Northwestern’s New Ryan Field

Cobra

former west banker
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/colleg...estern-football-new-ryan-field-stadium-review

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Of course it's not open yet so hard to say but looks more like a pro stadium. Makes me appreciate the approach taken with the Bank.
I do like the trend of new stadiums with the covered part over the stands. Helps some with the elements.
 

$860 million for a 35,000 seat stadium doesn’t seems like a good value. The amenities must be outstanding.

It looks to be loud with steep seating all around and a partial canopy to hold sound in.

Hopefully, they’ll release pics soon.
 

$860 million for a 35,000 seat stadium doesn’t seems like a good value. The amenities must be outstanding.

It looks to be loud with steep seating all around and a partial canopy to hold sound in.

Hopefully, they’ll release pics soon.
I'm guessing the amount of seats & footprint could be much larger without obscenely changing the price, its the chicagoland skilled labor, and rising material costs. Everything is insanely expensive compared to 10 years ago.
 




I didn't know, until just now, that Chip Kelly is with NW. This guy keeps finding jobs. Quitting UCLA when he did, probably saved his career.
 






$860 million for a 35,000 seat stadium doesn’t seems like a good value. The amenities must be outstanding.

It looks to be loud with steep seating all around and a partial canopy to hold sound in.

Hopefully, they’ll release pics soon.
Click on the link, I think it will explain a lot of the amenities, which indeed look to be outstanding. It's also set up for other type events that would have a high level of amenities. I could see a lot of big name bands booking there as it has the amenities of a high-end indoor arena with seating in between an arena and a staduim. Looking forward to seeing the Gophs play there.

 






Adjusted for inflation HBS is about 450 millionish
That may just be adjustment for consumer inflation rate, not the construction cost index rate. Using Mortenson Construction’s own data the adjusted construction cost now may be more like $620 million if I’m using the index correctly. So $850 million for a more enclosed stadium in a higher construction cost city with more premium features is understandable (though still eye opening).

In addition, that may include the cost of completely demolishing the previous stadium, which was not necessary for HBS/TCF. And there were a lot of noise and dust restrictions they had to follow in the middle of residential Evanston IL.

 


I know it isn't finished yet, but based on what I can see and read, I wouldn't trade ours for theirs.
I enjoy the Bank for various reasons. It compares very well to most CFB stadiums.

But Its much more than eye appeal. Do you like the extended roof feel or the open look of the Bank? What about other features?

There are many facets of stadium design that vary per site but its much more than eye appeal rather consideration of available concessions. bathrooms, parking, tailgate, etc. Also access to freeways and less traffic congestion.
 

think the more covered approach makes a lot of sense in Chicago/near the lake coupled with generally a smaller draw to help keep sound in and encourage home field advantage for football, as well as for use as a concert/event venue when not in use for football.

Think it fits NW very well. Think if we'd gone that route here, it may have added some "exclusivity" to being a STH compared to what we have now where people know there will be seats to buy for every game. Pros and cons to both sides with fan bases that know they're not going to be Michigan and OSU filling 80-100k on game day consistently
 

think the more covered approach makes a lot of sense in Chicago/near the lake coupled with generally a smaller draw to help keep sound in and encourage home field advantage for football, as well as for use as a concert/event venue when not in use for football.

Think it fits NW very well. Think if we'd gone that route here, it may have added some "exclusivity" to being a STH compared to what we have now where people know there will be seats to buy for every game. Pros and cons to both sides with fan bases that know they're not going to be Michigan and OSU filling 80-100k on game day consistently
Certainly for wind issues I agree with some level of coverage, if it mitigates the wind ... good choice.
 

think the more covered approach makes a lot of sense in Chicago/near the lake coupled with generally a smaller draw to help keep sound in and encourage home field advantage for football, as well as for use as a concert/event venue when not in use for football.

Think it fits NW very well. Think if we'd gone that route here, it may have added some "exclusivity" to being a STH compared to what we have now where people know there will be seats to buy for every game. Pros and cons to both sides with fan bases that know they're not going to be Michigan and OSU filling 80-100k on game day consistently
I think if Williams was ever replaced or refurbished they’d go this route and have a smaller arena
 

think the more covered approach makes a lot of sense in Chicago/near the lake coupled with generally a smaller draw to help keep sound in and encourage home field advantage for football, as well as for use as a concert/event venue when not in use for football.

Think it fits NW very well. Think if we'd gone that route here, it may have added some "exclusivity" to being a STH compared to what we have now where people know there will be seats to buy for every game. Pros and cons to both sides with fan bases that know they're not going to be Michigan and OSU filling 80-100k on game day consistently
Good point, that lake effect is a difference maker. I think from a design point for fan enjoyment, good choices were made. I do prefer our aethetic still, that classic brick identity, but the fan amenities will certainly be good. Regardless, it will be an upgrade over Ryan Field. The number of seats was a good move, too.

I can think of only one time when Ryan Field was completely full and it was a ranked game against Ohio State which was half filled by Buckeye fans. You can see a couple stadium shots showing that in the game on youtube.
 







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