(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Northwestern University said it is willing to cut down on the number of events it plans to host at Ryan Field.
This announcement came days before the meeting of the Land Use Commission in Evanston. The university has had a lot of push back from neighbors regarding holding more non-sporting events at Ryan Field.
In a statement, the university said it's willing to modify its zoning application to significantly reduce the number of events at the stadium while still ensuring financial viability.
Specifically, officials said they would try to hold six concerts per year — instead of 10 — at a new Ryan Field. President Michael Schill said the university was also willing to scrap an amendment that would have allowed Northwestern to hold an unlimited number of 10,000-person events at the stadium.
The Evanston-based Most Livable City Association (MLCA) said in a statement that the proposed changes were announced "with [Northwestern's] characteristic stealth."
"Northwestern knows it is losing the battle of public opinion," wrote MLCA President David DeCarlo. "Still seeking a radical zoning change, and failing to address environmental, financial, and labor concerns with the stadium rebuild, this offer is nothing but a fig leaf in NU's quest to remake entire neighborhoods and disrupt life in Evanston and beyond."
The Ryan Field proposal is expected to be reviewed at Wednesday's Land Use Commission meeting.
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