7th Ward residents criticize, consider solutions for Ryan Field noise

7th Ward residents criticize, consider solutions for Ryan Field noise 7th Ward residents criticize, consider solutions for Ryan Field noise Daily file photo by Alex Boyko Advisory council members proposed several motions to address 7th Ward residents’ concerns. Isadora Urio Fernandes, Assistant City Editor October 15, 2026 Seventh Ward residents met with city officials to voice concerns about Northwestern’s new football stadium at a Wednesday evening Ryan Field Community Advisory Council meeting. During public comment, residents’ main complaints stemmed from excessive noise during stadium events, game day traffic and mismanaged event parking. For 7th Ward resident Alan Lirtzman, who said he lives on Rosalie Street just blocks from the stadium, noise pollution from proposed summertime concerts at Ryan Field represents a top concern. While attending one of NU’s two recent football games, Lirtzman said his phone measured the noise at 94 decibels, which he said was “way over” what he thought was allowed in the city. Seventh Ward resident Jimmy Carrane, who said he lives on Ashland Avenue, expressed concerns over both the stadium’s noise and communication between Evanston residents and NU. Carrane said sirens have been sounding for the past two weeks. When he tried to report the stadium’s alarm testing to the city, he said he was told Ryan Field is private property and to address his complaint to NU. However, he said there is no communication from NU and it feels like “nobody’s listening.” “If you want to build trust in our community, do it with action,” Carrane said. Like Carrane, 7th Ward resident Stuart Gottesman, who said he lives on Broadway Avenue, recalled calling the police several times about noise from Ryan Field.  The Evanston Police Department, he said, told him the issue should be discussed with the Northwestern University Police Department. Gottesman said he referred his complaint to City Manager Luke Stowe. “I don’t see a viable plan for anybody right now to investigate in a timely manner, prosecute, give penalties of any sort to Northwestern, especially if Northwestern is policing itself,” he said.  The city has allowed NU to hold up to 60 events each year at Ryan Field. For those events, the city also reserved the right to issue loudspeaker permits to the University, according to Ald. Parielle Davis (7th), who chairs the advisory council. On Wednesday, Davis also proposed a motion to block the city from issuing permits that would grant NU the right to use loudspeakers at Ryan Field events. NU’s Assistant Vice President for Neighborhood and Community Relations Dave Davis, the University’s advisory council representative countered that some events, especially movie nights, Halloween festivals and Christmas celebrations, would require loudspeakers to communicate with residents. “I just think this is a very stringent, maybe too overly broad restriction, for the type of events that we can hold,” Dave Davis said. “So I just want to throw it out there — there are events that neighbors have asked us that they’re looking forward to attending that would require some degree of amplified sound.” In response, Parielle Davis said amendments are allowed for any motion, reiterating that something must be done about loudspeaker noise.  Later, advisory councilmember Fiona McCarthy proposed a motion to set a permanent sound limit of 70 decibels for all Ryan Field events. McCarthy also proposed another motion to restrict amplified sound before 9:30 a.m. for all Ryan Field events. She then proposed a third motion requesting no flyovers without the city’s approval. During the inaugural Ryan Field game Oct. 3, NU held an F-16 plane flyover from the Indiana Air National Guard at kickoff. McCarthy added she was “baffled” the community only found out about the flyover about 48 hours before it occurred. Evanston’s Corporation Counsel Alex Ruggie said the city might not be able to restrict flyovers, but Parielle Davis clarified the advisory council could instead recommend the restriction. Deputy City Manager Carina Sánchez said designated no-parking zones have been implemented on streets surrounding the stadium, managing traffic flow. Sánchez said the parking-restriction signs must be posted 48 hours before Ryan Field events and will be placed along streets including Ashland Avenue and Central Street. Email: [email protected]   X: @IsadoralUrio Related Stories:  — Residents wonder how new Ryan Field’s opening will change 7th Ward community — As Ryan Field opens, community focuses on connection — Ryan Field reopening brings local Evanston restaurants to Northwestern gamedays 0 Like This Story Share on Facebook Share on X Email this Story Print this Story Tags: Dave Davis Parielle Davis Ryan Field Ryan Field Community Advisory Council More to Discover More in City Endeavor Health, Rush University System announce plans to merge City Council takes first look at FY27 budget, commends outgoing Mayor Daniel Biss ETHS faces uphill battle following June ransomware attack Chicago Stars shoot to be ‘good neighbors’ amid talks of potential move to Ryan Field Evanston weighs affordability, compliance as committees finalize rules for Healthy Buildings Ordinance City Council expected to consider 1-year data center moratorium by end of year More in Latest Stories Guest professors invite NU students, faculty to explore Black anarchism Northwestern first-years navigate application stress, rejection amid competitive club culture Bienen reduces number of private quarterly instruction lessons for students Block Museum of Art hosts discussion on art, women in athletics Cover to Cover: Kyle MacLachlan’s ‘Fictional Selves’ explores the man in the black suit Cover to Cover: ‘Hollywood, Ending’ offers a witty, compassionate critique of the entertainment industry More in Local D65 administrators propose closing Dewey, Lincolnwood Elementary schools, about $17 million in additional cuts Former Willard, Bessie Rhodes TWI parents highlight challenges, successes of transition to Foster Evanston’s newest off-leash dog park brings optimism, concerns from community Staff misled City Council about millions in unauthorized gas tax spending, records show Robyn Gabel hosts ‘Mobile DMV’ event, helps residents obtain licenses and register to vote Environmentalist Kim Wasserman, local organizers discuss environmental justice and collective action at Evanston/North Shore NAACP event