Let's Go Cats!
Your Northwestern Wildcats basketball team is in the building! The Wildcats are here to win it all this season, and Metra is here to take you to the games. Catch all the action at Ryan-Welsh Arena without the added stress of traffic and parking. It’s time to put on your game face and get to the game comfortably and safely with Metra, a proud sponsor of Northwestern Wildcats Basketball.
Getting to the Game
Getting to the game is simple with Metra. Just a 10-minute walk from Welsh-Ryan Arena, Metra’s Evanston Central St. Station is your #1 stop for cheering on the Wildcats. Check out just how easy it is to take Metra to the game here!
DIRECTIONS:
- Take Metra's UP-N Line to Evanston Central St. Station
- Head east on Central St. towards Ashland Ave.
- Take a left onto Ashland Ave.
- Walk past Ryan Field and make a right.
- Welsh-Ryan Arena will be on your left - enjoy the game!
- Click here to learn more about stops and schedules along Metra’s UP-N Line.
Save BIG with Metra
With passes to fit every occasion, you can save big with Metra when traveling to the game! If you’re heading there on a weekday, grab a Day Pass and enjoy unlimited rides between your selected zones all day long. Cheering on the Wildcats over the weekend? Pick up a $7 Saturday or Sunday Day Pass and get to and from the game for less.
From Downtown Chicago to Evanston
To get to Ryan Welsh Arena, exit Chicago Union Station on Canal Street. Go north to the Ogilvie Transportation Center. Board the Union Pacific North Line and ride seven stops to Central Street. Exit the station, then continue east on Central Street to Ashland Avenue. Go north on Ashland Avenue. The pathway to reach Ryan Welsh Arena will be past Ryan Field, before the Trienens Performance Center.
To get to Ryan Welsh Arena, exit LaSalle Street Station via the stairs or elevator to the left of the platform area to Ida B Wells Street, then go north on LaSalle Street. Continue north on LaSalle Street until you reach the CTA LaSalle/Van Buren Station on Van Buren Street. Board the outbound CTA Pink Line from LaSalle/Van Buren Station, ride three stops to CTA Clinton Station, and exit at Lake Street. Head east on Lake Street to the Ogilvie Transportation Center. Board the Union Pacific North Line and ride seven stops to Central Street. Exit the station and proceed east on Central Street to Ashland Avenue. Continue north on Ashland Avenue. The pathway to reach Ryan Welsh Arena will be past Ryan Field, before the Trienens Performance Center.
To get to Ryan Welsh Arena, exit Millennium Station onto Randolph Street. Head west on Randolph Street to Wabash Avenue. Continue south on Wabash to the CTA Washington/Wabash Station. Board the Green Line and ride three stops to Clinton. Exit the station and proceed east on Lake Street to the Ogilvie Transportation Center. At Ogilvie, board the Union Pacific North Line and ride seven stops to Central Street. Exit the station and continue east on Central to Ashland Avenue. Go north on Ashland. The pathway to reach Ryan Welsh Arena will be past Ryan Field, before the Trienens Performance Center.
To get to Ryan Welsh Arena, board the Union Pacific North Line and ride seven stops to Central Street. Exit the station and continue east on Central to Ashland Avenue. Go north on Ashland. The pathway to reach Ryan Welsh Arena will be past Ryan Field, before the Trienens Performance Center.
Plan Your Trip
Get help navigating with Google Maps or the RTA Trip Planner for smooth connections, including CTA services from all downtown stations. Check transitchicago.com for updates on rerouted bus services due to the event.
Purchase Tickets
Buying Metra tickets is easy—use the Ventra app, ticket machines, or pay on board with cash. Whether it's a game or an event, having your ticket ready keeps your trip simple and stress-free.
New to Metra?
Metra makes city trips easy—plan your route, check fares, and find helpful tips for riders. Enjoy a smooth ride to downtown fun and exciting events!
