History of Ryan Field
Through the
Decades
1905
In 1905, William A. Dyche former vice president and business manager of the University, directed the construction of the original wooden stands which had a seating capacity of 10,000.
1926
In 1926, Dyche spearheaded the planning of a 45,000-seat stadium. At the time it was constructed, Dyche Stadium was considered one of the finest college football stadiums in the country.
1949
In 1949, the stadium was enlarged by a horseshoe enclosure at the south end, increasing seating capacity to 49,256. Dyche Stadium's capacity occasionally rose to 55,000 by the addition of temporary bleachers at the north end. A press box and an elevator to the second deck were installed in 1961.
1996-97
In 1996-97, Northwestern's football stadium underwent a significant renovation which featured a redesign of the stadium. Opened in the fall of 1997, the new stadium was named Ryan Field in honor of 1959 Northwestern graduate Patrick G. Ryan, founder of AON Corporation and long-time Chairman of the Northwestern Board of Trustees.