EVANSTON, IL — Northwestern University and the Turner-Walsh Joint Venture celebrated the topping out of the new Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois, marking the completion of the stadium’s structural phase and a major milestone in the project’s progress.
The ceremony, attended by more than 400 construction workers, university leaders, city officials, and members of the Ryan family, commemorated the installation of the final steel beam — signed by project team members, architects, engineers, and trade partners — representing the collective efforts of everyone involved in building the new stadium.
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, Northwestern’s Athletic Director Mark Jackson, and members of the Ryan family addressed the audience, recognizing the skilled workforce and the broader impact of the stadium’s construction.
“There’s never been anything like this in the history of college athletics, and it separates itself on so many different fronts,” Jackson said.
The Ryans, whose generosity and vision have driven the $850 million project, praised the workers and community leaders who made the project possible.
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“It’ll be the most intimate stadium in America,” said Pat Ryan Jr., CEO of Ryan Sports Development. “That’s because of the incredible engineering that went into it, but also the incredible craftsmanship.”
“We’re proud to celebrate this achievement alongside Northwestern, Walsh, the Ryan family, and the City of Evanston,” said Kate Van Zeyl, Vice President and General Manager, Turner Construction Company. “This milestone reflects not just the progress of a stadium, but the strength of a community working together to create opportunity, sustainability, and lasting impact.”
The new Ryan Field remains on track to open in 2026. Once complete, it will be one of the most accessible and sustainable stadiums in college sports, targeting LEED Gold certification and featuring community-oriented green spaces and public plazas.
