Northwestern Tailgater’s Guide: A Chicago Weekend Experience 

Home Schedule 2023 

Saturday, Sep 9 UTEP 

Saturday, Sep 23 Minnesota 

Saturday, Sep 30 7Penn State 

Saturday, Oct 7 Howard (HC) 

Saturday, Oct 28 Maryland 

Saturday, Nov 4 Iowa 

Saturday, Nov 18 Perdue 

Experience more than just a game at Ryan Field – it’s a weekend in Chicago! Northwestern, just north of the Windy City, offers various gameday options, from traditional tailgating to city adventures. Here’s your essential guide: 
 

Pre-Gameday Checklist:

• Purchase Tickets: Buy online at NUSports.com or call (574) 318-3950. 
• Review Policies: Check the Northwestern Football Fan Guide for gameday rules. 
• Gameplan: Plan your gameday, considering transport and accommodation options. 
• Where to Stay: Downtown Chicago is your best bet for a memorable visit. Take a few days off and explore the city’s sports, dining, and entertainment scenes. 

Getting to Ryan Field: Options galore! 

• Drive & Park: Detailed parking options available around the stadium. 
• Metra: Take the Union Pacific North line to Central St. for convenient access. 
• CTA: Ride the Purple CTA line to Central Street station. 
• Ride Share: Uber or Lyft – drop off a few blocks from Ryan Field for convenience. 
• Pre-Game Options: Plan your pre-game experience, whether it’s grabbing a bite, hitting a bar, or tailgating. 

Tailgating at Northwestern:  

Wildcat Alley: Purchase tickets for a family-friendly experience with live entertainment and food trucks. 

Food and Beverage Options: There are limited options nearby, so plan ahead. We partner with local food providers to offer a wide range of quality options. You can add catering to your tailgate package during checkout or even after placing your order. Additionally, we’ve teamed up with a local liquor store to offer a wide selection of beverages for your gameday experience. If you have specific beverage requests, simply email us at info@gamedayyourway.com, and we’ll help source and add them to your package. 

Northwestern Tailgate Services: Host your own tailgate with premium services. 

All Packages Include: 

• Reserved premium tailgate space 
• Equipment set-up, take-down, and clean-up 
• Tailgate available 4 hours before kick-off 
• On-site concierge services 
• Catering and beverage delivery services are available 
• Ice delivery 

 In a nutshell, enjoy Northwestern gameday, explore Chicago, and make it a weekend to remember!