Northwestern and Wisconsin will no longer play their Nov. 7 game at Chicago's Wrigley Field amid ongoing complications from the coronavirus pandemic. The decision was reached after both sides consulted with the Chicago Cubs, the Big Ten, and state and local authorities.
"This is a disappointing conclusion to reach, but absolutely the right one in our current environment," said Northwestern athletics director Jim Phillips in a statement. "The uncertainty of football and baseball schedules, and the possibility of limited attendance, made this an easy choice to make for our student-athletes and fans. We're grateful for our outstanding partners from the Cubs, and look forward to bringing the passion and pageantry of college football gameday to the city's north side when we can do so safely and securely with a packed house."
The release didn't announce where the game will be moved, though Stadium's Brett McMurphy reports that Northwestern will now host Wisconsin at its home of Ryan Field.
Northwestern first played at Wrigley as part of its partnership with the ballpark back in 2010 against Illinois. It is scheduled to play future games there in 2022, 2024 and 2026.
Elsewhere, the Red River Showdown between Oklahoma and Texas is still scheduled to be played at the historic Cotton Bowl in Dallas despite the recent cancellation of the State Fair of Texas.
