Northwestern University and the Turner-Walsh Joint Venture have officially celebrated the topping out of the new Ryan Field, placing the final steel beam on the ambitious $850 million, fully donor-funded stadium rising in Evanston, Illinois. The milestone marks the completion of the project’s structural framework and signals the transition to the next major phase of construction as crews begin enclosure and interior work.
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The ceremony drew more than 400 construction workers, university executives, local officials, project architects, engineers, community stakeholders, and members of the Ryan family—the lead donors championing the stadium’s redevelopment. The final beam, signed by hundreds of team members and partners, was hoisted into place as a symbolic capstone to months of intense progress on one of the most closely watched collegiate athletics projects in the country.
Northwestern leaders and city representatives emphasized the magnitude of the moment. The new stadium is being described as both a cutting-edge athletic venue and an anchor for long-term community investment in Evanston.
Mark Jackson, Northwestern’s Athletic Director, highlighted the project’s impact on the broader college sports landscape. “There’s never been anything like this in the history of college athletics, and it separates itself on so many different fronts,” he said, acknowledging the combination of design innovation, donor commitment, and construction expertise that brought the project to this stage.
Members of the Ryan family—whose vision and philanthropy underpin the stadium’s redevelopment—also spoke to the collaborative effort behind the undertaking. Pat Ryan Jr., CEO of Ryan Sports Development, praised the construction teams and design partners, noting both the technical complexity and the craftsmanship on display. “It’ll be the most intimate stadium in America,” he said. “That’s because of the incredible engineering that went into it, but also the incredible craftsmanship.”
Turner Construction Company, co-leading the design-build effort through its joint venture with Walsh Construction, described the milestone as a model of cross-sector teamwork. Kate Van Zeyl, Vice President and General Manager at Turner, underscored how the project represents more than a venue upgrade. “We’re proud to celebrate this achievement alongside Northwestern, Walsh, the Ryan family, and the City of Evanston,” she said. “This milestone reflects not just the progress of a stadium, but the strength of a community working together to create opportunity, sustainability, and lasting impact.”
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The topping-out event also highlighted the role of skilled tradespeople whose work forms the backbone of the project. Many in attendance celebrated the safety record maintained by the crews, the integration of local labor, and the use of advanced construction technologies—including digital modeling, precision steel fabrication, and sustainable materials.
With structural steel complete, crews will now shift to exterior cladding, mechanical systems, concourse development, and advanced seating installation. The stadium is designed to prioritize fan accessibility, community integration, and sustainable performance, including a target of LEED Gold certification—a rare achievement for major collegiate sports venues.
Plans also call for landscaped public plazas, community-oriented green spaces, and enhanced pedestrian pathways intended to make the stadium a year-round destination and neighborhood asset. Community engagement efforts, which have played a central role since the project was first proposed, will continue through the next phases.
The new Ryan Field remains on schedule for its 2026 opening, where it will host Northwestern Wildcats football games as well as concerts and community events under a new operating framework approved by the city.
Originally reported by Turner Construction Company.
