Men's Basketball Gameday Information
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WELSH-RYAN ARENA MAP
Questions? Call 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775) or email cat-tix@northwestern.edu
Men's Basketball Fan Guide from A to Z
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZADA Parking
ADA parking is located in the front rows of both the east and west parking lots. Single-game ADA parking is limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.
Advance Ticket Sales/General Ticket Information
The Athletic Ticket Office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at the south end of Ryan Field on Central Street, and will transition into the lobby of Welsh-Ryan Arena before the end of 2018. On game days, the ticket office opens 1.5 hours prior to tip. For further information, please call 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775) or email us at cat-tix@northwestern.edu.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited in Welsh-Ryan Arena outside of the Wilson Club.
Automobile Trouble
A guest who experiences automobile trouble while parked in a University lot should contact a University police officer or call the University Police at (847) 491-3456. In an emergency, call 911.
Away Games
Away game tickets are not sold via Northwestern for basketball. Northwestern does sell tickets for select non-conference tournaments and postseason tournaments. Call 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775) or email us at cat-tix@northwestern.edu for more information.
B
Baby Changing Stations
Baby Changing stations are available in most Welsh-Ryan Arena restrooms. Additionally, family restrooms are located on all three levels of Welsh-Ryan Arena. Exact locations can be found on the Arena Map.
Bag Policy
All bags are subject to search when entering Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Birthday Messages
Wildcats fans enjoy celebrating their birthdays at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Now you can make the day even more special when you place birthday wishes on the scoreboard for everyone to see. Congratulatory and welcome messages are also available. There is a $50 fee for all scoreboard messages. For more information, please contact an account executive at 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775).
Bottles & Cans
Bottles and cans are prohibited in Welsh-Ryan Arena. Guests will be asked to dispose of bottles and cans in a trash container.
C
Cameras
Hand-held still cameras are permitted for personal use. Cameras with large lenses and video cameras are prohibited. Camera lenses cannot be longer than six inches, anything longer will not be allowed into the stadium. Any commercial photography is prohibited. Event Staff members are authorized to evict guests violating these photographic policies.
Cellular Phones
Use of cellular phones is permitted providing their use does not interfere with another guest's ability to enjoy the atmosphere of Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Children and Infant Ticket Policy
All persons, regardless of age, must hold a ticket. No "lap ticket" is sold for Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Community Relations
If your nonprofit organization is seeking a donation of game tickets, please send a formal letter of request to:
Community Relations
NU Athletic Department
1501 Central Street
Evanston, IL 60208
If you have further questions, please contact the Community Relations Department by emailing catsgiveback@northwestern.edu or by calling 847-467-3302. For more information on the 'Cats Give Back program, click here.
Concessions
Levy Restaurants is the official concessionaire for Welsh-Ryan Arena. All concessions for the 2023-24 season will be cashless. Concessions Maps for each level at Welsh-Ryan Arena can be found here.
Corporate Sponsorships
For information regarding corporate sponsorships, please contact Northwestern Sports Properties at (847) 491-6698.
Disabled Guest Parking
ADA parking is located in the front rows of both the east and west parking lots. Single-game ADA parking is limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.
Disabled Seating
Disabled seating is located in all corners of Welsh-Ryan Arena on the Main and Upper Levels (with the exception of the Northeast corner on the Upper Level).
Doors Open
Doors open 90 minutes prior to tip off.
E
Elevators
Elevators are located near the stairwells in all four corners of Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency at Welsh-Ryan Arena, please follow the directions from ushers. If an emergency requires evacuation from the Arena, directions will be given over the public address system. Please contact an usher if you have any questions.
F
Fan Services
Wintrust Fan Services team members can be found in the lobby, on the main level behind section 110 and on the upper level behind section 207.
First Aid
First Aid is located behind Section 101 on the Event Level, just west of the main lobby.
G
Group Tickets
Group tickets and hospitality are available for most games. Please contact the Athletic Ticket Office at 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775).
Guest Conduct
Northwestern Wildcats basketball should be an enjoyable experience for all fans. In order to promote athletic excellence and fan enjoyment, we ask for your assistance in displaying a high degree of respect and sportsmanship at all times. If a patron displays conduct which endangers or disrupts players, coaches, officials, or other patrons, Northwestern University reserves the right to remove the individual from Welsh-Ryan Arena. No refunds will be granted in such cases.
I
Infant Tickets
Per Big Ten Conference rules, all guests must purchase a ticket regardless of age, even babies. There is no "lap ticket" for Welsh-Ryan Arena.
The Wildcat Excellence Fund is an unrestricted annual fund which supports nearly 500 Northwestern student-athletes in 19 sports. Contributions to the Excellence Fund are allocated to areas such as academic services, sports performance, and sports medicine that provide support for all of our student-athletes. By giving to the Excellence Fund, you are making a difference for every Northwestern student-athlete to ensure that they have a world-class experience. Visit SupportTheCats.com to learn more or click here to make a gift.
Kids' Club
Do you know a child in 8th grade and under who loves the Wildcats? Sign them up to be a part of Willie's Kids' Club. Willie's Kids' Club members receive special Wildcat gifts, free tickets to events and invitations to exclusive events. If you would like more information about the Willie's Kids' Club or to request a membership application, please contact the Willie's Kids' Club Office at (847) 467-6862 or via email at wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu.
L
Lost & Found
Lost items may be turned into the Athletic Ticket Office at the lobby of Welsh-Ryan Arena. All unclaimed items remaining after gameday will be turned into the NU Athletic Facilities Office at (847) 491-7887.
M
Merchandise
Grab all your favorite Wildcats merchandise at the Northwestern Athletics Merchandise stand located in the lobby of Welsh-Ryan Arena. Under Armour is the official outfitter of the 'Cats. Pick up the latest gear inside the stadium, or at Gameday Spirit (1805 Central Street, Evanston, IL), the official merchandiser of Northwestern Athletics. Shop online here.
N
Northwestern University (Mailing Address)
Walter Athletics Center
2255 Campus Drive
Evanston, IL 60208
Ryan Field Campus (Anderson Hall)
1501 Central Street
Evanston, IL 60208
Welsh-Ryan Arena
2705 Ashland Avenue
Evanston, IL 60208
O
On-Court Access
Only authorized personnel will be permitted on the court before, during, or after a game. Any unauthorized person going onto the court be removed from the Arena and subject to arrest. Groups are able to have pre- and post-game court access as well as play youth basketball games at halftime.
P
Parking
Prohibited Items
Common items that spectators are prohibited from bringing into Welsh-Ryan Arena include, but are not limited to:
*Alcoholic beverages
*Umbrellas
*Noisemakers including cowbells, musical instruments or horns
*Banners, flags, or signs
*Video cameras, televisions, large lens cameras, tripods, or large radios
*Cans, glasses, thermoses, picnic baskets, ice chests, wine skins, food, drinks or coolers
*Outside food and beverage
Storage of these items for guests will not be provided.
Promotional Items/ Dates
Promotional items have individual restrictions and give away dates are subject to change without prior notice. Please remember that a game ticket does not ensure or entitle the holder to a promotional item on that date and that only one item will be distributed per person. Please be considerate of other guests by taking only one promotional item.
Public Address
No appeals will be made over the public address system except under extraordinary circumstances. Requests of an emergency nature should be addressed to the nearest usher or to security personnel.
Q
Questions
Any questions not answered in this fan guide may be directed to the Athletic Ticket Office at 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775) or via email at cat-tix@northwestern.edu.
R
Radios/ Televisions
Large radios and large televisions are not permitted in Welsh-Ryan Arena. Wildcats Men's Basketball games can be found on WGN Radio 720.
Recycling Bins
Guests are encouraged to recycle their soda and water bottles in the recycling bins throughout the concourse.
Re-entry
Patrons who choose to leave Welsh-Ryan Arena during the game will not be allowed to re-enter.
Relocation Policy
NU Athletics reserves the right to enforce reserved seating if crowd control or safety issues dictate the necessity. The University reserves the right to relocate ticket holder(s) to an alternate seat location(s) at its discretion based upon conduct, apparel or other reasons.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located throughout Welsh-Ryan Arena. All restrooms are handicap accessible. For a full map, click here.
S
Season Tickets
Please contact the Athletic Ticket Office at 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775) for information regarding prices or seat locations.
Seating
All seating is accessible from the MAIN and UPPER levels of Welsh-Ryan Arena. Guests will enter the arena at the EVENT level in the lobby, and show proceed up the stairs or elevators to the MAIN and UPPER levels to access their seats.
Seating Chart
Schedules
Pocket schedules are available at the Athletic Ticket Office or by calling 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775).
Security
All guests will pass through metal detectors upon entrance into Welsh-Ryan Arena. Guests who are unable to pass through metal detectors for medical reasons will be screened separately. All bags WILL BE searched.
Service Dogs
Animals are not permitted within Welsh-Ryan Arena with the exception of certified service dogs for guests with disabilities. Please contact the Northwestern Ticket Office at 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775) to make arrangements prior to the game.
Smoking
Smoking is NOT permitted anywhere at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Guests who choose to leave Welsh-Ryan Arena to smoke will not be allowed to re-enter. We ask for your cooperation in enforcing this policy.
Souvenirs
Grab all your favorite Wildcats merchandise at the Northwestern Athletics Merchandise stands located in the lobby. Under Armour is the official outfitter of the 'Cats. Pick up the latest gear inside the stadium, or at Let's Tailgate (1805 Central Street, Evanston, IL), the official merchandiser of Northwestern Athletics. Shop online here.
Strollers
Strollers are allowed in Welsh-Ryan Arena, but not in the seating areas. Ushers will assist fans with strollers.
T
Ticket Replacement
Lost, stolen or destroyed tickets will be replaced for a $10 fee. Individuals should call 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775) for further assistance.
Under Armour
Under Armour is the official outfitter of Northwestern Athletics. Wildcats merchandise is available at the Northwestern Athletics Merchandise stand in the lobby. Pick up the latest gear inside the stadium, or at Gameday Spirit (1805 Central Street, Evanston, IL), the official merchandiser of Northwestern Athletics. Shop online here.
V
Video cameras
Video cameras are not permitted in Welsh-Ryan Arena and no storage will be provided for guests. Video cameras are not permitted due to contractual obligations between the Big Ten Conference and television networks.
Will Call (Open 3 hours prior to kickoff)
Everyone must have a Photo ID in order to pick up Will Call and Player Guest Tickets. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE. Third party will call (ticket drop offs) ARE NOT accepted.
The will call windows are located in the Northwestern Athletics Ticket Office in the lobby of Welsh-Ryan Arena.
X
X's & O's
X's & O's and all Wildcat action can be heard on WGN AM Radio 720.
Y
Youth Camps
Youth camps are typically held during the summer. For more information about the variety of camps our coaches offer please visit: NU Camp Page.
Z
Zero
Zero places are better than Welsh-Ryan Arena to enjoy a game!
