Zook Wants Game Against Northwestern...At Wrigley

By Marcus Gilmer in Miscellaneous on Jul 27, 2009 8:40PM

Any Chicago sports fan knows the lengthy time that Wrigley Field spent as home to the Chicago Bears' football team (1921 until 1970 when they moved to Soldier Field). But now Wrigley could once again host a football game if several people, including University of Illinois coach Ron Zook, have their way. The story's been bouncing around for a while now, but Zook raised the issue again at today's Big 10 Media Day, asking for a game against Northwestern next year at Wrigley. During the media day, Zook appeared on ESPN 1000 where he said:

"Well, to be honest with you, we were there last night and walking around with the people there and I just think it would be an awesome venue," Zook said. "Obviously, until just a couple years ago, there had been more NFL games played in that stadium than any other stadium, and there hasn't been a game played there since 1970.

"And can you imagine the national media? I think it would be great to have that opportunity. I'm probably speaking out of turn, the higher-ups make the decisions, obviously."

The national media would whip up a frenzy over a football game at Wrigley for the first time in 40 years. But would there be much hype over two teams who may not even be ranked in the top 25 when they face each other? Among the issues facing the Cubs, the stadium's primary tenant, are how would new bullpen and dugout seats factor into the dimensions of the football field. Zook even admitted, "One of the end zones is going to be very, very tight. But I think they're excited about the opportunity, and I think it would be great for the city of Chicago, I think it would be great for Northwestern and great for the University of Illinois."

For now, the Wildcats and Illini are still slated for a November 20 match next year in Champaign.