Are you ready to dive into the electrifying atmosphere of a Northwestern Wildcats football game? There's nothing quite like the roar of the crowd, the anticipation of a big play, and the collective passion of cheering on your favorite team. If you're looking to experience that thrill firsthand, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of securing your Northwestern football tickets, from understanding your options to snagging the best seats in the house. Let's get started!
How to Get Northwestern Football Tickets: Your Ultimate Guide
Step 1: Discover Your Wildcat Spirit – What Kind of Fan Are You?
Before we jump into the "how-to," let's talk about you. Are you a die-hard, every-game-attending superfan? A casual observer who just wants to catch a few exciting matchups? Or perhaps a visiting fan eager to see your team take on the 'Cats? Understanding your fan type will help you determine the best ticket option for your needs and budget.
The Season Ticket Holder: You bleed purple! You want to be at every home game, enjoy priority access, and potentially even secure parking. This is the most committed option.
The Single-Game Enthusiast: You have a few specific games in mind – maybe a rivalry game, a marquee opponent, or a special weekend with friends and family. Flexibility is key for you.
The Student Supporter: If you're a current Northwestern undergraduate student, you're in luck! There are special perks for you.
The Group Goer: Planning a large outing with friends, a corporate event, or a youth sports team? Group tickets offer unique benefits.
Once you have a sense of your fan profile, you're ready to explore the different avenues for purchasing tickets!
Step 2: Explore Official Channels for Ticket Purchases
The most reliable and recommended way to purchase Northwestern football tickets is directly through the official Northwestern Athletics ticket office. This ensures authenticity, avoids inflated prices, and often provides access to the best available seats.
Sub-heading: Online via NUSports.com
This is generally the easiest and most convenient method.
Visit the Official Athletics Website: Head to NUSports.com. Look for the "Tickets" or "Football" section in the navigation menu.
Navigate to Football Tickets: Once on the tickets page, find the dedicated section for football tickets.
Browse Ticket Options:
Season Tickets: If available, this is where you'd find information on purchasing or renewing season tickets. Keep an eye out for deadlines, as these often go on sale well in advance of the season. For the 2025 season, information regarding season tickets for the new Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium will be available soon. Past season ticket holders often get priority access. You might need to join a waitlist if you weren't a previous season ticket holder.
Single-Game Tickets: These typically go on sale closer to the start of the football season, often in late summer. You'll be able to select specific games and view available seating.
Group Tickets: If you're planning a large outing, look for information on group rates and benefits.
Select Your Game and Seats: Once single-game tickets are available, choose the game you wish to attend. You'll then be presented with a seating chart (like a 3D view on some platforms) to help you pick your desired seats and view ticket prices.
Add to Cart and Checkout: Follow the prompts to add your selected tickets to your cart and proceed to checkout.
Payment and Delivery: Northwestern Athletics accepts various payment methods, including American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. You'll likely have options for ticket delivery:
Print-at-Home Tickets: A convenient electronic delivery method where tickets are emailed to you immediately after purchase, allowing you to print them yourself. This helps avoid Will Call lines.
Mobile Ticketing: Increasingly popular, this allows you to access your tickets directly on your smartphone for easy entry.
Mail Delivery: Tickets are typically mailed a few weeks before the event.
Will Call: Tickets are held at the ticket office for pickup on game day (or during regular office hours). Remember to bring a valid photo ID.
Sub-heading: Purchase by Telephone
If you prefer to speak with a representative or have specific questions, you can purchase tickets over the phone.
Call the Northwestern Athletics Ticket Office: The dedicated number is 888-GO-PURPLE (888-467-8775).
Office Hours: The ticket office generally operates from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.
Be prepared to provide your payment information (credit card details will be charged immediately).
Sub-heading: In-Person at the Ryan Field Ticket Office
For those in the Evanston area, you can visit the ticket office directly.
Location: The Northwestern Athletics Ticket Office is located at 1501 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60208, at Ryan Field.
Office Hours: Same as telephone hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.
You can pay with cash, check, money order, or credit card.
Step 3: Understand Different Ticket Types and Special Offers
Northwestern offers various ticket options to cater to different fan segments.
Sub-heading: Season Tickets: The Ultimate Fan Experience
Benefits: This is the best way to secure your spot for every home game, often at a discounted rate compared to buying individual tickets. Season ticket holders typically receive priority for seating, parking, and potential postseason tickets.
Renewal vs. New Purchases: Current season ticket holders usually have an exclusive renewal period. New season tickets, if available, go on sale afterward, with priority sometimes given to Wildcat Fund members or those on a waitlist.
Parking: Season parking options are often available for season ticket holders, typically within a short walk to the stadium.
Sub-heading: Single-Game Tickets: Flexibility for Your Schedule
Availability: Single-game tickets for home football games usually go on sale in late summer before the season begins.
Pricing: Prices can vary significantly based on the opponent, seating location, and demand. Expect higher prices for marquee matchups like Big Ten rivals or highly ranked teams.
Early Purchase Advantage: For popular games, it's often advisable to purchase tickets as soon as they become available, as they can sell out quickly or prices may increase closer to game day.
Sub-heading: Student Tickets: Free Entry for Undergraduate Wildcats!
Fantastic news for Northwestern undergraduate students! You are admitted to all regular-season home events, including football games, for FREE with a valid WildCARD.
Simply present your student ID at the gate for entry.
Sub-heading: Group Outings: Share the Game Day Fun
Northwestern Athletics offers special rates and benefits for groups.
This is an excellent option for parties, corporate events, youth teams, or large family gatherings.
Contact the Northwestern Athletics Ticket Office directly at 888-GO-PURPLE (888-467-8775) for more information on group ticket packages. They can often customize experiences, such as pre-game tailgate packages (like the Wildcat Alley Tailgate Garden) or special seating areas.
Sub-heading: Young Alumni/Graduate Student Tickets & Faculty/Staff Tickets
Northwestern often has specific ticket programs or discounts for young alumni, graduate students, faculty, and staff. Check the official NUSports.com website for details on eligibility and how to purchase these specialized tickets.
Step 4: Consider Resale Markets (Use with Caution!)
While official channels are always preferred, sometimes games sell out, or you might be looking for a specific seat or a last-minute deal. Resale markets can be an option, but always proceed with caution.
Sub-heading: Reputable Resale Platforms
Ticketmaster Resale: As Ticketmaster is often the primary ticket provider for Northwestern, their resale platform is generally reliable for verified tickets.
StubHub, SeatGeek, Gametime: These are other popular and generally reputable secondary ticket marketplaces.
Key Considerations:
Ticket Authenticity: While these platforms often have buyer guarantees, always be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
Dynamic Pricing: Prices on resale markets fluctuate wildly based on supply and demand. You might find a bargain closer to game day if tickets aren't selling, or pay a premium for popular matchups.
Fees: Be aware of additional service fees that these platforms often add at checkout. Always check the total price before confirming your purchase.
Sub-heading: Avoiding Scams
Never buy from unofficial individuals or unknown websites. Counterfeit tickets are a real problem.
Be suspicious of heavily discounted tickets for high-demand games.
Only use platforms with strong buyer protection policies.
Step 5: Plan Your Game Day Experience
Once you have your tickets secured, it's time to think about the actual game day!
Sub-heading: Getting to the Stadium (Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium)
Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium is located in Evanston, Illinois.
Parking: If you didn't secure season parking, research single-game parking options well in advance. Northwestern Athletics usually provides information on available lots and parking garages on campus, often within walking distance.
Public Transportation: Consider using public transportation options, such as Metra or CTA, especially if you're coming from Chicago.
Sub-heading: Gameday Information
Bag Policy: Be aware of stadium bag policies (e.g., clear bag policy) to ensure smooth entry.
Gate Times: Know when gates open to allow yourself ample time to find your seats and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere.
Will Call Pickup: If you opted for Will Call, know the location of the ticket office at Ryan Field (often near Gate K at the South end) and arrive early to avoid long lines. Will Call typically opens three hours before football game time.
Food and Beverage: Familiarize yourself with the food and beverage options available inside the stadium.
Tailgating: Many fans enjoy tailgating before games. Check Northwestern's official policies on tailgating areas and rules.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check the Northwestern football schedule for next season?
You can find the official Northwestern Wildcats football schedule on the Northwestern Athletics website, NUSports.com, typically under the "Football" section, or on reputable sports schedule sites like FBSchedules.com.
How to get student tickets for Northwestern football games?
Northwestern undergraduate students are admitted to all regular-season home football games for FREE by presenting a valid WildCARD at the gate.
How to find out when single-game Northwestern football tickets go on sale?
Single-game Northwestern football tickets typically go on sale in late summer before the season begins. Check NUSports.com or sign up for their email alerts to be notified.
How to purchase Northwestern football season tickets?
Season tickets can be purchased directly through NUSports.com or by calling the Northwestern Athletics Ticket Office at 888-GO-PURPLE. Past season ticket holders usually have priority access.
How to transfer Northwestern football tickets to someone else?
If you purchased tickets through official channels, you can often transfer unused tickets to family and friends via a ticket transfer option provided by the ticketing platform (e.g., Ticketmaster's transfer feature).
How to get group tickets for a Northwestern football game?
To inquire about group tickets for Northwestern football, contact the Northwestern Athletics Ticket Office directly at 888-GO-PURPLE (888-467-8775) for special rates and package information.
How to pick up Will Call tickets at a Northwestern football game?
Will Call tickets can be picked up at the Northwestern Athletics Ticket Office located at Ryan Field (often near Gate K) on game day, starting approximately three hours before kick-off. Remember to bring a valid photo ID.
How to find seating chart information for Northwestern football games?
You can usually find detailed seating charts, sometimes with 3D views, on NUSports.com when purchasing tickets online, or on third-party ticketing sites like Ticketmaster, StubHub, or SeatGeek.
How to avoid fake Northwestern football tickets when buying online?
To avoid fake tickets, always purchase from official sources like NUSports.com or reputable, established secondary marketplaces like Ticketmaster Resale, StubHub, or SeatGeek, which offer buyer guarantees. Be wary of deals that seem unrealistic.
How to get last-minute Northwestern football tickets?
For last-minute tickets, check official channels first for any remaining inventory. If unavailable, reputable secondary markets like SeatGeek or Gametime might offer tickets, sometimes at reduced prices closer to game time, but be prepared for dynamic pricing.