Evanston City Council Approves New Softball Stadium

Evanston, September 10, 2025

News Summary

The Evanston City Council has unanimously approved the construction of Northwestern University’s Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick Stadium. This decision allows the Wildcats’ softball team to prepare for their new facility, set to open in the 2026 season. The approved plan includes upgraded facilities and a commitment to equity in women’s sports, addressing community concerns about lighting and traffic. Construction is expected to generate minimal disruption, with work beginning soon and a completion date targeted for spring 2026.

Evanston City Council has officially approved the construction of Northwestern University’s new Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick Stadium, a decision made during a meeting on Monday evening. The unanimous vote clears the way for the Wildcats’ softball team to begin preparations for their new facility in anticipation of their first home game in the upcoming 2026 season.

This important milestone for women’s sports not only enhances the university’s athletic facilities but demonstrates a commitment to equity in athletics. The approval process was expedited after a previous delay on August 25 regarding concerns over stadium lights and the construction route along Isabella Street. Alderman Parielle Davis reassured residents that no homes would be affected by the stadium’s lighting, addressing some community concerns.

The council also instituted a memorandum of understanding that restricts Northwestern’s use of stadium lights, which had been a contentious issue among local residents. Additionally, the proposed construction traffic will now utilize Ridge Avenue instead of Isabella Street, minimizing disruption to the neighborhood.

Attending the council meeting were head coach Kate Drohan and team members, including rising senior outfielder Kelsey Nader. Nader expressed a wave of emotions during the hearing, especially resonating with a public comment praising the university’s softball team. Fellow teammate Kansas Robinson shared an anecdote about a task faced because of insufficient lighting during a game, stressing the significance of the new stadium’s lighting for future competitions.

Construction is set to begin as early as Tuesday, with an anticipated completion date in spring 2026. This timeline aligns with ongoing renovations at Ryan Field, aiming to reduce overall disruption. The project entails a significant enhancement of facilities, including upgraded seating, locker rooms, bathrooms, and improved lighting to elevate the experience for athletes and fans alike.

The construction will generate an estimated five to six trucks daily, which will aid in the construction process without excessively burdening local traffic. This project is largely supported financially by a $5 million donation from Harreld N. Kirkpatrick III and his wife, signifying their commitment to advancing women’s sports through this initiative.

The new Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick Stadium will replace the existing Drysdale Field and will feature an increased seating capacity, expanding from 800 to 1,326 spectators. Local engagement is encouraged, as the stadium plans to host softball clinics and provide facilities for the Evanston Township High School softball team, further promoting the development of women’s sports within the community.

This initiative is a substantial step forward for the Northwestern softball program and a vital improvement for the fans and community members who support it.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick Stadium project?

  The project involves building a new softball stadium for Northwestern University’s Wildcats, replacing Drysdale Field with upgraded facilities.

• When is the construction expected to start and finish?

  Construction is expected to begin as early as Tuesday, with hopes of completion by spring 2026.

• What are the main features of the new stadium?

  The stadium will feature upgraded seating, locker rooms, bathrooms, improved lighting, and an increased seating capacity from 800 to 1,326 spectators.

• How is the construction traffic managed?

  Construction trucks will use Ridge Avenue instead of Isabella Street to reduce disruption to local residents.

• What funding supports the stadium project?

  The project is partly funded by a $5 million donation from Harreld N. Kirkpatrick III and his wife.

Key Features of the Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick Stadium

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Evanston Roundtable: Evanston City Council Meeting September 8
• Daily Northwestern: Northwestern Softball Celebrates Council Victory
• Evanston Now: Softball Team Lobbies Council for New Field
• Inside NU: Northwestern Softball Getting a $20 Million Stadium
• Wikipedia: Women’s Softball
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball

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