StadiumEvanston, ILNorthwestern Wildcats football games at New Ryan Field
New Ryan Field Entry Rules: Bags, Water, Food and Cameras
Checked Source: New Ryan Field getting in page (newryanfield.com, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC
Short answer
New Ryan Field allows one bag per person up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches, with no clear bag required. Backpacks of any kind and hard cases are banned. Sealed or empty refillable bottles up to 32 ounces and small collapsible umbrellas are allowed. There is no re-entry.
Every rule at New Ryan Field
An item that is not listed is not mentioned in the official pages we checked. Each row links to the page its rule came from.
Bag policy in detail
One bag per person is allowed, up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches, and it does not have to be clear. Backpacks of any kind and hard cases such as briefcases, suitcases and instrument cases are not allowed. No backpacks of any kind, clear or otherwise, are allowed. Nothing over 12 x 6 x 12 inches is allowed. Wallets, purses, drawstring bags, fanny packs and lunch bags under the size cap are welcome.
- Bag: One bag up to 12 x 6 x 12 in, any style
- Backpack: Not allowed, clear or not
- Water bottle: Sealed and unfrozen, or empty, up to 32 oz
- Outside food: Not allowed, allergy and medical excepted
Food and drink
Water bottles that are sealed and unfrozen, or empty and refillable up to 32 ounces, are allowed. Other bottles and cans are not. Outside food and drink are prohibited, with an exception for allergy and medical needs. Baby essentials such as bottles and formula are allowed. Soft-sided coolers under the bag size cap are welcome as part of the one bag per person.
Cameras and electronics
Small cameras taking non-flash stills with lenses no longer than 6 inches are allowed. Detachable lenses over 6 inches, monopods and GoPros are not. Detachable lenses over 6 inches are prohibited. Professional cameras, tripods, monopods and GoPros are prohibited. Drones are banned, including over the parking lots and roadways. The pages do not mention laptops, tablets and power banks.
Strollers and family items
Strollers are allowed and are stored at designated stroller parking areas. A car seat needs its own ticket. Allergy and medical needs are the exception to the outside food rule, and baby essentials such as bottles and formula are allowed.
Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items
Full-size umbrellas, meaning those with metal tips or over 10 inches, are not allowed. Small collapsible umbrellas are fine. The pages do not mention blankets and seat cushions.
Signs, flags and fan items
Banners and signs up to 11 x 17 inches with no sticks are allowed, and the content is reviewed. Binoculars are allowed. The page says to leave the case at home. The pages do not mention flags.
Medical needs and accessibility
The pages describe no separate medical bag process, so ask the venue before the event if you need to bring medical items.
Security screening and arrival
The venue is cashless with mobile entry only. Gates open two hours before football games, and every gate is at grade level.
Bag storage and lockers
The page describes no bag storage. Strollers go to designated stroller parking.
Football games and other events
The page covers events at New Ryan Field. It says gates open two hours before Northwestern football and other events vary, so check the event page for your date.
Prohibited items
From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.
- Backpacks
- Outside food
- Tripods
- Drones
- Inflatables such as beach balls and balloons
- Noise makers such as whistles and bullhorns
- Tobacco and vaping
- Pets, other than service animals
- Weapons including mace and pepper spray
- Hard cases
Questions about New Ryan Field
One bag per person is allowed, up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches, and it does not have to be clear. Backpacks of any kind and hard cases such as briefcases, suitcases and instrument cases are not allowed.
No backpacks of any kind, clear or otherwise, are allowed. Nothing over 12 x 6 x 12 inches is allowed.
Water bottles that are sealed and unfrozen, or empty and refillable up to 32 ounces, are allowed. Other bottles and cans are not.
Outside food and drink are prohibited, with an exception for allergy and medical needs. Baby essentials such as bottles and formula are allowed.
Soft-sided coolers under the bag size cap are welcome as part of the one bag per person.
Strollers are allowed and are stored at designated stroller parking areas. A car seat needs its own ticket.
Keep exploring
Sources
- Getting In | New Ryan Field (opens in a new tab)
newryanfield.com, read
Checked on October 5, 2026 against the sources above. Venues can change rules without notice, and rules can differ by event. Confirm with the venue for your date. Next review: October 19, 2026.
Change log
First check: 21 rules read against the New Ryan Field getting in page, which the Northwestern clear bag address redirects to.
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Not affiliated with New Ryan Field or its operators.