The Wildcats are getting a brand-new home, and they’re planning to break it in with a bang.
After nearly three years of construction and anticipation, Northwestern’s long-awaited new Ryan Field is finally set to open its gates this fall. But fans hoping to see it in action Week 1 will have to wait just a little longer. The stadium won’t be ready for the season opener, but the payoff comes in Week 5 - and it’s a big one.
Northwestern will officially christen the new Ryan Field on Friday, October 2, when it hosts Penn State in its Big Ten home opener. That’s right - the Wildcats are going prime time under the lights, welcoming one of the conference’s powerhouses in a matchup that already carries some extra heat.
If you remember, Northwestern pulled off a stunning 25-21 upset over the Nittany Lions last season. Now, the rematch has a spotlight and a brand-new setting.
Athletic Director Mark Jackson called the debut of the new stadium “a defining moment” for the program, and it’s hard to argue with that. The $800 million-plus project isn’t just about concrete and steel - it’s a statement. It’s about Northwestern doubling down on its commitment to football excellence, both on the field and in the fan experience.
“The opener against Penn State, presented by FOX Sports, provides us with an extraordinary stage to showcase the incredible stadium and the culture that head coach David Braun has established,” Jackson said in a statement. “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’s lofty praise, but it reflects the level of ambition behind the project. And according to Pat Ryan Jr., CEO of Ryan Sports Development - the namesake behind the stadium - the construction team has been working through some tough weather to make sure the stadium is ready for its big moment.
“We are incredibly appreciative of our remarkable workers, subcontractors, and our partners at Central Street Consortium,” Ryan said. “Despite the unexpected number of weather days, we’re on track to deliver Ryan Field on time.”
He also gave a nod to Evanston residents who’ve had to deal with the noise and traffic of a major construction site in their neighborhood. Their patience, he said, hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Meanwhile, for fans looking to lock in their seats for this new chapter in Northwestern football, the process is already underway. Season ticket holders - both returning and new - are being guided through seat selection by dedicated representatives. It’s a fresh start, and the university is making it as smooth as possible for supporters to find their place in the new venue.
There’s still more to come - more details, more features, more behind-the-scenes looks at what promises to be one of college football’s most modern stadiums. But for now, the date is circled: October 2.
New stadium. Big Ten opponent.
National spotlight.
Here’s how the full 2026 schedule shapes up for the Wildcats:
Northwestern 2026 Football Schedule
- Sat., Sept. 5 - vs. South Dakota State (Evanston, Ill. - Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium)
- Sat., Sept. 12 - OFF
- Sat., Sept. 19 - vs. Colorado (Evanston, Ill. - Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium)
- Sat., Sept. 26 - at Indiana (Bloomington, Ind.)
- Fri., Oct. 2 - vs.
Penn State (New Ryan Field - Evanston, Ill.)
- Sat., Oct. 10 - vs.
Ball State (Homecoming - New Ryan Field)
- Sat., Oct. 17 - at Michigan State (East Lansing, Mich.)
- Sat., Oct. 24 - vs. Rutgers (Family Weekend - New Ryan Field)
- Sat., Oct. 31 - at Oregon (Eugene, Ore.)
- Sat., Nov. 7 - vs.
Iowa (New Ryan Field)
- Sat., Nov. 14 - at Ohio State (Columbus, Ohio)
- Sat., Nov. 21 - at Minnesota (Minneapolis, Minn.)
- Sat., Nov. 28 - vs.
Illinois (Senior Day - New Ryan Field)
Six home games. Four of them at the brand-new Ryan Field. And plenty of opportunities for Northwestern to make a statement in a loaded Big Ten slate.
The countdown is officially on.