What should happen with Ryan Field?
by Bill Smith
December 28, 2022
A rendering of the planned new Ryan Field.
Northwestern University’s plans to rebuild Ryan Field are sure to be one of the top stories of 2023. Today we’re asking our readers what the outcome should be — what your views are about six possible options. Some options may be highly improbable — but we think it’s worth knowing where Evansto
nians are coming from on the issue as the university’s effort to win City Council approval for the project unfolds.
Ryan Field survey
Build it in Arlington Heights or Chicago -- anywhere but in Evanston.The revenue is not worth the headaches. Strongly oppose Oppose Neutral Favor Strongly favor
No stadium. Eliminate the football programFootball is too risky for players' health. Strongly oppose Oppose Neutral Favor Strongly favor
Build the stadium on the main NU campus on the Evanston lakefront.Shift the parking, traffic and other problems to a different residential neighborhood. Strongly oppose Oppose Neutral Favor Strongly favor
Build the stadium on the current site, but ...don't permit concerts under any circumstances. Strongly oppose Oppose Neutral Favor Strongly favor
Build the stadium on the current site, but ...permit concerts only if NU makes a giant new annual payment in lieu of taxes to the city -- in addition to the normal tax revenue the city would get from any stadium events. Strongly oppose Oppose Neutral Favor Strongly favor
Build the stadium on the current site -- and bring on the concerts!Parking, traffic and other issues are manageable -- and Evanston needs more entertainment events. Strongly oppose Oppose Neutral Favor Strongly favor