Text Size
Text Size:
Translate

Friday Game Day at Ryan Field: What Community Members Need to Know

Opening night at Ryan Field this Friday, October 2, is officially sold out, with a crowd of around 35,000 people anticipated. Residents, businesses, and visitors in the surrounding area should plan for increased traffic, pedestrian activity, noise, and parking demand throughout the afternoon and evening.

Expect Increased Traffic & Parking Demand

With thousands of people traveling to the stadium, vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be heavier than normal, particularly in the hours leading up to and following the game.

  • District 6 parking restrictions will be in effect two hours before the event and remain in effect for one hour after the event concludes. Vehicles parked in restricted neighborhood areas may receive a ticket. The fine for such citations is $125.

  • Long Field parking will be activated and available for game-day parking.

  • City parking garages are available for visitors looking for additional parking options:

    • 525 Church Street
    • 1800 Maple Avenue
    • 821 Davis Street

  • Parking reservations at City garages can be made through SpotHero.

  • Tailgating is not permitted inside City parking garages.

  • Residents should allow additional time when traveling through the stadium area and consider potential delays.

Road closures, traffic management, and turn restrictions on major thoroughfares surrounding Ryan Field will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday to facilitate traffic flow. Towed vehicles will be taken to North Shore Towing.

The following are tow zones:

  • Central Street: Expect heavy delays and increased pedestrian traffic along the Central Street corridor throughout the afternoon and evening.

  • Asbury Avenue (Isabella Street to Central Street): Local traffic and resident parking restrictions will be active. Additional turn restrictions and signage are deployed to prevent unauthorized event parking while preserving resident access.

  • Poplar Avenue: Traffic control measures will be in place to manage neighborhood access and limit cut-through traffic heading toward the stadium.

  • Isabella Street: District 6 parking restrictions will be strictly enforced along key blocks to maintain emergency vehicle clearance and smooth traffic flow.

Stadium Activity

Ryan Field staff will begin moving through the area with ticket scanners beginning at approximately 4:15 p.m. Residents may notice increased activity around the stadium as attendees arrive and prepare to enter.

Game-Day Run-of-Show

  • 3 p.m.: Ryan Field Game-Day All Parking Lots Open
  • 4 p.m.: Parking Garages Shuttle service begins
  • 5 p.m.: The Great Chicago Food Festival
  • 7 p.m.: Kickoff

Ryan Field has released a "Know Before You Go" webpage. Please note that this webpage is being updated and information is subject to change. 

Public Safety & Drones

Similar to other large events, the Evanston Police Department will deploy drones as part of game-day public safety operations: one pre-event (around an hour before kickoff) and one post-event (for an hour). 

Fox Sports will also be operating a drone for broadcasting purposes. 

Expect Increased Noise

Residents near Ryan Field should be prepared for additional noise throughout the day and evening.

  • Brief pyrotechnics will take place as part of pre-game activities, any time between 6:55 p.m. and 7:05 p.m.

  • F-16 planes will fly over the stadium at approximately 6:56 p.m. as part of game-day activities.

  • In addition to the game itself, residents may hear increased announcements, music, crowd noise, and other stadium-related activity.

  • Ryan Field staff will actively work to clear the venue and surrounding neighborhood after the game, though residents should expect ongoing vehicular and pedestrian traffic for up to two hours. 

  • D.J. music will begin at 4 p.m. both inside and outside of the stadium. 

Street Cleaning on Central Street 

The Central Street Consortium will conduct street cleaning on Friday around 2 p.m. to eliminate lingering dust. Please be aware of crews associated with the work.

Planning Ahead

If you live, work, or plan to travel near Ryan Field on Friday, expect the area around the stadium to be busier than usual. If possible, avoid the area beginning at 2 p.m. 

To help things go smoothly:

  • Allow extra travel time
  • Walk, bike, or take public transportation when you can
  • If you're driving, park in a City garage and reserve a space in advance through SpotHero
  • Follow posted parking restrictions and directions from public safety personnel

Ongoing Stadium Noise

Alarm testing at Ryan Field will continue Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. over the next week. At City management's request, testing will be limited to these days and hours. View the City’s notice. 

Questions About Ryan Field: Opt-in to Text Alerts

311 Center

The 311 Center will remain open until 11 p.m. on Friday, October 2.

The City thanks the community for its patience and cooperation as we help welcome fans to the first game at the new Ryan Field. 

For more information, call/text 847-448-4311 or simply dial 3-1-1 while in Evanston.