In 2022, Northwestern announced plans to rebuild Ryan Field. Since then, tension between the university and local residents has been high.
Demolition of the old stadium began in February of 2024. Construction is scheduled to finish in the summer of 2026.
[nat sound at the stadium construction site]
GEORGIA KERRIGAN: There are some big metal pillars that look like they’re the framing. And it’s been excavated. But, once again, I can’t see anyone working.
Tall, screened fences obstructed my view of stadium construction, but one sight was clear: residences as close as 20 yards away.
The stadium and these houses are in Evanston’s 7th Ward.
Sonia and Aaron Cohen live west of the stadium.
SONIA COHEN: For us, it was never about building the stadium. We think it’ll be tall and dominate the landscape, but it was never about that. And I want to be really clear: It was about changing the zoning.
They aren’t just concerned about the safety risk, parking traffic, and noise that will come with a 35,000-person stadium.
AARON COHEN: We’re not anti-Northwestern. But the side of Northwestern that we experience now is the take-no-prisoners, maximize profit, business side of Northwestern.
Parielle Davis and Kerry Mundy are the candidates for the 7th Ward election.
Davis did not respond to interview requests, but she has criticized Mundy for being a yes-man to Northwestern.
But, Mundy says the relationship between Northwestern and Evanstonians can be restored to a basis of mutual respect and support.
KERRY MUNDY: I’d like to get back to the days when a neighborhood could rally around the local football team. The students could walk around the community and feel welcome and feel part of it.
Election Day is April 1.
Georgia Kerrigan, WNUR News.
