As the Northwestern community looks toward Ryan Field’s reopening on Oct. 2, the North Shore community will be watching for a later date: Oct. 16.
On that day, Evanston Township High School and New Trier High School will face off at the stadium in the latest battle of their storied rivalry, the University and Ryan Sports Development announced Tuesday in a press conference at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
“In 143 days, Evanston will be competing with New Trier in Illinois’ greatest rivalry in college football’s greatest arena,” ETHS Athletic Director Chris Livatino said at the press conference.
The game’s relocation to Ryan Field is part of NU’s goal to center the Evanston community in its plans for the new stadium, Ryan Sports Development CEO Pat Ryan Jr. said.
After announcing the University’s intention to focus on the community last year, Ryan said he is excited for the vision to become a reality.
“We are proud to deliver on the new Ryan Field being the community asset that was promised, and we appreciate the trust and faith that the Evanston community showed in taking this at our word to deliver on these promises to make it a true community asset,” Ryan said at the press conference.
He thanked former Mayor Steve Hagerty for his support in securing the city’s approval for the stadium’s construction.
Hagerty founded Field of Opportunities, a group of Evanston residents who aimed to help revive the city after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Ryan.
Hagerty said in the press conference that he’s excited for the opening of the stadium. He compared the energy level he expects at the new Ryan Field to the atmosphere on campus during NU lacrosse’s national championship victory Sunday.
“We’re on the lake, and it was a temporary facility, and still, there was something in the air here in Evanston that’s a preview for what’s about to be in the air in Evanston over the next many years, once this new stadium is built,” Hagerty said.
Other attendees at the press conference shared this excitement. Many ETHS and New Trier football players said they were excited about the prospect of playing in a college stadium.
ETHS and New Trier’s rivalry on the gridiron dates back to 1913. Wildkit defensive tackle Joshua Olivier said it would “really mean something” to win the game at the new stadium.
“Every second of that game feels like you’re in the trenches of war,” Olivier said. “Going against them, you want to win every single rep.”
NU will also host other sports games between the two schools, including a basketball doubleheader at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Feb. 5, 2027. The Evanston Fellowship of Afro-American Men Basketball Tournament will also take place at Welsh-Ryan Arena in September.
Dave Davis, the University’s assistant vice president of neighborhood and community relations, said the community support for the project, exemplified by the attendance of both ETHS and New Trier players at the press conference, was a key step toward connecting the community to the stadium.
“We’re trying to build a legacy, and an institution is only deserving of that term — great — if we truly benefit the people, the neighbors, and the community that we serve,” Davis said.
Email: [email protected]
X: @YoniZacks
Related Stories:
— Ryan Field advisory council talks Transportation Management Plan
— Football: ‘Wildcat Wall’ to emulate European soccer supporter sections
— Football: Northwestern to start season at Martin Stadium, play Big Ten home opener at Ryan Field
