Following up on reports that surfaced over the weekend, Northwestern announced plans for multiple games at an iconic MLB ballpark.
NU and Chicago Cubs officials confirmed at a Tuesday press conference that Wrigley Field will play host to five future Wildcats football games. The press release describes the agreement between the two parties as “an innovative, multi-year event and reciprocal marketing partnership that will showcase a wide range of Wildcats athletic programs at historic Wrigley Field in coming years, including baseball, lacrosse” and, of course, football.
“We are thrilled to partner with a professional sports franchise as iconic as the Chicago Cubs in an agreement that truly is the first of its kind,” said athletic director Jim Phillips. “As Chicago’s Big Ten Team, this is a natural fit that will create tremendous opportunities for our student-athletes, our coaches and our fans in the area.
“I’d like to personally thank the Ricketts family and the entire Cubs executive team for all of their efforts in bringing this remarkable partnership to fruition.”
Because of scheduled renovations to Wrigley Field, the dates of future games at the park will be announced at a later date. Future opponents have yet to be revealed as well.
Northwestern has played one game at Wrigley Field, a loss to Illinois in November of 2010. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald is hoping that the additional games at the historic park will provide a boost to the football program, particularly as it relates to the hyper-competitive recruiting game.
“We’re trying to win a Big Ten and national championship and to have that attraction in recruiting where we can give young man the unique experience no one else can sell along with everything we already have was something that was very appealing to myself and my staff,” Fitzgerald said. “We’re talking to kids we’ll see in future signing days and saying, ‘We’re going to be playing in Wrigley Field.’”