Paint the Town Purple

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Evanston residents are invited to enjoy a special day of football festivities Sept. 25 on the inaugural Evanston Day at Ryan Field when the Northwestern Wildcats host defending Mid-American Conference champion Central Michigan.

Northwestern President Morton Schapiro said a special day celebrating Evanston is appropriate.

"It's such a great city and nothing makes me feel better as president of Northwestern than to go out on the lake fill with my daughter riding her bike or go into a musical theater, classical concert or a lecture and see people from the town in there, taking ownership – saying ‘This is my University."

Northwestern and Evanston come together on game day beginning two hours before kickoff at Wildcat Alley, adjacent to Ryan Field. A family fun zone will feature face painting, games, the Northwestern marching band, drinks, food and more. The City of Evanston also will show off its new fire truck, purchased by Northwestern.

Game tickets will be discounted for Evanston residents, and kickoff is set for 11 a.m.

"I'm excited to live in a community with a Big Ten university and a stellar football program," Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl said. "I look forward to residents coming out to show their support for the Wildcats Sept. 25 on Evanston Day at Ryan Field."

In advance of the game, a pep rally will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 23 outside the Rotary Building at 1560 Sherman Ave.

The pep rally will feature Northwestern All-American and Evanston resident Mike Adamle. Mayor Tisdahl and Northwestern President Morton Schapiro will join Director of Athletics and Recreation Jim Phillips and head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Rally participants are encouraged to wear purple as select businesses will offer promotions to individuals sporting the school color.

"We're thrilled to host Evanston Day at Ryan Field," Fitzgerald said. "As members of the Evanston community, our football family is focused on making a difference in our own backyard, and we hope to do that by inviting Evanstonians to Ryan Field for this special day. We look forward to seeing a lot of purple at the pep rally and the game."

Residents can purchase a ticket for the Sept. 25 Central Michigan game at half price ($17) by visiting NUsports.com and using the promotion code "purple."

For more information, visit the City of Evanston.

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