Hawkeye Football at the Friendly Confines

There has been much talk of late to a college football game at Chicago's Wrigley Field. The "Friendly Confines" has been home to baseball's Chicago Cubs since the early 1900s. The famous ballpark has recently been home to an NHL match-up of the Chicago BlackHawks and Detroit Red Wings as well as the Chicago Bears over forty years ago. Playing a college football game at the 1060 W. Addison makes much sense. But the two teams in the discussion would not be the best choice.

Northwestern would be the natural host for this game. Located only a short distance to the north in Evanston, this would be their home game. Currently they play in aging Ryan Field and draw crowds less than Wrigley's capacity. The rumored opponent would be the Illinois Fighting Illini. An in-state rivalry would make sense, but it isn't the best choice.

Of course I would be in favor of seeing the Wildcats host the Iowa Hawkeyes, but it makes the most sense. In 2007 the Hawkeyes played Northern Illinois at Soldier Field. Although it was a home game for the Huskies, it was a sell-out based on the number of fans that came from Iowa. Although a different time, the Illini played a game at Soldier Field in 1994 to a less than capacity crowd.

While both fan bases are well-represented in the Chicagoland area, there are many Iowa grads that live in the Wrigleyville area. Iowa grads that aren't afraid to spend money as seen on recent bowl trips and away regular season football games.

Lastly, if Northwestern wants to look at this as a way to profit off a novel concept, Iowa is the bigger sell. Tickets for a game between the Wildcats and Illini could go for $60 and sell out. But a ticket to watch the Hawkeyes in Wrigley Field would demand $90 for the cheapest of seats. And without a doubt it would be a sell-out.

Before it is too late, a Hawkeye-Wildcat match-up needs to be worked out.