With Northwestern Softball’s under-construction Kip & Sara Kirkpatrick Stadium officially not ready in time for the 2026 season, the Wildcats will host their 12 home games this season at The Ballpark at Rosemont, according to a Tuesday news release.
The 2,000-seat stadium, which opened in 2011, has hosted multiple high-profile softball events, such as the Athletes Unlimited Softball League and the Big East conference championship. The venue is located adjacent to O’Hare International Airport in the Parkway Bank Sports Complex.
NU is currently scheduled to play its home opener on March 26 against Oregon, alongside three other Big Ten series throughout the season.
No information was provided on whether student transportation to The Ballpark would be available. Where the ’Cats would host an NCAA regional — a feat last achieved in 2023 — is unclear.
Construction for the Kirkpatrick Stadium began in September. University officials previously predicted the stadium would be open by May 2026, before the NCAA Tournament would begin. The stadium is now expected to be complete in June 2026, according to the release.
Once completed, the new stadium will include notable improvements to the previous facility, including new dugouts, a full locker room and lounge, and improved ADA accessibility.
The ’Cats’ full 2026 schedule will be released by the end of the week.
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