Northwestern Wildcats vs. Rutgers 

The Northwestern Wildcats are set to face Rutgers in a football game on Saturday, October 24, with kickoff at 11 a.m. and an expected crowd larger than the Ball State football game. Residents, businesses, and visitors in the surrounding area should plan for increased traffic, pedestrian activity, noise, and parking demand throughout the morning and afternoon.

The City strongly encourages attendees to use public transportation whenever possible to help reduce traffic congestion and make travel to and from the event more convenient.

• Ryan Field has partnered with Metra and the CTA; the City encourages fans to use public transportation to get to Ryan Field. Enjoy free Metra rides to and from the game with your game-day ticket in the Ryan Field app!

Easily access New Ryan Field all within a short walk: 

• Metra Union Pacific North Line
• CTA Purple Line
• CTA Bus 201
• CTA offers free train fare after the game for safe and swift travel home.

Expect Increased Traffic & Parking Demand

With thousands of people traveling to the stadium, vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be heavier than normal, particularly in the hours leading up to and following the game.

• District 6 parking restrictions will be in effect two hours before the event and remain in effect for one hour after the event concludes. Vehicles parked in restricted neighborhood areas may receive a ticket. The fine for such citations is $125.
  
  
• “Tow Zone” signs supersede all other signage and restrictions
  
  
• City parking garages are available for visitors looking for additional parking options:
  
  
  • 525 Church Street
  • 1800 Maple Avenue
  • 821 Davis Street
• Parking reservations at City garages can be made through SpotHero.
  
  
• Additional Parking will be available at the following locations:
  
  
  • Endeavor Hospital Lot
  • Northwestern North Lot
  • 2100 Ridge Ave. (Civic Center)
    - ADA Parking is available at the Civic Center (2100 Ridge) lot
  • 2300-2600 Poplar
• Tailgating is not permitted inside City parking garages.
  
  
• Residents should allow additional time when traveling through the stadium area and consider potential delays.
  
  
• Ryan Field Parking Update for game day: Long Field will no longer be available for parking. More info. 

Road closures, traffic management, and turn restrictions on major thoroughfares surrounding Ryan Field will begin at 9 a.m. to facilitate traffic flow. Towed vehicles will be taken to North Shore Towing.

The following are tow zones:

• Central Street: Expect heavy delays and increased pedestrian traffic along the Central Street corridor throughout the morning and afternoon.
• Asbury Avenue (Isabella Street to Central Street): Local traffic and resident parking restrictions will be active. Additional turn restrictions and signage are deployed to prevent unauthorized event parking while preserving resident access.
• Poplar Avenue: Traffic control measures will be in place to manage neighborhood access and limit cut-through traffic heading toward the stadium.
• Isabella Street: District 6 parking restrictions will be strictly enforced along key blocks to maintain emergency vehicle clearance and smooth traffic flow.
• East side of Jackson from Central to Lincoln
• Lincoln Street

Stadium Activity

Attendees will begin to arrive as early as 9 a.m.

Rideshare:
Pick-up location is located at Haven Middle School, 2417 Prairie Ave., Evanston, IL 60201

Shuttle Service:
Shuttles will pick up passengers from the downtown garages and the Civic Center lot.

Additional ADA Parking:
The Civic Center lot will be designated for additional ADA parking, with ADA-equipped shuttles making regular rounds to accommodate those parking there.

Game Day Run-of-Show

• 7:30 a.m. Parking lots and garages open
  Shuttle service begins
• 9 a.m. The Great Chicago Food Festival
  Brunch Edition
• 11 a.m. Kickoff

Ryan Field has released a "Know Before You Go" webpage. Please note that this webpage is being updated and information is subject to change. 

Expect Increased Noise

Residents near Ryan Field should be prepared for additional noise throughout the day.

• In addition to the game itself, residents may hear increased announcements, music, crowd noise, and other stadium-related activity.
  
  
• Ryan Field staff will actively work to clear the venue and surrounding neighborhood after the game, though residents should expect ongoing vehicular and pedestrian traffic for up to two hours.

Planning Ahead

If you live, work, or plan to travel near Ryan Field on Saturday, expect the area around the stadium to be busier than usual. If possible, avoid the area beginning at 9 a.m. 

To help things go smoothly:

• Allow extra travel time
  
  
• Walk, bike, or take public transportation when you can
  
  
• If you're driving, park in a City garage and reserve a space in advance through SpotHero
  
  
• Follow posted parking restrictions and directions from public safety personnel

Questions About Ryan Field: Opt-in to Text Alerts

• For questions or concerns related to game-day operations at Ryan Field, contact info@newryanfield.com.
  
  
• Opt in to receive text alerts from Ryan Field
  
  
• Download the Ryan Field app on Google Play or the Apple Store. 

311 Center

The 311 Center will be open. 

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

For more information, call/text 847-448-4311 or simply dial 3-1-1 while in Evanston.