Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Northwestern opened New Ryan Field on October 2, 2026, with a 34–13 win over Penn State. A light show, fireworks and a stadium-wide Journey singalong marked the occasion, while the Wildcats’ 413 rushing yards powered the result. The game also landed exactly 100 years after the original Northwestern Stadium hosted its first game.

Northwestern beat Penn State 34–13 in the new stadium’s first game

The Wildcats never trailed, earning their second consecutive victory over Penn State. Their 413 rushing yards were Northwestern’s most in a game since the team ran for 444 against Illinois on November 22, 2003, according to the official game recap.

Komolafe and Himon led the ground attack

Caleb Komolafe carried 25 times for 188 yards and a touchdown. Joseph Himon II rushed 10 times for a career-high 162 yards and two touchdowns. Together, the backs accounted for 350 of Northwestern’s rushing yards.

Quarterback Aidan Chiles completed 10 of 14 passes for 93 yards and added a rushing touchdown. The defense limited Penn State to 291 total yards, including 48 on the ground.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Northwestern University Wildcats Large T-Shirt
  • University Sports Merchandise design. Northwestern University Wildcats Large is 100% authentic, officially licensed Northwestern University merchandise!
  • Student or alumni, show off your school spirit at the next student event, football game, or weekend tailgate! Rendered in Northwestern purple and white, this officially licensed NWU design will make Willie the Wildcat proud!
  • Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem

Fireworks and a Journey singalong shaped opening night

The pregame celebration included a light show and fireworks. Before the fourth quarter, Northwestern’s national-champion women’s lacrosse team led fans in singing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” according to the Associated Press report carried by FOX Sports.

Chiles scored the stadium’s first touchdown on a two-yard run with 5:07 remaining in the first quarter. After the game, head coach David Braun called the occasion “something that dreams are made of, a night like tonight,” the AP report said.

Rank #2
Northwestern Wildcats Big 10 Football Logo T-Shirt, Men, Black, XX-Large
  • Officially Licensed Northwestern Wildcats Big Ten apparel. Show your support for the Wildcats with this Northwestern logo apparel! The soft material and digitally printed logo make this a great addition to any Northwestern Wildcats apparel collection!
  • Wear this fan favorite Northwestern Wildcats apparel to the big game or just hanging out around the house. The unique logo done in vibrant colors will let everyone know your affiliation with Northwestern University!
  • Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem

The opener marked 100 years since the original stadium’s debut

Northwestern played its first game at the original Northwestern Stadium on October 2, 1926, beating South Dakota 34–0. The new venue’s opening against Penn State took place on the same calendar date a century later. The stadium, previously called Dyche Stadium, was renamed Ryan Field in 1997. Northwestern’s official preview also identifies November 18, 2023, as the old Ryan Field’s final game.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What is known about the new Ryan Field

Northwestern Athletics lists the new stadium’s capacity as 35,000. The AP described it as more than 12,000 seats smaller than the previous home and the Big Ten’s smallest stadium by capacity. AP also reported a cost of $875 million; that figure is attributed to the AP rather than independently confirmed here.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The venue is on the former Ryan Field site. Its website promotes closer sightlines, a protective canopy, and 200,000 square feet of parks and plazas within the ticketed perimeter, along with restaurant pop-ups, student festivities and a community tailgating zone. These are features the stadium promotes; they do not establish that every fan will have the same experience.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Northwestern University Wildcats Large T-Shirt
Northwestern University Wildcats Large T-Shirt
Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
$21.99
Bestseller No. 2
Northwestern Wildcats Big 10 Football Logo T-Shirt, Men, Black, XX-Large
Northwestern Wildcats Big 10 Football Logo T-Shirt, Men, Black, XX-Large
Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
$21.99
Bestseller No. 3
Northwestern Wildcat Football (IL) (Images of Sports)
Northwestern Wildcat Football (IL) (Images of Sports)
Used Book in Good Condition
$24.99
Bestseller No. 4
NCAA Northwestern Wildcats Mens Adjustable Scholarship Hat Charcoal, Northwestern Wildcats Charcoal, Adjustable, One size
NCAA Northwestern Wildcats Mens Adjustable Scholarship Hat Charcoal, Northwestern Wildcats Charcoal, Adjustable, One size
Each hat is made from a comfortable washed cotton that is the perfect weight for gamedays; Fit Type: Relaxed
$27.99
Best Value
Desert Cactus Northwestern University Embroidered Baseball Hat (C) Black
  • 100% Cotton Baseball Cap: Soft, Breathable and Lightweight. The shell of this brimmed snapback baseball cap is crafted from 100% cotton for a soft, breathable, lightweight feel. An adjustable snapback strap delivers a secure, one-size-fits-most fit for men and women, making it a versatile everyday baseball hat or game day hat.
  • Embroidered Baseball Cap: 3D Raised Design Built to Last. Each baseball hat features carefully stitched embroidery rather than a printed design, using durable polyester thread for a clean, structured finish that holds up through everyday wear. The raised embroidery adds texture and dimension to your school or team design.
  • Show Off School & Team Pride for this Hat: Structured Curved-Brim Snapback. Wear this baseball cap at the stadium, on campus, tailgates, game days, or around town. The curved brim and adjustable snapback make it an easy everyday accessory and a practical gift for birthdays, graduations, holidays, and fans.
  • Desert Cactus: We are a Chicago-based small business holding official licensing agreements with professional leagues, colleges, universities, and other organizations to create officially licensed team and school apparel and accessories.
  • Officially Licensed: Desert Cactus is an officially licensed vendor for this institution. The institution has approved the design, and Desert Cactus pays royalties for use of its marks, providing authentic licensed fan gear for fans.
Rank #4
NCAA Northwestern Wildcats Mens Adjustable Scholarship Hat Charcoal, Northwestern Wildcats Charcoal, Adjustable, One size
  • This men's hat has a high quality 3D raised embroidered graphic perfect for a fan that loves to show their team pride
  • Each hat is made from a comfortable washed cotton that is the perfect weight for gamedays
  • This hat is a great addition to fans wardrobe, making it a perfect gift for christmas or graduation
  • Fit Type: Relaxed

Sources

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.