News Summary
The Evanston City Council has unanimously approved adjustments for the construction of Northwestern University’s new Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick Stadium, enhancing facilities for the Wildcats’ softball team. This development, aimed for completion by the 2026 season, emphasizes equity in women’s sports and community involvement. Coach Kate Drohan and team members attended the meeting to support the project. The new stadium will offer improved seating and infrastructure, funded in part by a significant donation, and will also serve local athletic programs.
Evanston – The Evanston City Council met on Monday evening and unanimously voted in favor of adjustments needed for the construction of Northwestern University’s new Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick Stadium. This decision marks a significant step towards enhancing facilities for the Wildcats’ softball team, with hopes for the new stadium to be operational in time for the 2026 season.
The approval came six months ahead of the Wildcats’ first scheduled home game in 2026, underscoring the rapid development of this key sports facility. The meeting featured an unusual presence, with head coach Kate Drohan and various team members, including rising senior outfielder Kelsey Nader, in attendance to support the project.
The city council previously approved the stadium project in July, recognizing it as a pivotal milestone for equity in women’s sports. Nader shared her mixed emotions during the meeting, particularly when a public commenter spoke about his daughter’s admiration for the NU softball team, illustrating the project’s broader impact on the community.
The council had encountered obstacles in August, when they delayed the project due to concerns regarding stadium lights and the construction route along Isabella Street. Alderman Parielle Davis alleviated some concerns, clarifying that no homes directly border the new stadium, which addresses lighting-related apprehensions from local residents.
To further address community concerns, the council approved a memorandum of understanding that places restrictions on Northwestern’s use of stadium lights. Additionally, adjustments were made regarding construction traffic, with plans for construction trucks to utilize Ridge Avenue instead of the initially proposed Isabella Street route, thus minimizing impact on local traffic.
Public comments highlighted the pressing need for upgraded stadium infrastructure. Infielder Kansas Robinson shared a story about a game curtailed due to insufficient light, reinforcing the necessity of the new lights for safety and performance. Robinson also expressed pride in advocating for the softball program, underscoring the importance of this development for aspiring female athletes.
The new stadium’s design includes upgraded seating, locker rooms, bathrooms, and field lighting, greatly enhancing the experience for both athletes and fans. The total construction cost is partially funded by a generous $5 million gift from Harreld N. Kirkpatrick III and his wife, specifically allocated to support the project.
Once construction begins, which is anticipated to start as early as Tuesday, the project will involve an estimated five to six construction trucks per day. The stadium will replace the existing Drysdale Field and aim to increase the spectators’ seating capacity from 800 to 1,326. With construction projected for completion by spring 2026, the timeline is strategically aligned with ongoing renovations of Ryan Field to minimize disruption in the area.
The new Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick Stadium will not only serve the Wildcats’ softball team but also be accessible for local softball clinics and the Evanston Township High School softball team, promoting broader community involvement in women’s sports and furthering opportunities for local female athletes.
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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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