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Comparable Schools'
Athletics Grades:
Quick StatsAthletic Division
NCAA Division I
Men Playing Varsity Sports
232 - 6 %
Women Playing Varsity Sports
238 - 6 %
College Prowler Take
Although NU’s football squad is up-and-coming, and even cracked the top 25 for a while in 2005, they still have a long way to go before they garner respect the likes of Michigan or Ohio State—two Big Ten rivals. Most students go to games for the camaraderie, and nothing more. IM and club sports are both fairly popular, but there are also many NU students who quiver at the thought of picking up a pigskin or a baseball bat. NU is not an athletic powerhouse—and probably never will be. We’re more proud of our academic achievements anyhow. Half the appeal of football games is socializing. After a few pre-game beers, it’s off to Ryan Field where maybe our team will upset a perennial powerhouse and prove to the world, once and for all, that the pen is, in fact, mightier than the sword. Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
Anonymous says:  |
The football games are really fun...
The football games are really fun if you go with a big group and get into the cheering and action of the game. Quite a few students go for such a smart school. Intramural sports are pretty big—most dorms and Greek groups have teams, and they have the standards, I think—like football, soccer, softball, Frisbee to name a few. |
Anonymous says: |
Club sports seem pretty cool—all...
Club sports seem pretty cool—all the benefits of exercise without necessarily the commitment for varsity. Rugby and sailing have parties that are amazing—always fun, always out of control. |
Anonymous says: |
Football seems to be the biggest...
Football seems to be the biggest varsity sport. Most athletes live on North Campus. Students from all over campus and all disciplines participate in IM sports. |
Anonymous says: |
Football is popular, other sports...
Football is popular, other sports less so. IM sports are pretty popular, especially softball. |
Anonymous says: |
Varsity sports are pretty big, but...
Varsity sports are pretty big, but nothing in comparison to other Big Ten schools. It’s very possible to live on campus and have no idea what’s going on with the football team, but at the same time, you can go to games and really get into the whole college sports atmosphere. |
FactsMen's Varsity Sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Wrestling
Women's Varsity Sports
- Basketball
- Cross country
- Fencing
- Field hockey
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Intramurals
- Basketball
- Dodgeball
- Flag football
- Floor hockey
- Soccer
- Softball
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Volleyball
Club Sports
- Aikido
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cycling
- Equestrian
- Fencing
- Gymnastics
- Ice hockey
- Ju-Jutsu
- Karate
- Lacrosse
- Rowing
- Rugby
- Running
- Sailing
- Ski racing
- Soccer
- Squash
- Synchronized Skating
- Tae Kwon Do, ATA
- Tae Kwon To, WTF
- Tennis
- Triathlon
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Volleyball
- Water polo
Gyms and Facilities
- Blomquist Recreation Center - The primary workout facility for South Campus, the BQ attracts mostly women—most sporting Greek letters. There isn’t much equipment here, though it was recently expanded. Still, plan on some long waits while some snooty chick blasts her buns on the elliptical.
- Drysdale Field - Another hub for varsity athletics, you can catch the up-and-coming women’s softball team. No matter who you are, you gotta love the diamond girls.
- Floyd Long Field - Up north and away from the lake, this is the perfect spot for a competitive match—be it soccer, football, rugby, or lacrosse.
- Henry Crown Sports Pavilion and the Dellora A. and Lester J. Norris Aquatic Center - Affectionately termed SPAC, this facility boasts racquetball courts, hundreds of exercise machines, an indoor track, and a pool. There are also basketball and tennis courts, so virtually any sport you could imagine is at your fingertips. You may have to compete with one of your professors or an Evanston resident for the treadmill, but this is your best bet for workout digs on campus.
- Lakeside Field - Catch a glimpse of women’s lacrosse action or take in one of the other, less-talked-about sports at Lakeside Field. If on the off chance it’s empty, feel free to kick around a ball or rope your ragtag friends into a game of tackle football, no holds barred.
- McGaw Memorial Arena - Home to NU’s basketball team, McGaw is a spacious stadium with tons of leg room. In addition to hosting basketball in the winter, McGaw also acts as the largest indoor space at Northwestern—you’ll be herded into the bleachers for an inaugural address by the University president, and your school’s graduation may be held here.
- Patten Gymnasium - Closely located to the frat quad, Patten is a training facility equipped with basketball courts and free weights. Most of the people up here are serious athletes, so don’t be surprised to see varsity men and women working up a sweat.
- Rocky Miller Park - NU’s baseball field is host to high-speed action, so grab a hotdog and enjoy the show during spring quarter.
- Ryan Field - This recently-renovated football arena is equipped with new seating, posh extras, and real grass—rather than artificial turf. However, even these amenities have yet to attract huge crowds, as most games do not sell out. However, you likely will spend a few Saturdays every fall up here, so thank your lucky stars for the ample seating in the student section.
Athletic Fields
Ryan Field, McGaw Memorial Arena, Henry Crown Sports Pavilion and the Dellora A. and Lester J. Norris Aquatic Center, Lakeside Field, Rocky Miller Park, Drysdale Field, Blomquist Recreation Center, Floyd Long Field
Getting Tickets
Tickets are easy to get and cheap for students—if your parents come into town, it may be a little more expensive. But unless Northwestern turns into a “real” Big Ten school anytime soon, you can count on cheap, uncrowded sports action. Get tickets at Ryan Field or by calling (847) 491-CATS.
Most Popular Sports
Football and basketball command the most respect and bring in the biggest audiences. But just remember, we’re a top 10 school for academics, so it’s not too big of a deal if our teams do not always finish in the top 25.
Most Overlooked Teams
Most women’s teams fade into the background, although they are among the strongest at the school. Take women’s tennis—the team sends someone to the NCAA women’s tennis quarterfinals every year. And our fencing team—they’re regularly ranked among the top five in the nation.
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