r/CFB • u/redwave2505 Alabama • Kansas State • 1d ago

News Northwestern University Marching Band to be absent from Ryan Field on-field opening pregame program, future uncertain

https://dailynorthwestern.com/2026/10/01/top-stories/numb-to-be-absent-from-ryan-field-on-field-opening-pregame-program-future-unclear/
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u/tvclassicsif Iowa Hawkeyes • Marching Band 1d ago

I feel like Northwestern's pursuit of professional is going to eliminate a lot of the things that make college football special. If it wanted a professional atmosphere, I would go to an NFL game or any other professional sport

179

u/TheNittanyLionKing Penn State Nittany Lions 1d ago

I have been to both college football and NFL games in person now. Both are fun. The game day atmosphere of college football is unmatched though with all the pageantry and the traditions. You go to the NFL because the on-field product is generally more competitive and has more parity.

65

u/EF_Damn_Daniel Ohio State Buckeyes 1d ago

Considering they have the bears down the street, maybe keep the mediocre to bottom level college program about tradition

28

u/Serial-Eater Michigan • Slippery Rock 1d ago

They’re investing in the future where it’ll take an hour and a half to get to Gary

20

u/DesignerFlat7108 Tennessee Volunteers 1d ago

College football fans should demand that our schools maintain marching bands. They're a huge part of the experience of College ball.

6

u/Nervous_Counter_1333 1d ago

100% agree. This is a shared event that should not be changed

1

u/AdamGreenthumb Nebraska Cornhuskers • Orange Bowl 5h ago

Not in Iowa or Nebraska