Northwestern

Wildcats

Win the Weekend

Heading to Evanston, Illinois for a gameday? Dive into our breakdown of what you should do for your upcoming trip.

Set sail for Evanston, home of the Northwestern Wildcats! Established in 1851, Northwestern University is nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering stunning views that can rival any campus in the country. Don’t forget to drop by the historic Deering Library with its English Gothic style architecture that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. For a rip-roaring night out, Chicago’s just a hop, skip and an “L” ride away, but Evanston holds its own with the lively stretch of bars and restaurants on Clark Street.

Gameday

Northwestern football, founded in 1882, has seen peaks and valleys but the Wildcats have clawed their way to respectability.

Ticketing

Every time you use our Ticketmaster, StubHub or TickPick direct links, it’s like tossing a high-five our way with no additional charge for you. You get in the game, and we keep the lights on. It’s a win-win!

Ticketing 101

Like all sporting events, we encourage you to research your seats on a view from my seat.

If you’re a Wildcats’ fan or neutral attendee, tickets on the (FILL) are best.

Visitors

The Visitor Section fluctuates between (FILL).

Our Ticketing Partners

Finding the right seats at the right price can feel like a game all its own, but we’ve got you covered. We proudly recommend Tick Pick for quick pricing transparency and StubHub for their large inventory.

Parking

Parking 101

Tailgate Traditions

Tailgating 101

The Stadium

Stadium History

Ryan Field, where the Wildcats duke it out, has been the battleground for Northwestern football since 1926. Notoriously known as the “Windy City’s Big Ten Team,” it’s seen some wild games, including the 1995 victory over Notre Dame that marked the beginning of the “Rose Bowl Run.” After a $260 million athletic facility upgrade in 2018, including the Ryan Fieldhouse and Walter Athletics Center, the Wildcats have a state-of-the-art venue to match their on-field ambitions.

Best Stadium Spots

Best Stadium Food & Drink

What to Watch For

Eat, Drink, Stay

Lodging

We keep this show on the road via affiliate partnerships. We’re grateful when you use our links during booking, and there’s no additional cost to you. It’s kinda like buying us a free round of beers. Cheers!

Freshman Budget

When your bank account screams ramen noodles, but your squad’s ready to party. Crash in these wallet-friendly hotels that are sure to create memories while being close to the action.

Young Alumni Budget

When you’ve upgraded to that alumni polo, but aren’t quite swimming in cash. Hotels that balance budget and luxury, perfect for sharing a room with a buddy without sharing a bed.

Big Donor Budget

For those who’ve climbed the ladder of success or those who choose to YOLO. Either way, we respect you endlessly.Spoil yourself with luxury and location with these hotels.

Bars & Restaurants

Nothing here yet...

Game Day Apparel

We fuel this road trip with affiliate partnerships. If you’re going to buy merch, we appreciate you visiting these sites below via our affiliate links.

Shopping

Fanatics – Northwestern

Great merch from the likes of Nike, ’47 Brands, Peter Millar & more.

Elevate the weekend. What are we missing?

We need your fan-sourced insights to level up this road trip.

You know your school and town better than we do. Brag about what sets your town, team, and stadium apart. Share your favorite insights and images with us. From hole-in-the-wall bars to tailgate traditions, we want to hear from you. This is a site for the fans by the fans, we need your championship tips.

Northwestern

Wildcats

Win the Weekend

Gameday