Northwestern and Illinois play each season for the Land of Lincoln Trophy and have been playing annually since 1927. The intrastate rivalry has blossomed due to the proximity of the two schools, which makes for a great game as many fans will travel to the opposing school for this match up.
The Big Ten conference school that is geographically closest to Northwestern is Wisconsin which makes this game one of the most exciting of the season.
Wildcats Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Northwestern is a very scenic campus in the fall, just minutes from Lake Michigan you feel the mellow breeze coming off the water that describes the atmosphere perfectly. The fans are very laid back and come out to have fun and watch football; it’s as simple as that. You’ll find the student crowd playing some drinking games in the parking lot but outside of that, it’s not the craziest atmosphere in the conference. Most of the fans come from the neighborhoods surrounding the field or from the city of Chicago. There is a very local feel to the tailgates that makes it easy to bring the family.
If you feel like setting up your site, the best place to do so is off of Sheridan Road. This is one of the many free spots to tailgate for fans before kickoff. It’s a fantastic place to set up your grills and throw on some Chicago-style hot dogs or look to see if anyone is serving up some Italian beef.
The best time of year to go is either during the first weeks of the season when it is still warm, the lake breeze is very refreshing, and the Wildcats are playing Cupcake opponents. Or, if you’re able to get tickets, the last week of the season for the rivalry game vs. Illinois.
If you’re looking for a relaxing family friendly tailgate, then you’ll be right at home when tailgating before a Northwestern football game.
Located on the football practice field Northeast of Ryan Stadium is Wildcat Alley, a family friendly tailgate that is open three hours before kickoff. Wildcat Alley offers a variety of activities such as an inflatable football toss, face painting, and the Cricket Wireless Stage which features interviews with NU coaches and prizes that can be won by fans.
Starting with the 1995 season, the clock face of the Rebecca Crown Tower on the NU campus will change from white to purple if the Wildcats earn the victory. Since 1997, if the Wildcats win the final game during their season, the clock will remain purple until the start of the next season.
Before the game starts, join in on the Walk with Us. About two and a half hours before kickoff, the band, cheerleaders, Willie the Wildcat, and fans welcome the team to the stadium. The tradition is done to honor former Head Coach Rand Walker and takes place along Wildcat Way. You’ll love Walk with Us as it gives you a chance to get up close to Wildcats players and coaches.
Where to tailgate
Wildcat AlleyLocated on the football practice field Northeast of Ryan Stadium is Wildcat Alley, a family friendly tailgate that is open three hours before kickoff. Wildcat Alley offers a variety of activities such as an inflatable football toss, face painting, and the Cricket Wireless Stage which features interviews with NU coaches and prizes that can be won by fans
Tommy Nevins PubWith daily drink specials and the proximity to Ryan Field, Tommy Nevin’s is a game day hot spot for many Northwestern fans
Wildcats Stadium Guide
In Game
Although some Wildcat fans may disagree, the overall atmosphere at Ryan Field is a very friendly one. Fans will surely get loud on occasions, but most visiting fans will feel welcome when visiting Evanston. Most of the fans are from affluent areas near the stadium and aren’t the wildest crowd in the Big Ten. This makes Northwestern a perfect place to go to network and bring the family as that is the popular thing to do. Just make sure to wear everything purple you have as most games turn into a purple out by the time all the fans have made their way in.
During kickoffs, Northwestern fans jingle their keys rather than cheer, and the cheerleaders will run the crowd through some very basic chants followed by a loud growl. For example, when the Cats are trying to finish off a game and run out the clock the cheer squad will get the fans to yell CATS EAT CLOCK followed by the growl. It is a pretty standard football atmosphere as most fans come out for a great day of football next to the scenic Lake Michigan.
Before the kick-off of the Big Ten opener, Northwestern offers first-year students the chance to lead the team out onto the field as a class. This is a great tradition that every student should take a part in when they get their chance.
Like a few other schools in college football, Willie the Wildcat and the cheerleaders will do push-ups to match the cumulative score of the game; the unique thing about NU games is that students will sometimes be lifted into the air to do the push-ups while counting out loud the score.
Northwestern fans hold up their arm in a claw formation while creating as much noise as possible to distract the opponent. The growl is the loudest on the third down and a great tradition to take part in when attending a Northwestern football game.
Before the fourth quarter, join the guest conductor as he/she encourages fans to put their hands up in the air. If nothing else, Northwestern fans will always listen to Mike Ditka telling fans to put their hands in the air!
Go U Northwestern, Break right through that line,
With our colors flying, we will cheer you all the time,
U Rah, Rah,
Go U Northwestern, fight for victory
Spread far the fame of our fair name,
Go Northwestern, win that game.
(whistle)
Go Northwestern, go!
(whistle)
Go Northwestern, go!
Hit ’em hard!
Hit ’em low!
Go Northwestern, go!
(Repeat first verse)
Northwestern Alma Mater
Hail to Alma Mater! We will sing thy praise forever; All thy sons and daughters Pledge thee victory and honor. Alma Mater, praise be thine, May thy name forever shine! Hail to Purple! Hail to White! Hail to thee, Northwestern
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