Northwestern Football: Wildcats’ facility upgrades are stunning
The new and improved Northwestern football facilities are amongst the best in the nation, and they’re well-deserved.
The Northwestern Wildcats have been in dire need of an upgrade surrounding their athletic infrastructure on campus and this season the program is enjoying their first year with a newly built lakeside facility.
Breaking ground in 2015, the upgrade sits right on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers a stunning view of the coast. The purpose of the upgrade was to not only give the athletic program a much-needed improvement, but also provide the students at Northwestern with a lakeside venue for other events and gatherings.
Are you kidding me with this view? These new Northwestern facilities were done right: pic.twitter.com/7x0JGtM3VK
— Alex Roux (@a_roux) August 23, 2017
According to a release by the school during the groundbreaking phase, this is what is included with the new facility:
- Indoor running track
- Sports medicine facilities
- Full-sized indoor athletic facility for campus events, conventions, etc.
- Three basketball courts
- 1,000 persons capacity seating
- Performance areas
The major upgrade is to the Lakeside athletic fields, which is where the great view and atmosphere comes from. These fields will be home to various sports, such as soccer and lacrosse, and will have upgraded lighting and lounge areas and a better shoreline atmosphere.
Makes you want to put the pads on and get out there, doesn't it? pic.twitter.com/MVKzuYyQ5m
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) August 23, 2017
It also appears the upgrades of the facilities are not yet finished and still being worked on.
Stop 14 - Northwestern. New facility going up in the background is massive. Sat in on QB mtgs this morning - really engaged group pic.twitter.com/bppTSyPSrK
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 23, 2017
The Wildcats begin their 2017 campaign on Saturday, September 2nd when they host the Nevada Wolfpack. Having practice right on Lake Michigan is a great way to get ready for the season- the team even had Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning stop by for Tuesday’s practice.
https://twitter.com/coachfitz51/status/900157608270721025
These new renovations are a part of a major makeover for Northwestern and its athletic program, specifically the football and basketball stadiums.
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The Wildcats rank last in the Big Ten in seating capacity in football as Ryan Field holds just over 47,000 people. Northwestern has also had issues with opposing teams’ fans chewing up a large portion of the attendance for home games and everyone is hoping upgrade will help change that theme.