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Northwestern hosts Penn State in inaugural game at new Ryan Field

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 5:34 AM

Last updated Oct 3, 2026

Northwestern hosts Penn State in inaugural game at new Ryan Field

Summary

The Northwestern Wildcats officially opened the $875 million Ryan Field on October 2, 2026, hosting the Penn State Nittany Lions in the first game at the new stadium. This venue replaces Northwestern's century-old facility and features a reduced capacity of 35,000, modern amenities, and enhanced sightlines. The opening came with an electric pregame show, drawing mixed reactions from the crowd. Some fans celebrated the new design, while others lamented the loss of the historic old stadium. The Wildcats secured a 34-13 victory in their first game at the new location.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Northwestern opened Ryan Field on October 2, 2026.
•The stadium cost $875 million to construct.
•Capacity has been reduced from 47,000 to 35,000.
•The Wildcats beat the Nittany Lions 34-13.
•The stadium features two large video boards and 200,000 square feet of event space.

Latest Updates

5:34 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Mind-Blowing,’ ‘Coolest Stadium in America’ — Heisman Winner, CFB World Stunned by Northwestern’s New $875M Ryan Field

What they're saying

"
The Northwestern Wildcats officially opened their brand-new $875 million Ryan Field this week, hosting the Penn State Nittany Lions in the first game at the new stadium. It marks a new chapter for the program, with a venue designed to offer fans a different kind of college football experience.
— Yahoo Sports

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