Founded in 1882 in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern Wildcats football blends academic pride with gritty Big Ten play. The Cats have captured multiple conference crowns, including 1995, 1996 and 2000, earned West Division titles in 2018 and 2020, and celebrated bowl victories like the 2013 Gator Bowl and 2021 Citrus Bowl. Legends such as quarterback Otto Graham and linebacker Pat Fitzgerald helped define the program, and the 1995 surge to the 1996 Rose Bowl with Darnell Autry still echoes across campus. Each fall, the Land of Lincoln showdown with Illinois adds state bragging rights to the stakes. Home Saturdays at Ryan Field feel close-knit and loud, with the Wildside student section leading 'Go U! Northwestern' while tailgates line Central Street. Expect purple everywhere, a resilient team, and a uniquely Evanston game day.

Northwestern Wildcats Football Stadium and Game Day Information

Ryan Field, Evanston, Illinois; during the stadium rebuild, select home games are played at alternate sites such as Wrigley Field in Chicago and SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
Capacity: Ryan Field seated 47,130 for football; the rebuilt Ryan Field is planned at approximately 35,000.
Parking: At Ryan Field, on-site lots are limited and typically require advance passes, with additional paid parking in designated campus lots on game days. For alternate venues, check host policies; public transit is often easiest, including CTA Purple Line or Metra UP-N to Central Street for Evanston and the CTA Red Line to Addison for Wrigley Field.
Nearby eats and attractions: Mustard's Last Stand and Bluestone on Central Street are easy walks; Ten Mile House and Temperance Beer Co. taproom are short rides in Evanston; stroll the Northwestern lakefront or visit the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette.

Frequently Asked Questions about Northwestern Wildcats Football Tickets & 2025 Schedule Details

How much are Northwestern Wildcats Football tickets?

No matter what you're looking to spend, Vivid Seats has tickets to fit your budget. Currently, Northwestern tickets start at $10, with an average price of $49. Prices vary by opponent, date, seat location, and game type (regular season, rivalry, bowl games, playoffs). All Northwestern tickets are backed by the Vivid Seats 100% Buyer Guarantee.

Where do the Northwestern play?

The Northwestern play home games at Ryan Field.

Can I buy parking passes for Northwestern Wildcats Football games?

Vivid Seats has Northwestern Wildcats Football parking tickets for Northwestern Wildcats Football home games at Ryan Field.

What are the most in-demand Northwestern Wildcats Football games in recent history?

There's been no shortage of memorable Northwestern games. Here are some of the most in-demand games and opponents in recent seasons, according to average sold price.

on September 03, 2021
Northwestern vs. Ohio State on November 05, 2022
Northwestern vs. Iowa on November 06, 2021

When do Northwestern Wildcats Football tickets go on sale each year?

Regular-season tickets typically become available after the NCAA Football schedule is released, typically in the summer. Check back often as inventory updates throughout the season.

Can I buy suite tickets for Northwestern Wildcats Football home games at Ryan Field?

Yes, Northwestern Wildcats Football suite tickets are often available for Northwestern Wildcats Football home games at Ryan Field, although availability varies by matchup and demand. Select your game, then use the map and filters to view suites, club, or box listings.

What do suites and club seats include at Ryan Field for Northwestern Wildcats Football games?

Amenities vary by listing, but suites and clubs at Ryan Field commonly include private entry, luxurious seating, TVs, Wi-Fi, and a private restroom. Review each listing’s notes for seat quantity, parking passes, and food and beverage details before checkout.

When do Northwestern Wildcats Football playoff tickets go on sale?

>p>Northwestern Wildcats Football postseason tickets become available on Vivid Seats once official bowl or playoff matchups are announced. Inventory updates as teams qualify, so check back often for the latest options.

Is Vivid Seats legit for Northwestern Wildcats Football tickets?

Yes! Vivid Seats is a trusted ticket marketplace used by over 100 million fans. When you buy Northwestern Wildcats Football tickets on Vivid Seats, every order is backed by our 100% Buyer Guarantee. That means your purchase is safe, your tickets will arrive before the event, and they'll be valid or your money back.

Are tickets guaranteed on Vivid Seats?

Absolutely. Every Northwestern Wildcats Football ticket sold on Vivid Seats comes with our 100% Buyer Guarantee, which ensures:

Your transaction will be secure.
Your tickets will be delivered before your event.
Your tickets will be valid and authentic or your money back.

Our mission is to make buying Northwestern tickets stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your event.

Are fees included in the price I see on Vivid Seats?

Vivid Seats uses All-In Pricing, so you'll see the full cost of a Northwestern ticket, including fees, upfront as you shop. No surprises at checkout.

Will my group be seated together?

Yes, we guarantee that tickets purchased together will be together, unless otherwise noted in the listing.

What happens if my event is canceled or postponed?

If your event is canceled, you'll receive a full refund. If an event has been postponed or rescheduled, rest assured that your tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date. For some rescheduled events, the primary source of the tickets will reissue all previously purchased tickets with new bar codes. If this occurs, the seller will notify us, and we will deliver new tickets to you and remind you to discard your old tickets.

Does Vivid Seats have a rewards program?

Yes! Vivid Seats offers a leading ticket loyalty program: Vivid Seats Rewards. Fans earn credit on every purchase, which can be redeemed for future tickets. The more events you attend, the more perks you can unlock:

A free 11th ticket after 10 purchases
Birthday rewards
Seat upgrades and VIP parties
Exclusive experiences like on-ice or on-field passes to your favorite team

What are the best seats at Ryan Field for Northwestern games?

The best seats at Ryan Field for Northwestern games are typically near midfield in the lower bowl. Fans looking for value often prefer upper-level seats between the 30-yard lines for a full-field view and lively crowd atmosphere.

How can I watch the Northwestern Wildcats Football?

NCAA football games air across ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and each conference’s dedicated network (like SEC Network or Big Ten Network). Streaming options may also be available via ESPN+ or Peacock.

What time do doors open for Northwestern Wildcats Football home games?

Gates for Northwestern Wildcats Football games typically open 90 minutes to 2 hours before kickoff.

Northwestern Wildcats Football Schedule and Ticket Prices

Northwestern Wildcats Football Dates will be displayed below for any announced 2025 Northwestern Wildcats Football dates. For all available tickets and to find events near you, scroll to the listings at the top of this page.

DATE	CITY	VENUE	LOWEST PRICE
09/01/2026	Columbus, OH	Ohio Stadium	$144
09/02/2026	Bloomington, IN	Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium	$155
09/03/2026	East Lansing, MI	Spartan Stadium-MI	$379
09/03/2026	Eugene, OR	Autzen Stadium	$111
09/06/2026	Minneapolis, MN	Huntington Bank Stadium	$170