Two new synthetic turf fields at New Trier's Northfield campus are set to open this week, giving the Trevians a transformed home for Friday's season-opening football game against Naperville North.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Chris Johnson told the school board Tuesday, Aug. 18, that construction crews were racing to finish the fields in time for the 7 p.m. kickoff Aug. 21. "The fields are ready for the home football game, visitor bleachers are ready, new lights are ready," Johnson said, according to The Record North Shore. "We're excited to welcome Naperville North on Friday."

The project is big. The renovation at 1 Northfield Rd. is anchored by the largest donation in New Trier history, a $10 million anonymous gift the district received in 2025, and carries a $14.2 million total price tag. The donating family asked that the facilities not be renamed for at least 25 years; the school board unanimously honored that request July 13.

The full scope of the "Fields of Excellence Project" includes synthetic turf on three fields including the main stadium, two entirely new fields, five new scoreboards, energy-efficient lighting, a community walking and fitness path, and an outdoor workout area. A new video scoreboard at the main stadium was installed in fall 2025. A press box between the two new fields and the walking path are projected to open by Sept. 25, with the entire project wrapping by the end of September.

Johnson credited Northfield Campus Principal Paul Waechtler and Athletic Director Augie Fontanetta for overseeing the work.

The board also voted July 13 to name a scoreboard on Field 2 after legendary coach Eugene "Chick" Cichowski, who led New Trier football to nine conference championships and 145 victories before his death in March 2025 at age 90. Alumni and former players funded the $38,000 scoreboard through a separate donation drive.

For senior quarterback Jackie Ryder, a Purdue commit who threw for 1,775 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, the timing couldn't be better. "We can't wait," Ryder told The Record North Shore in a season preview published Aug. 18. "We've been looking forward to this all offseason, getting to play on our home field in front of a large crowd."

Head coach Brian Doll's program has swelled to more than 240 players, the highest total he can recall. The Trevians had to order additional helmets twice this summer after running out. Friday's matchup is a rubber game in the series: New Trier won 20-14 at Naperville North last year after losing 42-14 at home in 2024.

Kickoff is 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at the Northfield campus.