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NU Marching Band to skip pregame show at Ryan Field opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 2, 2026, 10:05 PM

Last updated Oct 2, 2026

NU Marching Band to skip pregame show at Ryan Field opener

Summary

The Northwestern University Marching Band will not perform a pregame show during the inaugural football game at Ryan Field on October 2, 2026. Instead, the band will perform at 'The Great Chicago Food Festival', raising concerns among alumni and fans about the future of marching band traditions at NU. Alumni expressed disappointment over the sidelining of such a significant tradition, and a statement from the university clarified that the band will perform in future home games. The statement highlighted the marching band as a cherished part of NU's football culture and addressed concerns about its absence in light of new management of the pregame show.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•NU Marching Band will not play at Ryan Field's inaugural game.
•Band performance replaced by an event at The Great Chicago Food Festival.
•Alumni express strong concern over the change in tradition.
•University confirms band will perform at future home games.
•Opening game is a sellout at the new $875 million stadium.

Latest Updates

10:05 PMYahoo Sports — NU marching band will not play pregame show at inaugural game in new stadium, drawing concern from fans, alums

What they're saying

"
The Northwestern University Marching Band will not play a pregame show before the inaugural football game at NU’s new, $875 million Ryan Field Friday, a decision that raised anxiety for community members who feared the absence would become permanent. Related Articles Aneyas Williams and Notre Dame — with lawnmower celebration flap in the past — look for run game to blossom Big Ten football ...
— Yahoo Sports

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