconic 'Lakefill' property."
A Scenic New Home with a Football Festival Atmosphere
Building on the success of their bowl-winning 2023 season, the Wildcats will take the field at an on-campus temporary facility set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Michigan. With five home games scheduled at this enhanced facility, beginning with the season opener against Miami (Ohio) on Aug. 31, Northwestern's collaboration with SME ensures that fans will experience the ultimate gameday event.
This exciting two-year opportunity transforms each game into a festive celebration, akin to an outdoor festival on the lake, designed to bring the entire Northwestern campus community together for an unforgettable experience while awaiting the completion of the new Ryan Field in 2026.
Gallery: (7-16-2024) 2024 Football Lakeside Gameday Tailgate
Visit lakesidegameday.com
"Hosting our home games along the shore of Lake Michigan allows us to provide our fans with a truly unique and scenic gameday experience," said Daniel Nunes, Senior Associate A.D. for External Affairs at Northwestern Athletics. "We are excited to bring our university community together in this beautiful setting as we look to create meaningful gameday memories for our fans, along with the ultimate home field advantage for our football program."
"Our partnership with Northwestern affords us an incredible opportunity to do what we love…using big ideas to create memorable experiences for customers and fans," said SME CEO, Toby Robertson. "Given the location of the temporary facility, we worked with Northwestern to create a world-class fully turn-key event. All fans need to do is enjoy the Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline, college football, music, the traditions of Northwestern and the camaraderie of gameday which will be the most unique gameday experience these next two seasons."
Unmatched Gameday Experience
To elevate the gameday experience, Northwestern and SME are introducing a range of premium amenities that promise to make each game a memorable event, including:
While game tickets are not included in 'Lakeside Gameday' packages, Northwestern offers multiple experience tiers to cater to different fan preferences and group sizes, ensuring every fan can find their perfect gameday:
Join Us for an Unforgettable Season
With a combination of exciting new gameday hospitality options and the picturesque lakeside setting, the 2024 football season is set to deliver a unique and memorable experience for all attendees. Go 'Cats!
For more information on tailgating options and to purchase tickets, visit lakesidegameday.com
About SME
SME has built its core business around event fabrication and activation as an extension of agency and brand partners, supporting each at marquee events including the Super Bowl, NHL Stadium Series, Daytona 500, Formula 1 and College Football Playoff. In addition to supporting rightsholders with custom craftsmanship and activation, SME owns and operates numerous hospitality assets that provide a more premium gameday experience for fans and consumers at venues and properties across the country.
About W Partners
W Partners, a joint venture with the Ricketts family, is a premier sales and marketing agency that represents best-in-class properties and brands in the sports and entertainment industries. W Partners has negotiated over $650M+ in winning partnerships nationally and internationally for properties, brands, and talent since launching in 2013.
About Northwestern
Northwestern is a comprehensive research university that is deeply interdisciplinary across multiple schools and units. A founding member of the Big Ten Conference, Northwestern University sponsors 19 varsity sport programs with over 500 participating student-athletes. If you are at Northwestern, you are part of an innovative, collaborative, and multidimensional community delivering an impact that is rare in higher education.
Partnering with SME, a leader in experiential marketing and premium hospitality, Northwestern is set to transform the Lakefill area along the shoreline of Lake Michigan into the ultimate football festival and gameday tailgating experience called 'Lakeside Gameday'. W Partners, a strategic marketing advisor for Northwestern and NU Athletics, helped negotiate the partnership between Northwestern and SME.
"We are excited to welcome fans to Northwestern Football's home on the lakefront for the next two seasons as it will be one of the most unique and exciting atmospheres in sports," said Wally Hayward of W Partners. "Whether you have a ticket to the game or not, you will want to be part of creating your own customized [pre, during and post]-game tailgate experience with family, friends, and/or clients at Lakeside Gameday along Northwestern's iconic 'Lakefill' property."
A Scenic New Home with a Football Festival Atmosphere
Building on the success of their bowl-winning 2023 season, the Wildcats will take the field at an on-campus temporary facility set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Michigan. With five home games scheduled at this enhanced facility, beginning with the season opener against Miami (Ohio) on Aug. 31, Northwestern's collaboration with SME ensures that fans will experience the ultimate gameday event.
This exciting two-year opportunity transforms each game into a festive celebration, akin to an outdoor festival on the lake, designed to bring the entire Northwestern campus community together for an unforgettable experience while awaiting the completion of the new Ryan Field in 2026.
Visit lakesidegameday.com
"Hosting our home games along the shore of Lake Michigan allows us to provide our fans with a truly unique and scenic gameday experience," said Daniel Nunes, Senior Associate A.D. for External Affairs at Northwestern Athletics. "We are excited to bring our university community together in this beautiful setting as we look to create meaningful gameday memories for our fans, along with the ultimate home field advantage for our football program."
"Our partnership with Northwestern affords us an incredible opportunity to do what we love…using big ideas to create memorable experiences for customers and fans," said SME CEO, Toby Robertson. "Given the location of the temporary facility, we worked with Northwestern to create a world-class fully turn-key event. All fans need to do is enjoy the Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline, college football, music, the traditions of Northwestern and the camaraderie of gameday which will be the most unique gameday experience these next two seasons."
Unmatched Gameday Experience
To elevate the gameday experience, Northwestern and SME are introducing a range of premium amenities that promise to make each game a memorable event, including:
- The Ultimate College Football Experience
- Watch all five Northwestern games played at Martin Stadium LIVE in Lakeside Gameday on our large videoboard
- Show up early and stay after the game to enjoy other nationally telecast college football games
- Enjoy competing in corn-hole or giant Jenga games while taking in the sights and sounds of the Lakeshore
- Experience the thrill of gamedays as our DJ and house emcee create an electrifying atmosphere along the lakefront
- Our house emcee will give away tickets and premium experiences each game
- Rest easy knowing there are plenty of restrooms available to all Lakeside Gameday guests
- Food and Beverage – Available for Purchase
- Indulge in a range of gameday and gourmet fare from mouthwatering barbecue to gourmet sliders and Chicagoland favorites.
- Wash it all down with a wide selection of beer, wines, and signature cocktails, ensuring that your game day experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
- Premium areas will pre-order their gameday food and beverages, making gameday worry-free and turn-key. Just show up to your reserved space and we will handle the rest.
- Appearances by:
- The Northwestern University "Wildcat" Marching Band
- Legends and former players who have left their mark on the program
While game tickets are not included in 'Lakeside Gameday' packages, Northwestern offers multiple experience tiers to cater to different fan preferences and group sizes, ensuring every fan can find their perfect gameday:
- General Admission Tickets: Access all the excitement and amenities of Lakeside Gameday, including live music, delicious food and beverages, and breathtaking lakefront views. Enjoy performances by the Northwestern Band, mingle with former players, or compete against your friends in a game of cornhole.
- Lakeside Reserve: Ideal for groups of 10, 15, or 20 our reserved tailgating areas provide a private space to celebrate with friends, family, or colleagues. Each spot is equipped with gameday amenities and service to meet your group's needs.
- 'Cats Village: Perfect for corporate entertainment and large groups, our VIP tailgate packages offer exclusive access to a luxurious setting with upscale amenities and personalized service. Enjoy VIP perks, catering, and beverages in a memorable setting.
- Wildcat Chalets: Experience top-tier gameday luxury with our two-story chalets, featuring a terrace and soft seating for up to 50 guests. These exclusive chalets offer panoramic views of the lakefront, gourmet cuisine, and premium beverages, providing a perfect retreat for game day festivities.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Season
With a combination of exciting new gameday hospitality options and the picturesque lakeside setting, the 2024 football season is set to deliver a unique and memorable experience for all attendees. Go 'Cats!
For more information on tailgating options and to purchase tickets, visit lakesidegameday.com
About SME
SME has built its core business around event fabrication and activation as an extension of agency and brand partners, supporting each at marquee events including the Super Bowl, NHL Stadium Series, Daytona 500, Formula 1 and College Football Playoff. In addition to supporting rightsholders with custom craftsmanship and activation, SME owns and operates numerous hospitality assets that provide a more premium gameday experience for fans and consumers at venues and properties across the country.
About W Partners
W Partners, a joint venture with the Ricketts family, is a premier sales and marketing agency that represents best-in-class properties and brands in the sports and entertainment industries. W Partners has negotiated over $650M+ in winning partnerships nationally and internationally for properties, brands, and talent since launching in 2013.
About Northwestern
Northwestern is a comprehensive research university that is deeply interdisciplinary across multiple schools and units. A founding member of the Big Ten Conference, Northwestern University sponsors 19 varsity sport programs with over 500 participating student-athletes. If you are at Northwestern, you are part of an innovative, collaborative, and multidimensional community delivering an impact that is rare in higher education.
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