Coming this fall: 'Lakeside Gameday,' Northwestern's new football tailgating experience

EVANSTON (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Northwestern University has come up with a way for Wildcat football fans to celebrate home game days this fall, even if they can't buy tickets to the team's temporary stadium.

Ryan Field held 47,000 Wildcat fans, but it’s gone now. The temporary structure at the school’s lacrosse field has capacity for just 15,000.

To make up the difference, Northwestern says it will use the Lakefill area, just south of Martin Stadium, for “LakeSide Gameday.” It’s an outdoor festival area with food and drinks for purchase, five big screens showing the game, an entertainment stage and enough bathrooms for all.

It won’t be free. It will cost $25 to enter, and, if you want more amenities, from a tent for 10 to a VIP space for 35 or even a two-story heated and air conditioned chalet that houses 50, well, the price climbs quickly.

The party will be in place for all five Evanston games this fall. The Wildcats will play their last two games at Wrigley Field.

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