AP photo / The Winter Classic was a great Chicago Blackhawks draw.
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Wrigley Field could be the host site for a 2010 Illinois vs. Northwestern football game. And if a unique stadium setting will draw to capacity, then by all means go for it.
As long as they have the correct dimensions to work with, it is a no-brainer to host the game on the Cubs' playing surface.
The recent NHL Winter Classic between the Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings naturally was a good draw. Concerts such as Jimmy Buffett and The Police have brought in the numbers.
For some reason, the issues of sound quality, or obstructed views, or perhaps worse playing conditions are minimized when people latch onto a game being played in a historic baseball landmark. Wrigley might not have the god-like qualities of the House that Ruth Built, but there still is that sense of history to play in the Cubs' park.
Sports crossovers have excitement to them. And there should be continual encouragement to bring in other events that will draw well.
If there was an abnormally warm winter, I'd love to see a Bulls-L.A. Lakers or DePaul-Marquette basketball game at the Friendly Confines. Would there be a way to heat up the court area?
If the U.S. Men's National Team had an international friendly, bring them to Wrigley instead of Soldier Field. The Sting used to play their soccer games there, so it can be done.
As long as it isn't some mediocre event, like the Pro Bowlers Association attempting to take over the Milwaukee Brewers' Miller Park, do anything you can to pack Wrigley.
Players, coaches, schools and fans will be behind this. It's a win-win situation for everybody.
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Charlie Corr is a freelance sports writer based in Chicago. In addition to his Chicago Sports Examiner duties, he is the Major League Soccer Examiner and the creator of a Chicago-based soccer Web site, SlideTackles.net.
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