ETHS and New Trier Will Play at Ryan Field
The rival high schools will face off at the 35,000-seat stadium on October 16, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football
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Evanston Township High School and New Trier will compete in their long-standing football rivalry at Ryan Field on October 16, 2026. Nearly 20,000 tickets have already been sold for the event, which features a 7-1 New Trier squad against a 5-3 ETHS team.
Why it matters
High demand for the game prompted New Trier High School to open up more seating to accommodate the large crowd expected. The host institution, Northwestern University, is not charging the school districts rent to use the facility.
Ticket sales have reached nearly 20,000, with all available inventory in the 100 and 200 levels sold out. This significantly exceeds the 4,500-seat capacity at Lazier Field and the 3,000-seat capacity at the New Trier field.
The players
Evanston Township High School
This public secondary school serves the local community and currently holds a 5-3 football record.
New Trier High School
A secondary school with a 7-1 football record that has participated in this rivalry series since 1913.
Northwestern University
This private research university is hosting the game at its stadium without charging the districts rent.
The details
General admission tickets cost $15, while student entry is $10 and premium seating is $50, with all sales conducted via Ticketmaster. The Wildcat Wall at the venue is reserved exclusively for ETHS students and feeder programs, while New Trier students will occupy sections 110 through 114.
Timeline
The historic rivalry between ETHS and New Trier dates back to 1913.
The football game is scheduled for October 16, 2026.
Gates at Ryan Field will open for spectators on October 16, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Kickoff for the football game is set for October 16, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Season Trajectory
Hosting this rivalry game at a 35,000-seat venue elevates the scale of high school athletics within the region. This move shifts the typical venue experience from local school fields to a major university stadium for the duration of this historic matchup.
Fans should note that all tickets must be purchased through Ticketmaster, and seating is strictly designated by school affiliation for specific sections. Attendees should prepare for high attendance levels given that the 100 and 200 levels of the stadium are already sold out.
The takeaway
This event highlights the significant interest in regional high school athletics as it transitions to a major stadium setting. Supporters should secure their tickets early through official channels to ensure access to the restricted seating areas.
Further reading
For more on local high school gridiron action, see the Football section.
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