B10 Title Game: Chicago in the running?

[Superion2K9]

^--The first year or so, yes, because it is brand new. The first or second Big Ten Championship game 'ever' will be national news. Especially, if there is an undefeated team that could go to the National Championship game. After that it would be a regional draw. It would draw fans of both teams, but Chicago residents would rather go see the Blackhawks, Bears, and Bulls that time of the year.

[Attrill]

It will sell out no matter where it is, so I don't think the local interest really factors into it at all. Besides, the Chicago metro area is 4 or 5 times larger than Indy, so the raw numbers of people interested in it will be the same (if not greater) in Chicago, even though Chicago in not as much of a college sports city.

The benefits of Chicago are that it has many more national (and international) news bureaus, so there is more of an opportunity on the PR side of it. Chicago is also home to the conference's offices as well as the the Big Ten network. Having it in Chicago will make life easier for a lot of people working on it (including some of the decision makers).

Indy will provide more financial incentives and provide more support from the city than Chicago will. Having the NCAA headquarters there also helps. Costs for having it in Indy (for both the conference and attendees) will be lower.

In the end I think the size of the financial advantages of having it in Indy will be what makes the decision.

[edsg25]

Originally Posted by Attrill

It will sell out no matter where it is, so I don't think the local interest really factors into it at all. Besides, the Chicago metro area is 4 or 5 times larger than Indy, so the raw numbers of people interested in it will be the same (if not greater) in Chicago, even though Chicago in not as much of a college sports city.

The benefits of Chicago are that it has many more national (and international) news bureaus, so there is more of an opportunity on the PR side of it. Chicago is also home to the conference's offices as well as the the Big Ten network. Having it in Chicago will make life easier for a lot of people working on it (including some of the decision makers).

Indy will provide more financial incentives and provide more support from the city than Chicago will. Having the NCAA headquarters there also helps. Costs for having it in Indy (for both the conference and attendees) will be lower.

In the end I think the size of the financial advantages of having it in Indy will be what makes the decision.

I'll bet you anything that LA will be fighting hard to get the Pac 12 title game.

[Oildog]

I think Chicago would be a GREAT site for the game. But the NCAA based in Indianapolis may make it Lucas Oil Stadium. Where would you rather party Chicago or Indy...hands down Chicago.