
New Ryan Field's Openings Night: A 34-13 Win, but Questions on Crowd Density
Northwestern football opened its new $875 million Ryan Field with a 34-13 victory over Penn State, but the event drew criticism for visible empty seats. While the 'Wildcat Wall' student section was packed, large sections of the lower bowl appeared vacant on television. Stadium officials and the head coach defended the design, noting that open concourses and premium clubs encouraged fans to stand and socialize rather than sit. The venue also faced technical issues, including spotty cellular service and poor sightlines for media personnel.













