Northwestern University and the Turner–Walsh joint venture have marked the topping-out of the $850 million Ryan Field redevelopment after installing the final steel beam, completing the stadium’s structural phase. The privately funded venue aims for a 2026 opening and targets LEED Gold certification while adding green spaces and public plazas for community use. Officials estimate more than 2,900 construction jobs and an economic impact exceeding $659 million for Evanston; $208 million of contracts are reserved for local, women- and minority-owned firms, with additional fees and permit revenues benefiting the city.
Topping Out at $850M: Ryan Field Reaches Structural Milestone, Targets LEED Gold and 2026 Opening
Northwestern University and the Turner–Walsh joint venture have marked the topping-out of the $850 million Ryan Field redevelopment after installing the final steel beam, completing the stadium’s structural phase. The privately funded venue aims for a 2026 opening and targets LEED Gold certification while adding green spaces and public plazas for community use. Officials estimate more than 2,900 construction jobs and an economic impact exceeding $659 million for Evanston; $208 million of contracts are reserved for local, women- and minority-owned firms, with additional fees and permit revenues benefiting the city.
02:40 PM, 11/13/2025Economy
Topping Out Celebrated for $850M Ryan Field Redevelopment
Northwestern University and the Turner–Walsh joint venture have celebrated the topping-out of the new Ryan Field stadium in Evanston, Illinois, marking the completion of the project’s structural phase after the final steel beam was installed. The privately financed redevelopment, valued at $850 million, is scheduled to open in 2026 and replaces the existing venue with a modern, community-focused stadium.
Design, Sustainability and Community Access
Design priorities for Ryan Field emphasize accessibility, sustainability and community use. Project planners are pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification and have incorporated green spaces and public plazas intended to be used beyond game days.
Economic Impact and Local Contracts
At last July’s groundbreaking, Northwestern estimated the rebuild would create more than 2,900 construction jobs. City analyses project an overall economic impact for Evanston of more than $659 million, accounting for both direct and indirect benefits.
The redevelopment sets aside $208 million in contracts for locally owned, women-owned and minority-owned businesses. Additional local financial outcomes include over $12 million in fees paid directly to the City of Evanston, $11 million for city-issued permits and an estimated $1.5 million in indirect tax revenue tied to the project’s activity.
“There’s never been anything like this in the history of college athletics, and it separates itself on so many different fronts,”
“It’ll be the most intimate stadium in America. That’s because of the incredible engineering that went into it, but also the incredible craftsmanship,”
Turner Construction Company and Walsh Construction Company are jointly managing general contracting responsibilities. Kate Van Zeyl, vice-president and general manager at Turner, said the milestone reflects the collaborative effort of Northwestern, the Ryan family, the joint-venture team and the City of Evanston to create opportunity, sustainability and lasting impact.
Next Steps
With structural works complete, the project will move into interior fit-out, installation of public amenities and landscaping ahead of the targeted 2026 opening. Stakeholders continue to emphasize community access, environmental performance and opportunities for local businesses during construction and in operations.
Note: This article is based on reporting originally published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData-owned brand. The information is provided for general information purposes and should not be taken as professional advice.