Colorado football’s 2026 nonconference schedule now carries an added wrinkle as the Buffaloes will face Northwestern during a unique transitional period for the Wildcats’ stadium situation.
According to a new report from ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, Northwestern’s highly anticipated $862 million Ryan Field will not open until Oct. 2. The Wildcats will instead host Colorado on Sept. 19 at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, a smaller temporary venue along Lake Michigan.
For the actual team, the venue switch likely won’t change much, especially given the early September date, when the weather shouldn’t be much of a factor. However, for fans hoping to make the late summer trip to Evanston to see the new Ryan Field, those plans will have to be put on hold. Colorado will be the final team to face Northwestern at the temporary facility, adding another layer to an already intriguing nonconference matchup.
Northwestern’s new Ryan Field is now scheduled to debut in prime time when the Wildcats take on Penn State two weeks after the Colorado game. Wildcats officials plan to use the time between completion and the opener to test operations and hold team practices before unveiling the 35,000-seat facility.
The matchup will give Colorado an early measuring stick against a Northwestern program coming off a bowl victory and adding experienced offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to the coaching staff. For the Buffaloes, the early-season road test in Evanston presents both opportunity and a unique stage before Northwestern fully unveils its new football home.
News: Northwestern will open the $862 million @NewRyanField on Oct. 2 (Friday) against Penn State, while playing its first two games — South Dakota St and Colorado — on campus at its lakefront stadium. Construction is set to wrap in mid-September. https://t.co/hoC7yoPKuD
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) February 3, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football vs. Northwestern venue change, Ryan Field delay
