EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern's Ryan Field has been recognized with a 2017 Facility of Merit Award for leadership in addressing safety and security issues. The award will formally be handed out at the National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, from July 11-13.
"We are grateful for the leadership and support from the University and the University Police Department in making Ryan Field a national leader in safety and security," said Vice President of Athletics & Recreation Jim Phillips. "Our goal is always to provide a comfortable, convenient, and safe experience for the hundreds of thousands of fans that visit each year. We will continue to work each year to deliver fans an expedited security screening process, while making the game day experience as safe and secure as possible."
Northwestern engaged both the Department of Homeland Security and the Big Ten security firm to provide the school with a full assessment of its safety and security measures at Ryan Field. Those assessments now serve as a roadmap for a continued commitment to the safety and security of community members and guests at Ryan Field.
"Working hand-in-hand with our colleagues in athletics, we were able to enhance safety and security at Ryan Field, while continuing to emphasize exceptional service delivery," said Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief of Police Gloria Graham.
The Wildcats are one of three universities across the nation to receive the award, joined by Duke (Wallace Wade Stadium) and Ole Miss (Vaught Hemingway Stadium). Ten facilities were recognized in all, including professional venues Bridgestone Arena (Nashville, Tennessee), Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, California), and Progressive Field (Cleveland, Ohio).
"The Facility of Merit Award is to allow professional leagues, NCAA member institutions, and marathon and endurance organizations to honor outstanding facilities that have gone above and beyond for their sports safety and security," NCS4 Director Dr. Lou Marciani said. "These contributions involve enhancing safety and security at their venue beyond what is normally required and setting an example for other facilities to follow."
"We are grateful for the leadership and support from the University and the University Police Department in making Ryan Field a national leader in safety and security," said Vice President of Athletics & Recreation Jim Phillips. "Our goal is always to provide a comfortable, convenient, and safe experience for the hundreds of thousands of fans that visit each year. We will continue to work each year to deliver fans an expedited security screening process, while making the game day experience as safe and secure as possible."
Northwestern engaged both the Department of Homeland Security and the Big Ten security firm to provide the school with a full assessment of its safety and security measures at Ryan Field. Those assessments now serve as a roadmap for a continued commitment to the safety and security of community members and guests at Ryan Field.
"Working hand-in-hand with our colleagues in athletics, we were able to enhance safety and security at Ryan Field, while continuing to emphasize exceptional service delivery," said Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief of Police Gloria Graham.
The Wildcats are one of three universities across the nation to receive the award, joined by Duke (Wallace Wade Stadium) and Ole Miss (Vaught Hemingway Stadium). Ten facilities were recognized in all, including professional venues Bridgestone Arena (Nashville, Tennessee), Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, California), and Progressive Field (Cleveland, Ohio).
"The Facility of Merit Award is to allow professional leagues, NCAA member institutions, and marathon and endurance organizations to honor outstanding facilities that have gone above and beyond for their sports safety and security," NCS4 Director Dr. Lou Marciani said. "These contributions involve enhancing safety and security at their venue beyond what is normally required and setting an example for other facilities to follow."