Northwestern University Ryan Field
Transforming Tradition Through Investment and Community Impact
The Challenge
Founded in 1851, Northwestern University is a leading research institution with a proud legacy of academic and athletic excellence. In 2021, Northwestern alumni Patrick G. Ryan and Shirley W. Ryan made the largest philanthropic commitment in the university’s history to fuel innovation across disciplines and reimagine one of its most iconic landmarks—Ryan Field. The multi-year rebuild aims to create a state-of-the-art venue that will serve as both the home of Wildcats football and a modern community gathering space.
How We Helped
Northwestern University partnered with Tripp Umbach to conduct a comprehensive economic impact study for the Ryan Field Rebuild project. The analysis measured the direct, indirect, and induced economic and employment impacts of construction and long-term operations, as well as associated tax revenues for Cook and Lake Counties and the City of Evanston. Tripp Umbach also collaborated with Northwestern’s Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations to lead listening sessions, ensuring that community voices and priorities informed the project’s design and execution.
Tripp Umbach’s findings demonstrate that construction of the new Ryan Field will generate $1.3 billion in total economic impact in Cook and Lake Counties and support 5,942 jobs. Within the City of Evanston, construction alone will contribute $659 million in impact and 2,924 jobs.
Post-construction, the stadium’s enhanced game-day experience and expanded event programming will continue to boost the local economy. Annual football-related economic activity in Evanston is projected to grow from $50.4 million in 2021 to $65 million by 2031, with concerts and special events contributing an additional $35 million per year. Tax revenues tied to stadium-based events are expected to increase from $1.4 million to more than $5 million annually over the same period.
Fueled by the Ryans’ transformational gift, the new Ryan Field will stand as a model for modern collegiate venues—merging innovation, sustainability, and community benefit into a single landmark that strengthens both Northwestern and the broader Evanston