Ryan Field is getting a makeover.
After tabling the measure for a week, the Evanston City Council voted 6-2 on Monday evening to approve the $800 million renovation of Ryan Field. The Council also approved the rezoning of the stadium’s U2 district, on a 5-4 vote with Mayor Daniel Biss breaking a 4-4 tie. As a result, Ryan Field will be allowed be used for commercial use. Under the new zoning, Northwestern will be able to host up to six concerts each year at the facility.
“This is a huge win for the city of Evanston,” Dave Davis, Northwestern’s senior executive director of neighborhood and community relations, said following the meeting.