Neighbors Fired Up for the Wildcats

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 embraced the special day celebrating Evanston.

"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, taking ownership – saying 'This is my University.'"

The University and its neighbors came together for a pep rally Sept. 23 as fans sported purple and waved flags to cheer on the hometown Wildcats.

The pep rally in downtown Evanston featured Northwestern All-American and Evanston resident Mike Adamle. Mayor Tisdahl, President Schapiro and athletics director Jim Phillips spoke before head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired up the crowd. Willie the Wildcat and the marching bands of Northwestern and Evanston Township High School also entertained.

"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."

"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."


The game day festivities begin at 9 a.m., two hours before the 11 a.m. kickoff. A family fun zone at Wildcat Alley, adjacent to Ryan Field, will feature games, face painting, the Northwestern marching band and refreshments. The City of Evanston also will show off its new fire truck, purchased by Northwestern.

Residents can purchase discounted 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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