As important as it is for Northwestern to win games this college football season, it’s maybe even more important they sell tickets this season. Attendance at Ryan Field has been a big issue in recent years, and the University’s athletic department sought to remedy that with the new “Northwestern: Chicago’s Big Ten Team” ad campaign in August.
And the campaign is working. Through the first three home games, Ryan Field attendance was up 51.1% over the first three in 2009. The heartbreaking 35-27 loss to #7 and undefeated Michigan State drew 41,000+, the largest crowd of the year. What’s more impressive, is that they’ve drawn better despite the weather often working against them.
And yesterday it was announced that they have sold out the last two games: versus Iowa Nov. 13 and Illinois at Wrigley Field Nov. 20th
“The response from our fans this season has been tremendous and we anticipate even greater demand for Northwestern football tickets next year,” said assistant athletic director for ticket sales and service Kurt Hasenbalg. “Our account representatives are happy to help, so add your name to the initial request list now to begin locking in seats for 2011.”
The Wildcats’ 2011 schedule now is set after Northwestern’s originally scheduled Nov. 26 nonconference game with Rice was moved to Saturday, Nov. 12, in Evanston.
The Wildcats will have an open date on Saturday, Sept. 24. These moves became necessary after the Big Ten Conference announced its new schedule, which accommodates the addition of Nebraska, in August.
In 2012, Nebraska will make its first visit to Evanston on Saturday, Oct. 20, when NU will hold its annual Family Weekend. The following Saturday, on Oct. 27, the Wildcats host Iowa for Homecoming.
2011 NORTHWESTERN FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 3 at Boston College
Sept. 10 vs. Eastern Illinois
Sept. 17 at Army
Sept. 24 Open
Oct. 1 at Illinois
Oct. 8 vs. Michigan
Oct. 15 at Iowa
Oct. 22 vs. Penn State (Homecoming)
Oct. 29 at Indiana
Nov. 5 at Nebraska
Nov. 12 vs. Rice (Family Weekend)
Nov. 19 vs. Minnesota
Nov. 26 vs. Michigan State
2012 NORTHWESTERN FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 1 at Syracuse
Sept. 8 vs. Vanderbilt
Sept. 15 vs. Boston College
Sept. 22 vs. South Dakota
Sept. 29 vs. Indiana
Oct. 6 at Penn State
Oct. 13 at Minnesota
Oct. 20 vs. Nebraska (Family Weekend)
Oct. 27 vs. Iowa (Homecoming)
Nov. 3 Open
Nov. 10 at Michigan
Nov. 17 at Michigan State
Nov. 24 Illinois