An independent study completed by consulting firm Tripp Umbach shows a new Ryan Field stadium would have a $1.2 billion economic impact in Cook and Lake Counties by 2031, with $659.9 million in economic impact to the City of Evanston during the construction process alone.
“Our numbers show that rebuilding the stadium provides powerful possibilities that greatly enhance an already vibrant, thriving community,” Paul Umbach, founder and president of Tripp Umbach, said. “Our study shows that the stadium will bring significant tax revenue to Evanston from visitors to the community, thereby allowing the City to invest in civic improvements, public safety and quality of life.”
The study estimates football and game day visitors economic impact will grow from $50.4 million in 2021 to $65 million per year by 2031. In addition to game day festivities, the study notes that its increased external, concert events will also contribute to Evanston’s economic growth by contributing $36.1 million in new economic benefits by 2031 as well. The study also showed that it could create roughly 3,000 more jobs with 35% of these being target toward minority and women-owned businesses.
“Northwestern greatly values our relationship with all of our neighbors and sees this amazing, privately-funded project as a big win for everyone,” said Dave Davis, executive director of Neighborhood and Community Relations for Northwestern. “We will finally have a state-of-the-art venue more befitting of Northwestern’s Big Ten status for athletes and fans alike, and the City of Evanston will receive a beautiful community asset along with an enormous economic boost through increased direct and indirect tax revenues, job creation and local partnership opportunities.”
The construction, maintenance and repair of nonresidential structure will experience the greatest amount of economic growth from the project. It is also expected that planning, designing and constructing Ryan Field will create 5,942 jobs in Cook and Lake Counties and 2,924 jobs in Evanston.
The project is funded privately through donations, especially from the Patrick and Shirley Ryan family, to Northwestern University, taking the financial weight off Evanston residents.
Residents have voiced concern regarding the new stadium and its proposed updates uses becoming a nuisance to nearby residents. Northwestern outlines fixing these past issues raised by residents as a top priority in the short-term but has not directly discuss how it will accomplish that or a long-term plan.
Pioneer Press reached out to several Northwestern University and Northwestern Athletics staff members, including Deputy Director of Athletics Deneé Barracato, but none could immediately be contacted.
University representatives have previously stated that a smaller capacity and a canopy will help address noise and light concerns. In a recent news release, the university also said there will be new gathering spaces and landscaping buffers around the stadium’s perimeter.
Corey Schmidt is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
