The Northwestern University City Commission convened Wednesday night to address the issue. Plans for temporary soccer match facilities at Martin Stadium.
The committee meeting began with university representatives presenting plans for a temporary facility that will host numerous home football games during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Vice President of Operations Luke Figora said the proposal envisions installing temporary structures around the soccer and lacrosse facilities to accommodate fans during Ryan Field's renovations.
“It's like a staircase that goes up to an ornate bleacher or an outdoor type of box,” Figora said. “The small parking lot on the north side is lined with bleachers. The main building on the east side has several rows of bleacher risers between the field and the tree line.”
University representatives said the games could increase pedestrian traffic and bring business to downtown Evanston.
NU has the ability to provide on-campus parking for all football attendees, but wants to help the city's economy through fans attending games, said Dave Davis, senior executive director of neighborhood relations. It is said that there is
“There's an opportunity here to work closely with these business owners to push people's parking into downtown Evanston,” he said.
Athletics Deputy Director of Operations and Capital Projects Denny Barracato said the proposed temporary facility could accommodate 15,000 fans.
NU has seven home games scheduled in 2024 and at least five in 2025, with two nonconference contests not yet scheduled. For games with significantly increased attendance, like games against Ohio State and Michigan, university representatives said teams will use alternate venues.
“Our conference and television broadcasts determine when the games will be played, and we usually know seven to 12 days in advance,” Barakat said. “We will announce those games as soon as we receive information from the conference office.”
Some community members expressed concerns about truck volumes, routes and compliance with transportation management plans related to NU's Ryan Field construction.
Despite reassurances from NU representatives that truck speed limits would remain in place, residents stressed the need for continued vigilance.
Committee members said the proposed demolition and construction plans for specific university properties remain unchanged. It was noted that maintenance projects such as air conditioning and roof repairs were underway.
The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue between NU and the local community on the impacts of the Ryan Field construction, and to ensure transparency and cooperation going forward.
Email: [email protected]
twitter: @Aliwoz
Related article:
— Ryan Field zoning litigants clash after university intervenes in dismissal of case
— City Council abides by term limits for city boards, commissions, and commissions
— Residents are unhappy that “five voting people” intend to approve NU’s MOU
