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    Paul R.

    Easy parking and traffic isn't bad mostly because this venue seats under 50K. I know Northwestern is having a down year (2019), but their crowd was pretty much non-existent. The best thing about the stadium is the staff was excellent. Extremely friendly and accomodating. The worst thing is the lack of restrooms. I counted 7 port-a-johns in the concourse under my shrin section and they were dark inside! Ugh! The basketball arena just underwent a renovation last year with the Big 10 Network money all the schools receive. Hopefully the football stadium is next, because it needs to be modernized.

    Frank's hot sauce. IN PUMPS. #bestdayever
    Eric S.

    Holy crap they have Frank's hot sauce in pumps!!!! WAAAAAHHHHH #died Ryan Field is the smallest football stadium in the Big Ten (in terms of capacity) at 47,130 seats. This lends a more cozy feel to home games, as opposed to the vast roaring crowds at OSU's Horseshoe or UMichigan's Big House. Concessions are mostly student-run, and prices aren't atrociously high. A hot dog + drink costs roughly as much as you'd expect. And yes, as previously stated, they have hot sauce dispensers next to the standard ketchup/mustard/relish. More places on Earth need Frank's pump-able jugs. I've seen some great evening games here under the lights in September and some very chilly games in late November. My dad's an alum (Rick S, BSEE '76, MBA '78) and has taken me to plenty of Northwestern games over the years for which I'm very appreciative. My only real issue is the placement of the Jumbotron in the far northeast corner, which is practically out-of-view for most fans. A more centrally-located screen would be a vast improvement, since its current spot makes no sense and I find myself squinting to see slow motion replays. Go 'Cats.

    Charley B.

    Ryan Field is a nice older stadium where you can watch your team give its all on an autumn Saturday. Like I mentioned up above, the stadium is nice, but it doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles. Seating is bench style so while most of the seats aren't bad seats and give a good view, you will definitely get to know your neighbor. The concessions carry your basics... nachos, popcorn, soda, water and some others, but don't look for anything overwhelming. If you have a large appetite then you might want to grab a meal in Evanston before making the trek over to the venue. There isn't a lot of parking, or much else do near the stadium, so instead of driving over I would recommend taking the Purple Line, which is about five or six blocks to the east.

    Brent W.

    Very much in line w Northwestern in that it is small, intimate, and makes you feel like you're watching a High School game rather than a University. Concessions not terrible but really weird placement ...again it was as if you're back in high school (it bears repeating!) One thing they must get rid of straight away...the annoying, cheesy "wildcat growl" after every 1st down. Terrible.lol You're a respected University, act like it.

    Thomas G.

    I'm not a die hard fan of the Northwestern Wildcats, but do cheer them on when they play against other teams; teams other than "Illinois Fighting Illini", and plus I love college football. As for the stadium it's great! The seats, and everything seems so up close. I've never had a crappy seat, or any seat that seems so far away. Prices are great also! Buying gear, such as t-shirts, hats, lanyards, etc. at the stadium is so pricey! But it is also at a stadium, so of course the prices are going to be high. To save cash, It's best to buy gear outside of the stadium at a Ross Dress for Less, Target, TJ Maxx, Walmart, or Marshals. You'll thank me later : ) For parking; just save yourself the headache, and park in the backyard of people offering it. You can't miss the signs while driving to the stadium. It's much more cheaper, and convenient. The neighborhoods are also safe, and I've never had any crazy incidents involving my car being vandalized. Other than that, enjoy the game, and Go Cats Go! : )

    Dee W.

    It's amazing how many NU fans/alumni are so amazingly supportive - the stands are almost always filled with purple and white. This is one of the nicer stadiums that I've been to - concession stands at almost every corner with different college organizations manning them. Food is decent - we kinda fell in love with their stuffed pretzals (jalapeno and cheese or pizza stuffed). The Terrace is really nice and is open to all - they had some kiddie games going on up there, free graffiti drawings that could be downloaded to your cell phone as a screensaver, a buffet meal which was only $12 compared to eating concession food (probably a better deal), and US Cellular was there putting free engraving on people's cell phones. Overall, a really nice stadium - love that there is free parking and free shuttles all over the place and my only wish is that Northwestern had a better football team!

    First time Western Illinois plays here. Same school colors and Fitz moved to the other sideline. Confusing.
    Rohan D.

    I've been coming here since before I was a graduate student at Northwestern, I saw Melissa Ethridge perform here when it was Dyche Stadium which still appeals to my sometimes immature sense of humor. When I was a graduate student here the 'Cats were still setting the NCAA record for consecutive losing seasons, but in a Japanese language class a large muscular White student (defensive lineman) said, in excellent Japanese, "The Wildcats will go to the Rose Bowl, we've got a new coach." The Japanese language professor couldn't stop laughing and assumed that the student meant to say something else, but he stood his ground and I think the whole class remembered him a couple years later when Pat Fitzgerald captained the former doormats of the Big10 to Pasadena. I've been a season ticket holder since those days, and now younger football fans don't realize how bad Northwestern was for how long, but the vestigial traits still palpable at Ryan Field are that this is the only Big 10 football stadium filled on game day with lots of people who don't know how to behave at a college football game. First off, almost everyone is sober, and lots of people bring children. One of the repeat season ticket holders in my section reads during the game, usually some serious literature or drama. That's all fine and good, but the annoying thing is, there are a lot of people who stand up and block view of the game in the middle of plays. It's common enough that some games I miss half the third downs. I'm not talking about the plays where everyone stands out of excitement. I mean clueless people not paying attention to the game who get up to look at something not on the field, or to go to the restrooms, or whatever, but right in the middle of game play. And the ushers not only don't do anything about it, they may contribute to the problem. The concessions choices are limited, but staffed by students and other volunteers using some of the proceeds for charity or some student organization or both. The logistics aren't professional, they often run out of hot coffee and hot chocolate on cold days, don't have enough hot dogs on busy days (there should be no surprise that Michigan fans fill up the stadium when the Wolverines come to town), and the souvenir stands have only a small fraction of the nice school logo clothing available at the student union or bookstore, they always seem overwhelmed after exciting wins (as if they always plan for losing seasons). Security is very professional, but a lot of them are Northwestern police officers so that makes sense. The games themselves are a sports bargain, since the surprise '94-'95 teams Northwestern has developed from the doormat of the Big10 to perennial spoilers, somehow competitive while hampered by high academic standards, very unpredictable; often losing to worse teams and just as often beating better teams. I'm proud to see how many of our football players not only graduate (highest in the Big10), but graduate with real degrees, and sometimes graduate degrees (5th year seniors using all of their eligibility). The Northwestern University Marching Band is smaller than any other Big10 marching band, but as talented as any of them, as befits an elite music program. The best transportation strategy is the train if you're local, or a bike ride through the Evanston-Skokie sculpture park if weather allows. If you're coming from out of town, for poorly attended games there's adequate private lot parking, very limited parking in residential streets, but for typical games park downtown Evanston and take a bus shuttle in, or walk. Restaurants right by here on Central get overwhelmed game day, consider eating earlier downtown or a little farther out like at Sarkis or New York Bagel and Bialys.

    Mmm.   Goose Island Beer.  Free in beer garden prior to game.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Ryan Field

    Looking to do a stadium workout and climb the stairs. Is that possible here?

    I've gotten in when it's closed but I think it's because the gates were open for clean up or repair work. I think it's often not secured during the day but not on a regular basis.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Ryan Field

    Iconic old school stadium and great when fans from other universities visit Northwestern.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

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    Martin Stadium

    Martin Stadium

    (3 reviews)

    We came here for the very first Chicago Red Stars game. They will be here permanently (?) starting…read morenext season. We were told a shuttle bus would take us to the stadium from the Central Station Purple Line. Even after being picked up and dropped off, it was a 5-8 minute walk to the stadium. There was signage to show us where to go, otherwise we just followed people around us. The directions are to get off at Noyes and walk 20 minutes. I wonder if shuttles will be available during the regular season. Of course the residential/campus areas were swamped with cars so walking is probably better. We got through security no problem, no hassles, but they should have more gates and detectors if they are going to have games here! There were food trucks and booths with alcohol, merch tents, Porto Potties (heck no!) and tents selling food that was of course overpriced. It was a very nice day, cloudy with sun and dry; I can IMAGINE what it's like when it rains! NO indoor spaces to buy food, except a couple of huge tents? I was expecting a Soldier Field/Wrigley field structure where one can move to seats and stay inside but really stacked bleachers. The food trucks were ok but food was not super hot. The field had timers and score boards but not facing south, where we sat. We had to crane to see the score. There should be scoreboards on all sides. We found some indoor restrooms at half time thank goodness, and they were clean. Instead of going back to the seats we walked around and bought more concessions in the patio area. A medical company was giving away prizes, and we were able to see the scores on a big tv (Stars won!) plus there was a play area for kids. The lake view was very nice, I'm glad the Stars are pushing the lakefront attribute, but I can't say I would look forward to coming here regularly, esp as the weather becomes very hot or very cold, as there is no protection from the elements.

    Honestly for a temporary stadium, you can't beat this venue! The location is beautiful - right on…read morethe water and you can see the Chicago skyline on a clear day. Everything ran smoothly (again keeping a temporary situation in mind) and they still ran a good concessions business. Excited for the new stadium but definitely worth coming to a game while they're still playing at Martin Stadium!

    Skatium Ice Arena

    Skatium Ice Arena

    (16 reviews)

    I used to go here when I was little. I thought ice skating would be like riding a bike. Nope...not…read moreat all! This was the first time my 6.5 year old son tried it and he was able to use a skate assistant sled. Unfortunately, the usage time is limited for others to use as well. And if a person didn't return theirs in the 20 minute slot, noone bothered going out to get it. So we patiently waited A few weeks later we go back here for a birthday party. I think we had an hour in the room and another hour on the rink. Not bad, but we felt rushed in the room eating & cake. Then, at the ice rink they had FOUR skate assistant sleds for us to use. Now, it's a party with about 20 kids, most of whom haven't skated before. So 'sharing' the sled was an issue. I asked someone that worked there if we could borrow more (because I know that had more & they weren't being used on the other side), but she said we are only allowed 4. Boo!

    I came here to try ice skating for the first time in 25 years. Open skating fees and skate rental…read morefees are comparable to other arenas in the area. But, the perk here is that they don't charge more for non-residents to skate, so if you're bringing non-local friends, they won't have to pay more than you (unlike Evanston and other skating rinks). I do wish that they had some sort of pass card though like Evanston and Wilmette rinks both offer. Their website is a bit dated and confusing, but I sent them a message on Facebook to confirm their public skate hours and they got back to me within minutes, which was nice. They also have skate sharpening, which I definitely need before I try skating again (but haven't used that service yet). The rink itself is nice. It wasn't too crowded when I went during the week a week before Christmas, and the skaters I did meet were friendly. The woman at the desk was helpful as well. I'll definitely come back.

    Joseph J Gentile Arena

    Joseph J Gentile Arena

    (6 reviews)

    Rogers Park

    Joseph J Gentile Arena is where you go to see some great college basketball action on the Loyola…read moreUniversity campus in Rogers Park. The venue holds around 5000 peeps for a game, so you can get great views from practically every seat. Amazingly my love and I were able to sit right behind the Loyola bench for a game this past season thanks to the hookup from one of my sports-friendly buds, so this was a thrilling experience to be practically part of the action. Besides the game itself, we got to see Sister Jean in person, and in Lego and bobblehead form in the public display area. Check out the memorabilia commemorating Loyola's NCAA men's basketball championship in 1963 and the stunning 2018 Final Four run by the Ramblers.

    Really glad this place got the face-lift and upgrade this arena deserves. Previously as noted by…read moreother Yelpers in the last 2000s, this place had a big high school gym and was out of date. I had my high school graduation here and it wasnt the most appealing of venues at the time. Most recently, Loylola has made several improvements and renovations across the Lake Shore campus. Definitely improved and quite beautiful for a "commuter" school. This arena is one of the greatest changes to the campus. Similar to other college basketball courts, the seats are right on top of the floor so you have a good seat wherever you are. The floor is beautiful in the maroon and gold. It has a good student section area that is right behind the Courtside seats. They have updated their big screens and monitors which are amazing for a Missouri Valley Conference school. They have bench seating as well as regular seats as well and it is comfortable compared to other places. Food in the stadium is fairly priced here with the typical nachos, hot dogs, and pizza. They do sell beer now at the arena as well. Overall it is a great arena that is always packed with loyal Loyola students and alumni on game day.

    Ryan Field - stadiumsarenas - Updated May 2026

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