BOOK YOUR TRIP
↗ All bookings completed on partner sites · Affiliate links at no extra cost to you
S
THE SCHEDULE
2026 Northwestern football
▶ NEXT GAME
South Dakota State
HOMEWeek 1
Sat, Sep 5
TBD
Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium
⚡ Hotels fill fast for season openers
💡 TRIP PLANNING TIP
Book Early for Big Games
Hotels and parking near Ryan Field sell out weeks before rivalry and conference games. Lock in your plans as soon as the schedule drops — prices only go up closer to kickoff.
👕
Northwestern Gear
Jerseys, hats, and gameday essentials from Fanatics
→
★
THE SCENE
Gameday guide · Ryan Field
The Ryan Field
Experience
STADIUM GUIDE
The Full Stadium Experience
Stadium guide, tailgate culture, atmosphere, seating, transit, and traditions — everything before you arrive.
→
BOOK YOUR TRIP
Everything you need. One place.
T
THE SEATS
Tickets for Northwestern football
Find the best seat
for less.
Prices drop 24–48 hours before kickoff on the secondary market — or buy early for peace of mind. Either way, here's where to look.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
🎟 Avg ticket price: $85–$140 · Prices typically rise in the 7 days before kickoffAlso Available
TicketNetwork
100% money-back guarantee · Good alternative inventory
⏱
TIMING TIP
When to Buy for Northwestern
Rivalry games and marquee matchups sell out months in advance — buy early. For non-conference home games, prices drop significantly in the final 48 hours. Conference championship weekends: buy immediately when schedules release.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
H
THE STAY
Hotels near Ryan Field
The full gameday.
Not just the game.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
EDITOR'S PICK
Hilton Orrington/Evanston
Near Ryan Field · 1.5 miles (5-minute drive)
From $199/night
This downtown Evanston landmark offers upscale rooms, walkable restaurants, and easy CTA access to the stadium.
Check Availability →✓ Verified by GameDay GatePass editors
BEST VALUE
Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston
Campus Area · 1.8 miles (7-minute drive)
From $129/night
A modern extended-stay option with suite-style rooms and complimentary breakfast, ideal for families visiting on game weekends.
Check Availability →FAN FAVORITE
Holiday Inn Chicago North-Evanston
Downtown Evanston · 2.5 miles (10-minute drive)
From $129/night
A reliable budget-friendly choice just south of Evanston with free parking and easy access to both the stadium and downtown Chicago.
Check Availability →🔒 Book directly on Expedia✓ Free cancellation on most Expedia hotels↗ Prices and availability from Expedia
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
✈
THE FLIGHT
Fly into Evanston
Get there.
Game day starts at the gate.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Best Value
Expedia · Flight + Hotel Bundle
Book Flights + Hotel Together
Save more when you bundle flights and hotel for the game. Expedia's package deals include hundreds of airlines and hotels near Ryan Field.
✓ Hundreds of airlines✓ Hotels bundled in✓ One checkout
Search Flight + Hotel Bundles →✓ Verified by GameDay GatePass editors
Kiwi · Flights Only
Flights Only
Search hundreds of airlines for the best fares to Evanston. Kiwi finds deals Expedia doesn't always show.
✓ 700+ airlines✓ Flexible dates✓ Price alerts
Search Flights on Kiwi →Affiliate links — we may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
P
THE LOT
Parking near Ryan Field
Park smart.
Arrive easy.
Pre-booking saves money and stress. Lock in a spot near Ryan Field before kickoff — lots fill fast on game day.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
🅿️ Gameday lots near major stadiums typically sell out by Thursday — reserve your spot early.
🅿️
MOST POPULAR
SpotHero
Compare hundreds of lots near the stadium. Reserve in seconds, pay less than gate prices. Most popular with fans.
Book 2–3 days out for best rates
🔒 Reserve directly on SpotHero✓ Guaranteed spot via SpotHero
⏱
Pro Timing Tip
Arrive 2–3 hours before kickoff to avoid traffic gridlock. Lots near Ryan Field can take 30–45 min to clear postgame — plan accordingly or wait it out nearby.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
◆
THE EATS
Restaurants & bars near Ryan Field
Restaurants & Bars
Near the stadium.
The best game day experience starts before kickoff. Here are the top spots near Ryan Field for food, drinks, and pregame energy.
🍺
WALKING DISTANCE
Pregame Bars
The best bars within walking distance of the stadium — packed crowds and great atmosphere on game day.
Coming Soon
🍔
RESERVE AHEAD
Local Restaurants
Sit-down spots near the stadium for a proper meal before the game. Reserve ahead — they fill up fast on game day.
Coming Soon
🌮
OPEN LATE
Postgame Eats
Where fans head after the final whistle. Open late, built for crowds, and worth the wait.
Coming Soon
💡
Insider Tip
Restaurants within a mile of Ryan Field add extra staff and extend hours on home game days. Arrive early or make a reservation — walk-in waits can hit 45+ minutes by kickoff.
F
Fan Submitted
THE FEED
Real fans. Real experiences.
G
Official Gear
THE GEAR
Similar Atmospheres
If you liked Ryan Field,
try these.
Rivalry Games
Northwestern Rival Team Guides
Big Ten