New Ryan Field Set To Debut In October: Northwestern

EVANSTON, IL — Northwestern Football announced that the new Ryan Field is set to open and host games in October, a month after the 2026 football season begins.

While the majority of the Wildcats' home games will take place at Ryan Field, Northwestern will open its 2026 home schedule at Medicine Field at Martin Stadium with it's first two non-conference games. The Wildcats will host South Dakota State on Sept. 5 and Colorado on Sept. 19 at the lakefront venue.

Ryan Field will make its public debut on Oct. 2, hosting Penn State for the inaugural game at the new stadium. The October debut marks exactly 100 years to the day that the original stadium hosted its first football game in 1926.

"The opening of the new Ryan Field marks a defining moment for Northwestern Football and reflects our continued investment in excellence across every aspect of the program," said Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Mark Jackson. "We appreciate the dedication and support of our fans and campus community, and we look forward to welcoming them to the nation's greatest college football stadium that will elevate the student-athlete experience and bring us together in powerful and memorable ways."

Construction of the 35,000-seat venue, which cost over $850 million, is on track with its originally scheduled completion, officials said.

Games for the season that will take place at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium will be sold separately from season ticket packages for the new Ryan Field. Fan interested in becoming new season ticket holders can register for updates online.