Going to NW football game

[StateStreet123]

OK, tix are purchased and in hand. Meeting some family who recently moved to Chicago area and we are all going to game.

Does anyone have first-hand experience going to a football game at Northwestern? Per internet research, there is no parking near stadium for non-season ticket folk. Sounds like you park on campus (far from stadium) and take shuttles or bus?

Advice on best way to get to game from anyone who has attended? thanks all!

 

[4IUSox2]

Both Metra and CTA trains are very convenient getting to Ryan Field from the city.

Plenty of parking, but East and West lots require a pass. Get there early enough (2-3 hours before) and you can park in the neighborhood south of Central for $20-$25. There's a free shuttle from the Lakefront parking east of Sheridan Road. You can tailgate there too.

Mustards Last Stand is a good place to eat right by stadium. Been there since the 60's. I'm sure PU has a tailgate tent planned somewhere nearby.

Have fun. I lived there near Dyche many years ago.

 

[StateStreet123]

Both Metra and CTA trains are very convenient getting to Ryan Field from the city.

Plenty of parking, but East and West lots require a pass. Get there early enough (2-3 hours before) and you can park in the neighborhood south of Central for $20-$25. There's a free shuttle from the Lakefront parking east of Sheridan Road. You can tailgate there too.

Mustards Last Stand is a good place to eat right by stadium. Been there since the 60's. I'm sure PU has a tailgate tent planned somewhere nearby.

Have fun. I lived there near Dyche many years ago.

thanks for the info 4IUsox, Leaning toward just taking the train although going to research Lakefront parking too, much appreciated!

 

[shakes3858]

OK, tix are purchased and in hand. Meeting some family who recently moved to Chicago area and we are all going to game.

Does anyone have first-hand experience going to a football game at Northwestern? Per internet research, there is no parking near stadium for non-season ticket folk. Sounds like you park on campus (far from stadium) and take shuttles or bus?

Advice on best way to get to game from anyone who has attended? thanks all!

Hi StateStreet. Cat fan here and happy to help. But please call us NU. We really like that.

The train CTA Purple Line and Metra UP North Line both drop off close to the stadium at the Central St stop. Issue with the Metra is that in on a Saturday there’s a 7:57 train and an 11:27. In other words, you'll be leaving Just after half time or have 2 hours to kill post game. The CTA takes forever depending on where you’re going in Chicago as it will make stops every .5 to 1 mile and there are no bathrooms. If waiting til 11:27 there’s plenty to do in downtown Evanston near Davis St Stop. You could take the Purple Line CTA to Davis and wait for the Metra at an establishment.

Parking should be available on campus on the lake. Go east on Lincoln past Sheridan road. There will be two large lots there. The shuttle picks up on Sheridan road. Other options: several businesses along central sell their parking lots on game day. 40 a car seems to be the going rate and they can get filled up depending on attendance. Doubt this will be one of those. You can also call St Athanasius and make a donation to the Boy Scouts and park there. You have to reserve that in advance and there is no alcohol in the parking lot (weakly enforced, but it’s in front of Boy Scouts).

Hope this helps and you find our fan base hospitable.

 

[Longboat Boiler]

OK, tix are purchased and in hand. Meeting some family who recently moved to Chicago area and we are all going to game.

Does anyone have first-hand experience going to a football game at Northwestern? Per internet research, there is no parking near stadium for non-season ticket folk. Sounds like you park on campus (far from stadium) and take shuttles or bus?

Advice on best way to get to game from anyone who has attended? thanks all!

Hi, State. Haven't been for a few years, but did go for several years while living in Chicago. The is a small golf course, just a couple of blocks east of the stadium, on Central. The PAA of Chicago usually rents it's clubhouse and parking lot for Purdue people. If you are a PAA member, you can park there, and, I believe, they usually had food and drink available for pre-game tailgates. Suggest that you check with PAA or Chicago Purdue Alumni Assc. Both numbers can be found through Purdue online. Enjoy the game!

 

[StateStreet123]

Hi StateStreet. Cat fan here and happy to help. But please call us NU. We really like that.

The train CTA Purple Line and Metra UP North Line both drop off close to the stadium at the Central St stop. Issue with the Metra is that in on a Saturday there’s a 7:57 train and an 11:27. In other words, you'll be leaving Just after half time or have 2 hours to kill post game. The CTA takes forever depending on where you’re going in Chicago as it will make stops every .5 to 1 mile and there are no bathrooms. If waiting til 11:27 there’s plenty to do in downtown Evanston near Davis St Stop. You could take the Purple Line CTA to Davis and wait for the Metra at an establishment.

Parking should be available on campus on the lake. Go east on Lincoln past Sheridan road. There will be two large lots there. The shuttle picks up on Sheridan road. Other options: several businesses along central sell their parking lots on game day. 40 a car seems to be the going rate and they can get filled up depending on attendance. Doubt this will be one of those. You can also call St Athanasius and make a donation to the Boy Scouts and park there. You have to reserve that in advance and there is no alcohol in the parking lot (weakly enforced, but it’s in front of Boy Scouts).

Hope this helps and you find our fan base hospitable.

Shakes - Thanks for the help! I plan on parking in the Garrett parking lot on campus and taking the shuttle from there. I believe that is one of the lots you reference in your advice. And I now understand to root for NU in all games except this coming Saturday. And on a separate note, if I get the chance we will stop by Mustard's to grab a bite.

 

[Bob the Boiler]

OK, tix are purchased and in hand. Meeting some family who recently moved to Chicago area and we are all going to game.

Does anyone have first-hand experience going to a football game at Northwestern? Per internet research, there is no parking near stadium for non-season ticket folk. Sounds like you park on campus (far from stadium) and take shuttles or bus?

Advice on best way to get to game from anyone who has attended? thanks all!

I went to a Purdue vs. Northwestern game when Brees was playing. We took train from downtown right to the game. It was really easy. My advise is way overdress for the weather. I thought I had it covered and I froze. The wind circles in off the lake and you will be sitting on aluminum bleachers. That is the coldest I have ever been at a game. Have a great time.

 

[shakes3858]

Shakes - Thanks for the help! I plan on parking in the Garrett parking lot on campus and taking the shuttle from there. I believe that is one of the lots you reference in your advice. And I now understand to root for NU in all games except this coming Saturday. And on a separate note, if I get the chance we will stop by Mustard's to grab a bite.

Garrett parking lot will definitely work. I like the SPAC lot because you get a cool lake view but there’s probably lots of construction there now.