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Northwestern AD Derrick Gragg previews massive renovations to Ryan Field during B1G Tailgate
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Northwestern AD Derrick Gragg recently joined the B1G Tailgate to discuss the planned renovations to Ryan Field.
The massive, privately-funded $800 million project is set to be completed in time for the 2026 season.
“The stadium is 100 years old. It’s only been refurbished since about 1997-98, so it’s time. You’ve been in a lot of the other stadiums around the B1G, and we have to do something that matches the great facilities we have on campus,” said Gragg.
Coming in 2026: A new Ryan Field 👀@DrDerrickGragg joins Tailgate to discuss the $800 million privately funded stadium. pic.twitter.com/ponR0FRAPU
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 8, 2022
Gragg stressed the importance of having a home facility that is on par with the rest of the conference:
“We’re just trying to incorporate all of the best things we’ve seen from across the country,” said the second-year AD.
The renovated Ryan Field will have 12,000 fewer seats, but the hope is that this will lead to a more intimate feel for fans. Gragg stated that the administration took inspiration from European soccer stadiums.
The renovation is expected to be completed to start the 2026 football season.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Tradition. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.