Evanston City Council calls a timeout on Northwestern’s Ryan Field plan

Audience members hold up signs during Evanston’s City Council meeting Monday protesting a proposal for concerts at Northwestern University’s Ryan Field. City Council members voted to table the item. (Anthony Jackson/ For the Sun-Times)

With its plans for a rebuilt Ryan Field football stadium clinging to narrow support in the Evanston City Council, Northwestern University sweetened its offer for public benefits if the city accepts its concert proposal.

The university’s offer prompted the council Monday to defer for one week a final vote on zoning authorization for the $800 million project. By a 6-2 vote, the council agreed to table action until Nov. 20.