Northwestern spent $875 million on a smaller stadium. Opening night explained why

Northwestern did not unveil its new home quietly. The Wildcats opened the $875 million Ryan Field on Friday night against Penn State, turning the first game in their new stadium into a spectacle, and then making the night even more memorable with a 34-13 victory over the Nittany Lions. The new Ryan Field is unlike most major college football stadium projects. Northwestern spent more money than any college program has previously spent on a stadium while intentionally reducing its capacity to 35,000, making it the smallest venue in the Big Ten. The philosophy is clear: fewer seats, closer fans, louder football.