Chicago has been left in the cold by The Big Ten.
The Big Ten Network announced June 5,2011 they chose Indianapolis over Chicago to host The Big Ten Football Championship game from 2011-2015.
Weather had a lot to do with it. Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium has a retractable roof, that’s able to block winter weather. Chicago’s Soldier Field, which was also a possible landing place, doesn’t.
Soldier Field’s inability to host year round events due to the lack of a dome has put Chicago at a constant disadvantage.
So, what can Chicago do if they want to convince The Big Ten Corporation and Commissioner, Jim Delany, to eventually bring the Big Ten Championship game to Illinois?
Some say the answer lies in promoting Chicago’s other benefits.
Having the title game here would make it accessible for enthusiasts of every Big Ten School to attend.
“Chicago is the epicenter of Big Ten interest,” said ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg in a blog post on the site. “As almost every league member, including Nebraska, boasts a significant base or fans and alums”.
If the championship game were to be played at Soldier Field, players and fans would be exposed to cold weather. But Rittenberg doesn’t think that’s a bad thing because cold weather is an integral part of Big Ten football, plain and simple.
After the 2015 Championship game, Indy’s time could be up and Chicago may possibly take the hosting title.
The Big Ten Football Championship inaugural game between the “Legends” and “Leaders” will be played on December 3, 2011.
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