Northwestern's New Stadium Delay: The Wait Will Have to Continue for Ryan Field
When Northwestern University announced the long-awaited opening of its new Ryan Field, scheduled for October 2nd against Penn State, the excitement was palpable. However, a recent report by the Sun-Times revealed that the $862 million stadium project won't be ready for the season opener against South Dakota State on September 5th or the next home game against Colorado on September 19th.
Athletic Director Mark Jackson confirmed that both games will be played at the temporary lakefront stadium used for football last two seasons. The Big Ten home opener against Penn State, scheduled for October 2nd, is expected to mark a major milestone in Northwestern's history as it marks the centennial of the first game held at Ryan Field back in 1926.
While Jackson acknowledged that some fans might be disappointed by having to wait an extra two weeks, he maintained that the delay was necessary to ensure everything was perfect. "We're going to open new Ryan Field on Friday night, October 2nd, on a national platform with Fox," he said.
The new stadium promises pristine sight lines and a state-of-the-art design, which should make it one of the best venues in college football. Jackson envisions a sold-out crowd at the Penn State game, clad in purple, cheering on their Wildcats. However, some fans might feel that the excitement has been dampened by the delay.
The temporary stadium, built by former coach Pat Fitzgerald's brainchild, is expected to be torn down once the new Ryan Field is completed. The old stadium will make way for women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, football practices, and potentially other teams.
As Northwestern continues to gain momentum under coach David Braun and his recent staff additions, including Chip Kelly, the $862 million investment in a new stadium cannot be overstated. However, the delay will undoubtedly leave some fans feeling underwhelmed by the late start to the season.
The wait may prove worth it, though, as the new Ryan Field promises to deliver an unparalleled experience for Northwestern fans and football enthusiasts alike. When finally opened on October 2nd, Ryan Field is expected to shine in all its glory, leaving everyone wondering how they ever settled for a temporary home.
When Northwestern University announced the long-awaited opening of its new Ryan Field, scheduled for October 2nd against Penn State, the excitement was palpable. However, a recent report by the Sun-Times revealed that the $862 million stadium project won't be ready for the season opener against South Dakota State on September 5th or the next home game against Colorado on September 19th.
Athletic Director Mark Jackson confirmed that both games will be played at the temporary lakefront stadium used for football last two seasons. The Big Ten home opener against Penn State, scheduled for October 2nd, is expected to mark a major milestone in Northwestern's history as it marks the centennial of the first game held at Ryan Field back in 1926.
While Jackson acknowledged that some fans might be disappointed by having to wait an extra two weeks, he maintained that the delay was necessary to ensure everything was perfect. "We're going to open new Ryan Field on Friday night, October 2nd, on a national platform with Fox," he said.
The new stadium promises pristine sight lines and a state-of-the-art design, which should make it one of the best venues in college football. Jackson envisions a sold-out crowd at the Penn State game, clad in purple, cheering on their Wildcats. However, some fans might feel that the excitement has been dampened by the delay.
The temporary stadium, built by former coach Pat Fitzgerald's brainchild, is expected to be torn down once the new Ryan Field is completed. The old stadium will make way for women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, football practices, and potentially other teams.
As Northwestern continues to gain momentum under coach David Braun and his recent staff additions, including Chip Kelly, the $862 million investment in a new stadium cannot be overstated. However, the delay will undoubtedly leave some fans feeling underwhelmed by the late start to the season.
The wait may prove worth it, though, as the new Ryan Field promises to deliver an unparalleled experience for Northwestern fans and football enthusiasts alike. When finally opened on October 2nd, Ryan Field is expected to shine in all its glory, leaving everyone wondering how they ever settled for a temporary home.
like whats the point of havin it open on october 2nd if we cant even play the first game till 3 weeks later? 
can't they jus finish the project already? 
, but what if some of that cash ends up fundin' some shady initiatives? Maybe they're usin' the $862 million to further their own interests rather than just buildin' a state-of-the-art stadium 
... And have you noticed how Chip Kelly, the new coach, is involved in all this? It's like he's tryin' to pull somethin' over on us 
... I'm not sayin' there's nothin' wrong with the stadium, but I think we should keep an eye out for any suspicious activity 
... What if this delay is just a smokescreen?
I was literally counting down the days until the new stadium opens and now it's gonna be two weeks later? September 5th vs Penn State already feels like a letdown 
and then the Colorado game gets pushed back too?!?! It's like they're just messing with us... "perfect" schmfect 
Still can't wait tho, that stadium is gonna be SICK! 