Northwestern University and Northwestern Medicine have reached an agreement on a two-year, exclusive naming-rights partnership that brands the Wildcats’ temporary new lakeside athletics venue as Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The agreement further solidifies the partnership between Northwestern University and Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, which formed Northwestern Medicine in 2010.
On a recommendation from the Football Rules Committee, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on June 6 approved allowing commercial sponsor advertisements on football fields for regular-season games in all three divisions, starting with the 2024 season. This is one of the first field-naming partnerships in the country under these new rules.
“As the health care provider for the university’s students and athletes, we are pleased to strengthen our partnership and continue supporting the Wildcats in this new venue,” said Dr. Howard Chrisman, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare.
Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium will host Wildcats home football, soccer and lacrosse games and other events over the next two years, while Northwestern rebuilds Ryan Field. Northwestern will host a majority of its football games at the facility in 2024 and 2025, including Big Ten Conference games.
Northwestern Medicine is the health-care provider for all 19 Northwestern Athletics programs and nearly 500 Northwestern student-athletes as well as university students. Northwestern Medicine is one of Northwestern University’s most prominent and collaborative partners. As part of this agreement, the health system will have a visible presence throughout the temporary venue with prominent signage on the field itself as well as on LEDs and permanent structures inside and outside the stadium.
“We are honored to expand our partnership with Northwestern Medicine, as they continue to invest in our university, including Northwestern Athletics,” said Northwestern University President Michael Schill. “This partnership will help bring our innovative venue on the lakefront to life and bring our community together. I would also like to thank the Martin Family for their continued support of Northwestern Athletics and the University.”
Building on the success of their bowl-winning 2023 season, the Wildcats will play five home games on Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, beginning with the season opener against Miami (Ohio) on Aug. 31. With a combination of new game day hospitality tailgating options and a picturesque lakeside setting, the 2024 football season is set to deliver a unique and memorable experience for all attendees.
The agreement was negotiated by Northwestern Athletics’ multimedia rights partner, Northwestern Sports Properties, powered by Learfield, who have partnered with Northwestern for more than 13 years.
NU lakefront field to get new name: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium is from Evanston RoundTable, Evanston's most trusted source for unbiased, in-depth journalism.