New Trier's football team will play its final regular-season game inside the most expensive college football stadium ever built.

The Trevians face Evanston Township High School at Northwestern University's new Ryan Field on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. It will be the first high school football game played at the $870 million stadium, and the 118th meeting in a rivalry that dates back to 1913.

New Trier's Northfield campus field holds about 3,000 fans. Ryan Field seats 35,000.

"It seemed a little surreal," head coach Brian Doll told the New Trier News. "I was like, 'is this really happening? Like, are we really gonna get to play?' It's a dream for all these kids, but it's also a dream for the community and the coaches to be able to play our rival over at Northwestern."

For most players on the roster, Oct. 16 will be their first and last time competing inside a college stadium. Doll said the crowd will likely be the largest his players ever face. He wants them to stay grounded: the field is the same size no matter where you play, and their focus should not change with the venue.

Senior middle linebacker Brady Tuma acknowledged the mental challenge. More fans means more nerves, he said, but the team's preparation routine stays the same regardless of the opponent.

Senior lineman Brody Price said he was instantly excited when he learned about the game. He called it a historic opportunity for the program and for New Trier students who will fill the stands. Price also noted that by Week 9, players will be fighting through injuries and distractions, and treating the week like any other is the key.

Athletic director Augie Fontanetta said the team is off to a strong start and wants players to embrace the experience. He predicted what will stick with them is not the final score but the smaller moments: hearing their names announced, seeing them on the scoreboard.

New Trier is 2-0 to start the season. The Trevians opened with a 45-13 win over Naperville North on Aug. 21 in Northfield, then shut out Waubonsie Valley 35-0 on Aug. 28 in Aurora. Through two games, New Trier has allowed 13 points. Quarterback Jackie Ryder went 19-of-24 for 297 yards and four touchdowns in the Week 2 win, according to The Record North Shore.

The all-time rivalry record stands at 57-54-6 in Evanston's favor, per Sports Illustrated. New Trier won last year's meeting 35-6. The Oct. 16 game closes the regular season for both teams.

Ryan Field opens Oct. 2 when Northwestern hosts Penn State. The stadium features a standing-room "Wildcat Wall" student section angled at 33 degrees, Sports Business Journal reported. Ticket information for the high school game has not been announced.