College football is set for a unique stage this weekend: Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, will host the Big Ten showdown between Northwestern and No. 17 Michigan (No. 18 in the CFP rankings) at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15.
It’s not the first time Northwestern has moved a home game to the iconic ballpark — but this one carries huge weight, especially for Michigan, which is fighting to stay alive in the Big Ten title race and in contention for a College Football Playoff berth.
Here’s why the Wildcats are trading their home turf for a legendary MLB stadium.
Where Is Northwestern vs. Michigan Being Played?
- Stadium: Wrigley Field
- Location: Chicago
- Capacity: Nearly 41,649
While Northwestern normally plays at Ryan Field, the school’s temporary home games have been split between Martin Stadium (approx. 12,000 seats) and Wrigley Field.
To make baseball’s second-oldest ballpark football-ready, crews remove dugouts to create space for end zones, and teams use the stadium’s clubhouses as locker rooms. Northwestern gets the Cubs’ home clubhouse; Michigan uses the visiting facilities.
So Why Wrigley Field Instead of Ryan Field?
Because Ryan Field is gone — literally.
Northwestern demolished the original stadium in 2024 and is building a brand-new $862 million venue, set to open in fall 2026. The last game at the old Ryan Field was on Nov. 25, 2023, when Northwestern edged Illinois 45–43.
Since then, the Wildcats have needed temporary homes:
- 2024 season: Played at Martin Stadium and Wrigley Field
- 2025 season: First five home games at Martin Stadium, now moving major matchups to Wrigley
Northwestern will host two games at Wrigley Field this year — starting with Michigan on Nov. 15.
Northwestern’s History at Wrigley Field
Wrigley isn’t unfamiliar territory, but it hasn’t been friendly territory for Northwestern on the scoreboard.
The Wildcats are 0–5 all-time at the ballpark:
- 2010: Illinois 48, Northwestern 27
- 2021: Purdue 32, Northwestern 13
- 2023: Iowa 10, Northwestern 7
- 2024: Ohio State 31, Northwestern 7
- 2024: Illinois 38, Northwestern 28
Upcoming Wrigley Field games:
- Nov. 15, 2025 — vs. Michigan
- Nov. 22, 2025 — vs. Minnesota
Fun fact: Wrigley once hosted NFL games too — the Chicago Bears played there from 1921 to 1970 before moving to Soldier Field.
