The deal is done for a college football extravaganza at Wrigley Field.
The Northwestern University Wildcats and University of Illinois Illini will go head to head in Big Ten matchup at the storied baseball park on Nov. 20.
“Having Wrigley Field as the backdrop for a college football rivalry with such a rich history is exciting since the ballpark has gone nearly 40 years since last hosting a football game,” said Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts. “It is terrific to partner with Northwestern University and an honor to play host to college football and great programs like NU and the U of I.”
Chicago Cubs PresidentCrane Kenny, Northwestern's Athletic Director Jim Phillips and members of the Chicago Bears organization will fill in all the details at an 11 a.m. press conference.
Wrigley Field, built in 1914 and the second-oldest baseball venue in the major leagues, has hosted plenty of football, including a similar matchup.
On October 27, 1923, the Wildcats and the Illini squared off at the Friendly Confines (then called Cubs Park) in front of 32,000 fans. This year’s Northwestern-Illinois game with mark the 104th game between the Big Ten Conference rivals since the two first met in 1892.
Wrigley was home to the Chicago Bears from 1921-1970. On New Year's Day 2009, it was also the site of the NHL's Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks.
