Your Guide to a Northwestern Football Game Day
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Your Guide to a Northwestern Football Game Day

Bust out those fight songs for everybody’s favorite fall fun: It’s Game Day! College football fans may know that Northwestern University’s Wildcats are getting a new state-of-the-sport stadium as Ryan Field is rebuilt. Meanwhile, their Big Ten home games will take place right in the heart of the Evanston campus within view of stunning Lake Michigan. Follow these tips for a perfect game day with food and fun on Chicago’s North Shore.
 

Martin Stadium, Northwestern University
Martin Stadium, Northwestern University

NU’S Temporary Stadium: Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium
Beautifully situated on the banks of Lake Michigan, Martin Stadium (2235 N. Campus Dr., Evanston) is more than a makeshift playing field. The Wildcats’ temporary new athletics venue will host five home games. Combining new game day hospitality tailgating options with that picturesque lakeside setting, the 2024 football season is set to deliver a unique and memorable experience. Its significant renovation includes a new turf field, lighting upgrades and state-of-the-art video equipment. 

How to Get There
The stadium is part of the NU campus right along picaresque Sheridan Drive. Take I-94 or Lake Shore Drive into Evanston or take the Purple “L” train or Metra line to Evanston’s Linden stop (15-min. walk to the field). A Sheridan bus line includes stops along the campus’ edge. Parking for weekend and evening events at Martin Stadium is free and tailgating is permitted in the lot just West of Lakeside Field. Space is limited, so check out the Lakeside Field Parking Map for options. 
 

Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern Wildcats

2024 Home Game Schedule 
You can catch the home game excitement on Saturdays. Note that tickets will go fast for the smaller temporary venue, so score yours soon for Indiana University Bloomington (Oct 5) and the University of Wisconsin (Oct 19). Two additional games will be hosted at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Ohio State (Nov. 16) and Illinois (Nov. 30).
 

Double Clutch Brewing Co., Evanston
Double Clutch Brewing Co., Evanston

Where to Dine in Evanston Before/After the Game
Take advantage of this college town’s impressive restaurant scene. Fortify your crew and rally the team to victory with sporty classics like wings and pizza or zesty brew pubs that tickle taste buds, too. Hit up Ten Mile House for lively comfort food, Bluestone for nachos, wings, curds and tots; or Soul & Smoke for award-winning barbeque. Alehouses more your speed? Definitely seek out Double Clutch Brewing Co. and Peckish Pig. Five & Dime’s rooftop patio and local favorite Celtic Knot re-opening soon) always serve up a good time. If you’ve got a different kind of craving, choose from gobs of other Evanston restaurants.
 

Fountain Square, Downtown Evanston
Fountain Square, Downtown Evanston

Attractions/Things to Do Before/After the Game
Home games kick off at different times — day and night — so come early or stay later and enjoy other local sights. Evanston boasts three shopping districts with gobs of boutiques, eats, and spa treats in Downtown Evanston, Main-Dempster Mile and Central Street. Maximize the beauty of Fall on the North Shore and head to Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe) to bask in the colors of the season. Or go wild traipsing through those hues along the Green Bay Trail (Glencoe, Wilmette, Winnetka), a two-plus-mile asphalt path minutes from the Northwestern campus.
 

Hangar Two by Tangled Roots Brewing Co., Glenview
Hangar Two by Tangled Roots Brewing Co., Glenview

Where to Watch Outside of Martin Stadium
You can cheer along even if you can’t make it to Martin Stadium. Lazy Dog Restaurant (Northbrook) hooks you up with games on TV — along with their Queso Dip or Crispy Wings. It’s all in the name at sports-minded The Village Inn Pizzeria Sports Bar and Grill (Skokie) with Loaded Spuds, Boneless Buffalo Wings and 5 Star Baby Back Ribs. Fatpour Tap Works (Lincolnwood) will fill you up with mouth-watering burger options and an extensive beer list. Over at Hangar Two by Tangled Roots Brewing Co. (Glenview), their Tap Room loves college football almost as much as they do their craft beers. 
 

Hyatt House Chicago Evanston

Make a Weekend of It
Why just stay the day when you have a rich selection of choice hotels to revel in? Beautiful suites with swoon-worthy amenities or budget-friendly charmers crop up in and around Evanston. Take the travel out of your game day and book your stay today!
 

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