Northwestern University and the Turner-Walsh joint venture have marked the topping out of the new Ryan Field stadium in llinois, US.
The construction milestone follows the placement of the final steel beam that signals the completion of the stadium’s structural phase.
The privately funded redevelopment project is worth $850m and is set to open in 2026.
Northwestern University athletic director Mark Jackson said: “There’s never been anything like this in the history of college athletics, and it separates itself on so many different fronts.”
The new stadium is expected to provide significant economic impact and job creation for Evanston and adjacent communities.
Ryan Field will incorporate design features focusing on accessibility and sustainability goals, including a target of obtaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification along with green spaces and public plazas intended for broader community use.
Last July during the ground-breaking ceremony, Northwestern University reported that the rebuilding activities for the stadium would generate more than 2,900 jobs.
It was also projected to deliver an overall economic impact of over $659m to Evanston.
The project involves $208m in contracts for companies owned by locals, women, or minorities.
Other financial outcomes include more than $12m in fees paid directly to Evanston, $11m allocated for permits issued by the city, and an estimated indirect tax revenue of $1.5m.
Ryan Sports Development CEO Pat Ryan Jnr said: “It’ll be the most intimate stadium in America. That’s because of the incredible engineering that went into it, but also the incredible craftsmanship.”
Turner Construction Company and Walsh Construction Company jointly manage general contracting responsibilities for the redevelopment.
Turner Construction Company vice-president and general manager Kate Van Zeyl said: “We’re proud to celebrate this achievement alongside Northwestern, Walsh, the Ryan family, and the City of Evanston.
"This milestone reflects not just the progress of a stadium, but the strength of a community working together to create opportunity, sustainability, and lasting impact.”
