Football Fan Guide from A to Z
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
A
Advance Ticket Sales/General Ticket Information
The Athletic Ticket Office is open weekdays August through April 9 a.m. to 5 p.m and May through July 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located at the south end of Ryan Field on Central Street. On game days, the ticket office opens at 9 a.m. and remains open for thirty minutes after the conclusion of the game. For further information, please call 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775) or email us at cat-tix@northwestern.edu.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited in Ryan Field
ATMs
ATM's are located inside Ryan Field near Gate E, Gate Q, and by the elevators on the Mezzanine Level.
Automobile Trouble
A guest who experiences automobile trouble while parked in a University lot should contact a University police officer or call the University Police at (847) 491-3456. In an emergency, please contact the University Police at 911.
Away Games
Away game tickets are only available to season ticket holders and NU Athletic Department Donors. The Northwestern Alumni Association does sponsor away game tailgates, which include a game ticket. For more information, please go to
http://www.alumni.northwestern.edu/tailgates/index.html
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B
Baby Changing Stations
On the East side, Baby Changing stations can be found in the Women's restrooms near the following sections: 105, 107, 110, and upper 111. They can be found in the Men's restrooms near sections 105, upper 111, and upper 108.
On the west side, baby changing stations can be found in the women's restrooms near the following sections: 128, 130, 228, upper 129, the North Tower and South Tower.
Bag Search
Ryan Field regulations prohibit cans, bottles, large ice chests, food, drinks and alcoholic beverages from being brought into the stadium. All bags are subject to search upon entry and within the stadium. All prohibited items may be disposed of in trash containers or returned to one's vehicle.
Banners & Signs
Banners and signs are prohibited in Ryan Field. Guests will be asked to dispose of signs and banners in trash containers or return them to their vehicle.
Birthday Messages
Wildcat fans enjoy celebrating their birthdays at Ryan Field. Now you can make the day even more special when you place birthday wishes on the scoreboard for everyone to see. For more information, please contact an account executive at 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775).
Bottles & Cans
Bottles and cans are prohibited in Ryan Field. Guests will be asked to dispose of bottles and cans in a trash container.
Broadcast
Television broadcasts and times are generally announced ten days prior to the game. Please contact the Media Services Department at (847) 491-7503 for more information.
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C
Cameras
Large lens cameras are prohibited but still cameras may be used at any time. However, flash photography is not permitted as it may interrupt play. Please be courteous and do not disturb other guests when taking pictures.
Cellular Phones
Use of cellular phones is permitted providing their use does not interfere with another guest's ability to enjoy the atmosphere of Ryan Field.
Children
All persons, regardless of age, must hold a ticket.
Community Relations
If your nonprofit organization is seeking a donation of game tickets, please send a formal letter of request to:
Community Relations
NU Athletic Department
1501 Central Street
Evanston, IL 60208
If you have further questions, please contact the Community Relations Department by emailing catsgiveback@northwestern.edu or by calling 847-467-3302.
Concessions
Concession stands are located throughout Ryan Field in the concourse area.
Lou Malnati's Pizza can be found near Gate S and E, Section 115 and Mezzanine 108
Grills can be found near Gate N and Section 113
Hecky's BBQ can be found near Section 116
Coffee can be found near Gate P and R and Section 108 and 114
Corporate Sponsorships
For information regarding corporate sponsorships, please contact the Marketing Department at (847) 491-7504.
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D
Disabled Guest Drop Off
The drop-off area is on Ashland Avenue near gate Q.
Disabled Parking
Single game disabled parking is in the front row of the west parking lot. Season permit disabled parking is located in the southwest and southeast corners of Ryan Field. Entrance is via Central Street in front of the Athletic Ticket Office.
Disabled Seating
Disabled seating is located in rows 1-4 of sections 107 through 109 on the east side of the field, in rows 1-4 of sections 128-130 on the west side, and in rows 36-38 of section 126 on the west side.
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E
Elevators
Elevators are located on the west side of the field between Gates N and S. Elevator access is restricted to members of the working media holding credentials, Wildcat Den and Stadium Club ticketholders, and elderly and disabled fans with "elevator access" stamped tickets.
Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency at Ryan Field, please follow the directions from ushers. If an emergency requires evacuation from the stadium, directions will be given over the public address system. Please contact an usher if you have any questions.
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F
First Aid
First Aid is located by Gate R on the west side of the stadium. Paramedic stations are located on the northwest and southwest corners of the playing field.
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G
Gates open
Gates open one hour and thirty minutes prior to kick off. Please enter the stadium through the gate indicated on your ticket. NU undergraduate students must enter through Gate T.
Group Tickets
Group tickets and seating are available for most games. Please contact the Athletic Ticket Office at 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775) or refer to the General Ticket Information portion of our website.
Guest Conduct
Northwestern Wildcat football should be an enjoyable experience for all fans. In order to promote athletic excellence and fan enjoyment, we ask for your assistance in displaying a high degree of respect and sportsmanship at all times. If a patron displays conduct which endangers or disrupts players, coaches, officials, or other patrons, Northwestern University reserves the right to remove the individual from Ryan Field. No refunds will be granted in such cases.
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H
Harris Bank Helper Stations (Guest Services Booths)
Guest Services representatives can be found near Gate R, Gate E and on Randy Walker Terrace. All guests with a question or concern are encouraged to visit a Harris Bank Helper Station for assistance.
Hotel Accommodations
Please check out our Travel Center for hotel information.
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I
Infant Tickets
Per Big Ten Conference rules, all guests must purchase a ticket regardless of age, even babies. No exceptions.
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J
Join the Wildcat Family by supporting the Wildcat Fund
The Wildcat Fund exists to help provide scholarship and other vital assistance to student athletes competing in varsity intercollegiate sports. The strength of an athletic department's annual fund often correlates to the strength of the department and its athletic programs. In addition to providing outstanding experience for deserving young men and women, your contribution to the Wildcat Fund will result in certain benefits for you. Please contact the Development Office at (847) 467-2101 for more specific information on benefits, contribution levels, and the Wildcat Priority Point System.
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K
Kid's Club
Do you know a child in 8th grade and under that loves the Wildcats? Sign them up to be a part of the Wildcat Kids' Club! Wildcat Kids' Club members receive special Wildcat gifts, free tickets to events as well as opportunities to meet student-athletes, be the PA announcer at a baseball game or retrieve the tee at a football game. If you would like more information about the Wildcat Kids' Club or to request a membership application, please contact the Wildcat Kids' Club Office at (847) 491-7504 or via email at wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu.
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L
Lost & Found
Lost items may be turned into the Athletic Ticket Office at the south end of Ryan Field, or the ushering service headquarters in the McGaw Hall lobby. All unclaimed items will be turned into the NU Athletic Facilities Office at (847) 491-7887.
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M
Merchandise
Grab all your favorite Wildcat merchandise at the Wildcat Athletics Merchandise stands located by Gates F and P in the outer concourse of the stadium, and by Gate N outside of the stadium.
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N
Northwestern University (Mailing Address)
Marketing Department
1501 Central Street
Evanston, IL 60208
National Anthem
Please be advised that traditionally, a current Northwestern student or alumnus perform the National Anthem. Please call the Marketing Department at (847) 491-7504 for further information.
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O
On-field Access
Only authorized personnel will be permitted on the field before, during, or after a game. Any unauthorized person going onto the field will be removed from the stadium and subject to arrest.
Out of Town Scores
Out of town scores (scores from around the Big Ten and Top 25) will be posted on the scoreboards during various times of the game.
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P
Parking
2011 Ryan Field Parking 
Programs
"The Den" is the official game program of Wildcat Football and available from vendors and hawkers throughout Ryan Field for $6. This season, game programs are being sold by members of the Wildcat Softball Team, and a portion of the sales will benefit Wildcat Softball.
Prohibited Items
Spectators are prohibited from bringing the following items into Ryan Field:
*No alcoholic beverages
*No umbrellas
*No noisemakers, musical instruments or horns
*No banners, flags, or signs
*No video cameras, large televisions, large lens cameras, tripods, or large radios
*No cans, glasses, thermoses, picnic baskets, ice chests, wine skins, food, drinks or coolers
*No large purses, bags, or backpacks
Storage of these items for guests will not be provided.
Promotional Items/ Dates
Promotional items have individual restrictions and give away dates are subject to change without prior notice. Please remember that a game ticket does not ensure or entitle the holder to a promotional item on that date and that only one item will be distributed per person. Please be considerate of other guests by taking only one promotional item.
Public Address
No appeals will be made over the public address system except under extraordinary circumstances. Requests of an emergency nature should be addressed to the nearest usher or to security personnel.
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Q
Questions
Questions not answered in this fan guide may be directed to the Athletic Ticket Office at 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775) or via email at cat-tix@northwestern.edu.
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R
Radios/ Televisions
Large radios and large televisions are not permitted in Ryan Field.
Recycling Bins
Guests are encouraged to recycle their soda and water bottles in the recycling bins throughout the concourse. Recycling bins are also located throughout the parking lots for those tailgating.
Re-entry
Patrons who choose to leave Ryan Field during the game will not be allowed to re-enter.
Relocation Policy
NU Athletics reserves the right to enforce reserved seating if crowd control or safety issues dictate the necessity. The University reserves the right to relocate ticket holder(s) to an alternate seat location(s) at its discretion based upon conduct, apparel or other reasons.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located throughout Ryan Field. All restrooms are handicap accessible.
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S
Schedules
Pocket schedules are available at the Athletic Ticket Office or by calling (847) 491-CATS.
Season Tickets
Please contact the Athletic Ticket Office at 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775) for information regarding prices or seat locations, or refer to the ticket portion of this website.
Service Dogs
Animals are not permitted within Ryan Field with the exception of certified service dogs for guests with disabilities. Please contact the NU Athletic Facilities Office at 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775) to make arrangements prior to the game.
Smoking
Smoking is NOT permitted anywhere at Ryan Field. We ask for your cooperation in enforcing this policy.
Souvenirs
Grab all your favorite Wildcat souvenirs at the Wildcat Athletics Merchandise stands located by Gates F and P in the outer concourse of the stadium, and by Gate N outside of the stadium.
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Strollers
Strollers are allowed in Ryan Field, but not in the seating area. Strollers may be left at Gate R on the West side of the stadium or Gate E on the east side.
Summer Camps
Please contact the Director of Sports Camps at 847-467-0286 for more information about the variety of camps our coaches offer or visit www.nusports.com
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T
Tailgating
Tailgating is permitted in the east and west lots (permit only). Guests who do not hold a parking pass for the east or west lot, may park in the campus lots where tailgating is permitted as well. Please refer to the parking portion of the website for all campus lot locations.
Telephones
Public pay phones are located in the outer concourses by Gates N, Q and S on the west side and Gates D, F and G on the east side.
Ticket Replacement
Lost, stolen or destroyed tickets will not be replaced.
Travel
Please see our Travel section!
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U
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are not permitted in Ryan Field. There will be no umbrella check available to guests.
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V
Video cameras
Video cameras are not permitted in Ryan Field and no storage will be provided for guests. Video cameras are not permitted due to contractual obligations between the Big Ten Conference and television networks.
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W
Will Call
Everyone must have a Photo ID in order to pick up Will Call and Player Guest Tickets. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.
The will call windows are located near the Athletic Ticket Office next to Gate K.
NU player guest tickets are located at Gate Q.
NU player guest tickets are located at Gate N.
Visitor player guest tickets are located at Gate E.
Press will call is located at Gate N.
Ticketmaster will call is located near the Athletic Ticket Office next to Gate K.
Willie the Wildcat
The Wildcat mascot was developed in three stages. The nickname "Wildcats" was initiated in 1924. Nine years later, in 1933, the Northwestern Athletic Department teamed up with an advertising firm to create the first caricature of Willie. In 1947, the first mascot was actually brought to life when four members of the Alpha Delta fraternity dressed up as Willie for their Homecoming float.
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X
X's & O's
X's & O's and all Wildcat action can be heard on WGN AM Radio 720.
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Y
Youth Camps
Youth camps are typically held during the summer.
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Z
Zero
Zero places are better than Ryan Field to enjoy a game!
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