Teachers, firefighters, police officers and other public servants who live or work in Evanston can buy tickets to Northwestern football games at the new Ryan Field for $25, the university announced Thursday, Sept. 24.

That price includes all fees and taxes. Standard seats for the Friday, Oct. 2, opener against Penn State start at $141.

Northwestern will set aside up to 500 of the discounted seats at each of the five remaining home games this season, according to Evanston Now. Eligible buyers can also purchase up to three guest tickets at the same $25 price.

The list of qualifying occupations includes teachers and school staff, nurses and healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel, military members and veterans, state, county and city employees, librarians, social workers and clergy. Northwestern alumni who work in public service also qualify.

Pat Ryan Jr., the Ryan Field developer and foundation chair, said the program is part of Northwestern's "commitment to Evanston." Revenue from the stadium's club seats and premium boxes funds the discounted tickets, Ryan said.

"Teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers, city employees and the Northwestern graduates who chose lives of service show up for all of us, every day," Ryan said in a statement. "We are deeply grateful, and we want them here cheering on Northwestern football, with their families, at an affordable price."

The discounted seats are not bare-bones. The Ryan Field website describes them as "Premium for All," noting they come with armrests, cupholders, canopy weather protection and access to premium concessions with AI-powered checkout.

The $875 million, 35,000-seat stadium opens Oct. 2, exactly 100 years after the original stadium's grand opening in 1926. It sits on Central Street on Evanston's north side. Northwestern hosted a 10,000-person watch party at the venue before the opener.

Qualified public servants can join a waitlist for the Penn State game through the Ryan Field website. Approved applicants will receive a link to purchase their seats. Tickets for the Saturday, Oct. 10, game against Ball State are also available, with standard prices topping $120.