[NU Sports] Wrigley Stupidity

[Jonathan Hodges]

Many would argue that a lot of your points (bad facilities, no parking,
packed with visiting fans) apply to Ryan Field (although I personally like
Ryan Field).

I give Jim Phillips credit for planning what should be a once-in-a-long-time
event that will be more of a fan experience and advertisement for NU than a
pure money grab.  Plus, we all know that NU needs to generate as much
attention and do as many attendance-driving events as possible.

If it does indeed happen, it should be a good experience that we'll
remember.  I was in the end zone for the Outback Bowl but I'll remember the
game, not my exact seat location and how not-so-great it was.

Jonathan

On Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 9:43 AM, <cherron604 at aol.com> wrote:

>
> It appears that our headline-grabbing, NIU caliber athletic director is at
> it again.  Teddy Greenstein reports
>
> http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-spt-0303-northwestern-illinois-wrigley20100302,0,4631198.story
> that plans are advancing for next season's Illinois game (a particularly
> stupid choice) to be moved to the worst football venue in Chicago, Wrigley
> Field.
>
> Put aside for a moment that Wrigley is a dump, has insultingly bad
> facilities (locker rooms, bathrooms and concessions), has no parking, and
> will likely be packed with Illinois fans.  Put aside that most summertime
> fans show up because it is the largest Singles Bar/Beer Garden in town, and
> most of them could not name more than 2 or 3 members of either lineup.  The
> article mentioned liquor sales would take place (making more money for the
> Cubs) - we will be treated to the spectacle of 30,000 Illini fans abusing
> the NU fans at what was once designated a 'home game'.  And the mind numbs
> at outdoor beer drinking on a day in late November.
>
> I have a parking pass at Dyche - now I'll probably pay for a 6-game Dyche
> parking pass, plus pay some Lakeview landlord 20 or 30 bucks for the
> privilege of parking bumper to bumper in his muddy backyard.
>
> Brick walls very close to the field of play are another problem - clearly
> not one on Jim Phillips' radar as he seeks more headlines for his scrapbook.
>  Are bowl possibilities screwed up for the 2010 Cats by giving up a home
> conference game ?  Phillips seems indifferent.  He gets to shake hands with
> Crane Kenney and Mayor Daley...woohoo !
>
> A moronic idea, all around.  What will be the next nugget of marketing
> genius from ex-NIU guy Phillips ?  Maybe move the next home date against
> Ohio State to Cleveland ! (wait, thats been done already)
>
> Chuck Herron, Tech '85  (and disgruntled 25-year season ticketholder)
>
>
>
>
> =
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