The Arizona Cardinals are one of the most historic franchises in professional football. Their story began in Chicago more than a century ago, continued through St. Louis, moved to Phoenix, and eventually reached the present-day home in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals are the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise. The organization traces its roots to the Morgan Athletic Club, founded in Chicago in 1898. The team became the Chicago Cardinals and joined the NFL as a charter member in 1920. Over the decades, the franchise has been known as the Chicago Cardinals, Card-Pitt, St. Louis Cardinals, Phoenix Cardinals and Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have won two NFL championships, in 1925 and 1947, and their greatest modern achievement came when they won the NFC Championship in 2008 and advanced to Super Bowl XLIII. The Beginning: From Morgan Athletic Club to the Cardinals The franchise began in Chicago in 1898 as the Morgan Athletic Club. Chris O’Brien became one of the central figures in establishing the organization. The team eventually became known as the Cardinals because of the color of its uniforms. Rather than abandoning an old set of uniforms, O’Brien reportedly described their color as “Cardinal red,” and the nickname remained. In 1920, the Cardinals became one of the original members of the American Professional Football Association, which soon became the National Football League. That makes the Cardinals one of the two surviving franchises from the original 1920 NFL, along with the Chicago Bears. Cardinals Franchise Names Through the Years 1898–1920 — Morgan Athletic Club and early Chicago Cardinals 1920–1943 — Chicago Cardinals 1944 — Card-Pitt During World War II, the Cardinals temporarily combined with the Pittsburgh Steelers because of the shortage of available players. 1945–1959 — Chicago Cardinals 1960–1987 — St. Louis Cardinals 1988–1993 — Phoenix Cardinals 1994–present — Arizona Cardinals The franchise’s geographic journey is one of the most unusual in NFL history. All Cardinals Owners The Cardinals have had a relatively small number of ownership groups compared with their age, largely because of the remarkable length of the Bidwill family’s ownership. All Cardinals Owners Chris O’Brien 1898–1929 Chris O’Brien was the principal early owner and one of the foundational figures of the franchise. He sold the Chicago Cardinals to David Jones in 1929. David Jones 1929–1932 Jones owned the Cardinals for approximately three years before selling the franchise to Charles W. Bidwill. Charles W. Bidwill Sr. 1932–1947 Charles Bidwill purchased the Cardinals in 1932 and began what became the NFL’s longest-running family ownership tradition. Bidwill died in 1947, before seeing the Cardinals win the NFL championship that season. He was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Violet Bidwill Wolfner 1947–1962 Following Charles Bidwill’s death, his widow, Violet Bidwill, became owner. Violet was a remarkable figure in NFL history. She was the Violet Bidwill Wolfner history and guided the Cardinals to the 1947 NFL championship during her first season as owner. She also oversaw the franchise during its 1948 division championship season and eventually made the decision to move the Cardinals from Chicago to St. Louis in 1960. Charles “Stormy” Bidwill Jr. and William “Bill” Bidwill 1962–1972 After Violet Bidwill died in 1962, her sons Charles Jr. and Bill inherited the Cardinals. The brothers operated the franchise together for approximately a decade. William V. “Bill” Bidwill. 1972–2019 Bill Bidwill purchased his brother’s share in 1972 and became the Cardinals’ sole owner. His ownership included the team’s final years in St. Louis, the relocation to Arizona in 1988, the Phoenix Cardinals era, the transition to the Arizona Cardinals name in 1994, and the team’s first Super Bowl appearance. Under Bill Bidwill, the Cardinals moved from Sun Devil Stadium to their present-day home in 2006. Michael Bidwill 2019–present Michael Bidwill became owner following the death of his father, Bill Bidwill, in 2019. Michael had previously served as Cardinals president and had been heavily involved in the development of the team’s modern business and stadium operations. The Bidwill family therefore has maintained ownership of the Cardinals for more than nine decades. Every Stadium Called Home by the Cardinals Few NFL franchises have had a more complicated history of home stadiums. Normal Park — Chicago 1920–1921 and 1926–1928 Normal Park was one of the Cardinals’ earliest NFL home fields. The Cardinals returned there after playing elsewhere during part of the 1920s. Comiskey Park — Chicago 1922–1925, 1929–1930 and 1939–1958 Comiskey Park, primarily associated with Major League Baseball’s Chicago White Sox, served as a major Cardinals home for many years. It was also the site of the Cardinals’ dramatic 1947 NFL Championship victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Wrigley Field — Chicago 1931–1938 The Cardinals played their home games at Wrigley Field, the famous home of baseball’s Chicago Cubs. For several seasons, Wrigley Field therefore served as a home for two NFL teams as well as the Cubs. Soldier Field — Chicago 1959 The Cardinals played four home games at Soldier Field during their final season in Chicago. Metropolitan Stadium — Bloomington, Minnesota 1959 The Cardinals also played two home games at Metropolitan Stadium during their final season before moving to St. Louis. Forbes Field — Pittsburgh 1944 During the temporary Card-Pitt merger with the Steelers, several games were played at Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field. Busch Stadium — St. Louis 1960–1965 When the Cardinals moved from Chicago to St. Louis in 1960, they played at the baseball Cardinals’ Busch Stadium, then known as Sportsman’s Park. Busch Memorial Stadium — St. Louis 1966–1987 The Cardinals moved into the new Busch Memorial Stadium in downtown St. Louis in 1966. The St. Louis Cardinals enjoyed some of their strongest regular-season success during the 1970s, winning NFC Eastern Division championships in 1974 and 1975. Sun Devil Stadium — Tempe, Arizona 1988–2005 The franchise moved from St. Louis to Arizona in 1988 and initially played at Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium. The team was known as the Phoenix Cardinals… Continue reading Arizona Cardinals: A History of the NFL’s Oldest Continuous Franchise
Tag: Wrigley Field
Chicago Bears History: From the Decatur Staleys
Chicago Bears History: From the Decatur Staleys to the Monsters of the Midway Few franchises in professional sports have a history as deep as the Chicago Bears. The Bears are one of the two remaining charter members of the NFL, tracing their roots to 1920. Before they became the Chicago Bears, they were the Decatur Staleys, an industrial football team sponsored by the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company. The franchise moved to Chicago in 1921, changed its name to the Bears in 1922 and has been one of professional football’s most important organizations ever since. The Bears have won nine NFL championships, including the 1985 Super Bowl, and their history includes George Halas, Red Grange, Bronko Nagurski, Sid Luckman, Gale Sayers, Dick Butkus, Walter Payton, Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, Brian Urlacher, Devin Hester and many other Hall of Fame players. The franchise has also produced some of the most famous defenses in football history. The Birth of the Bears In 1920, the A.E. Staley Company of Decatur, Illinois, sponsored a football team. George Halas, who had experience as both a player and coach, became the team’s representative at the September 17, 1920 meeting in Canton, Ohio, where representatives of 11 other clubs helped form the American Professional Football Association, which became the National Football League in 1922. The franchise fee was only $100. The original team was the Decatur Staleys. In 1921, A.E. Staley gave Halas the team, $5,000 and permission to move the club to Chicago as long as it retained the Staleys name for one season. The move worked. The Chicago Staleys won the 1921 APFA championship. In January 1922, the franchise officially became the Chicago Bears. The Bears were born. George Halas: The Man Who Was the Bears It is almost impossible to tell the story of the Bears without telling the story of George “Papa Bear” Halas. Halas was: Player, Coach, Owner, General manager, Founder, Innovator, and NFL pioneer. He coached the Bears for 40 seasons, divided into four separate 10-year periods. His coaching record was an extraordinary 324-151-31, including playoffs. He led Chicago to six NFL championships as coach: 1921, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1946 and 1963. Halas retired from coaching after the 1967 season. He remained the guiding force of the organization until his death in 1983. Few people in NFL history have had a greater influence on a franchise. Bears Ownership History One of the unusual things about the Chicago Bears is that the franchise has remained in the same family since its earliest days. A.E. Staley Company — 1920 The original Decatur Staleys were owned by the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company. The company sponsored the team and employed many of its players. The Staleys’ financial problems helped lead to the decision to give George Halas control of the franchise and allow him to move it to Chicago. George Halas — 1920-1983 George Halas became the dominant owner and leader of the franchise. For more than six decades, the Bears were essentially his football kingdom. He was involved in virtually every aspect of the organization. The Pro Football Hall of Fame notes that almost all of the Bears’ successes from their beginning through 1983 can be attributed to Halas. Virginia Halas McCaskey — 1983-2025 After George Halas died in 1983, ownership passed to his daughter, Virginia Halas McCaskey. She became one of the most important women in NFL history. McCaskey was born in 1923 and had literally grown up around the Bears. She had watched the franchise from the earliest days of professional football and eventually became its principal owner. She was the owner when the Bears won Super Bowl XX following the 1985 season. McCaskey remained the team’s principal owner until her death on February 6, 2025, at age 102. She had been the longest-tenured owner in the NFL. The McCaskey Family — 2025-present After Virginia McCaskey’s death, the Bears remained a McCaskey family-owned franchise. Her grandson, George H. McCaskey, serves as Bears chairman and is the current principal owner/representative of the family’s ownership. The important point is that the Bears have never been sold to an outside ownership group in their modern history. The same family that began with George Halas continues to control the franchise more than a century later. Every Major Bears Home Stadium The Bears have played their home games in several locations during their long history. Staley Field — Decatur, Illinois 1920 This was the original home of the Decatur Staleys. It was a small facility with a capacity of approximately 1,500. The limitations of playing in Decatur were one reason Halas moved the team to Chicago. Cubs Park — Chicago 1921-1925 After moving to Chicago, the Staleys played at Cubs Park. The ballpark was later renamed Wrigley Field. Wrigley Field 1926-1970 Wrigley Field became the Bears’ home for half a century. The Bears played their final game there on December 13, 1970, defeating the Green Bay Packers 35-17. Wrigley was home to some of the greatest players in early Bears history including: Red Grange, Bronko Nagurski, Sid Luckman, George McAfee, Bulldog Turner, Dick Butkus, and Gale Sayers. Soldier Field 1971-2001 The Bears moved to Soldier Field in 1971. The stadium became the permanent symbol of Bears football. It was the home of Walter Payton, the 1985 championship team and the legendary Bears defenses. Memorial Stadium — Champaign, Illinois 2002 … Continue reading Chicago Bears History: From the Decatur Staleys
The History of the Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are one of the oldest and Most historic franchises in professional sports. Founded in 1870 as the Chicago White Stockings and a charter member of the National League in 1876, the Cubs are the oldest continuously operating major professional sports franchise in North America that has remained in the same city throughout its existence. Every Home City the Cubs Have Claimed Unlike many franchises that relocated across the country, the Cubs have had only one home city: Years City 1870–Present Chicago The franchise has played continuously in Chicago for more than 155 years. Their ballparks changed several times, but the city never did. Home Ballparks Years Ballpark 1874–1877 23rd Street Grounds 1878–1884 Lake Front Park 1885–1890 West Side Park 1891–1893 South Side Park 1893–1915 West Side Grounds 1916–Present Wrigley Field Wrigley Field has been the Cubs’ home since 1916, meaning the team has played there for over 110 years. It is the second-oldest active Major League Baseball stadium, behind Fenway Park. Team Names Through History Years Name 1870–1889 Chicago White Stockings 1890–1897 Chicago Colts 1898–1902 Chicago Orphans 1903–Present Chicago Cubs The “Orphans” nickname appeared after legendary player-manager Cap Anson departed the club. Newspapers gradually began calling the young team the “Cubs,” and the name stuck. Cubs World Series Appearances The Cubs have appeared in 11 World Series. Year Opponent Result 1906 Chicago White Sox Lost 1907 Detroit Tigers Won 1908 Detroit Tigers Won 1910 Philadelphia Athletics Lost 1918 Boston Red Sox Lost 1929 Philadelphia Athletics Lost 1932 New York Yankees Lost 1935 Detroit Tigers Lost 1938 New York Yankees Lost 1945 Detroit Tigers Lost 2016 Cleveland Guardians Won World Series Championships The Cubs have won three World Series titles: 1907 1908 2016 The 2016 championship ended a 108-year title drought, the longest in major North American professional sports history. The 10 Greatest Cubs Players (These rankings are subjective, but most historians place these legends near the top). 1. Ernie Banks, “Mr. Cub.” Played 1953–1971. 2. Ryne Sandberg, One of the greatest second basemen ever. 3. Cap Anson, The franchise’s first superstar. 4. Fergie Jenkins, First Canadian Hall of Famer. 5. Ron Santo 6. Billy Williams 7. Sammy Sosa 8. Gabby Hartnett 9. Mordecai Brown 10. Kris Bryant Many historians would also include Anthony Rizzo, Greg Maddux, and Joe Tinker. 10 Future Stars the Cubs Let Get Away Several players became far bigger stars after leaving Chicago. Player Traded By Cubs Became Star With Lou Brock 1964 St. Louis Cardinals Greg Maddux Left as free agent Atlanta Braves Rafael Palmeiro Trade Texas Rangers Joe Carter Trade Cleveland Guardians Dennis Eckersley Trade Oakland Athletics Rafael Palmeiro Trade Texas Rangers Josh Donaldson Trade Oakland Athletics Kyle Schwarber Non-tendered Philadelphia Phillies Eloy Jimenez Trade Chicago White Sox Gleyber Torres Trade New York Yankees D.J. LeMahieu Trade Colorado Rockies The Lou Brock trade remains one of the most criticized deals in baseball history. Brock became a Hall of Famer and helped the Cardinals win multiple pennants and World Series titles. Interesting Cubs Facts The Cubs won 116 games in 1906, still tied for the most victories in a modern MLB season They were the first team to win consecutive World Series championships (1907–1908). Wrigley Field’s famous ivy was planted in 1937. The Cubs went 108 years between World Series titles (1908–2016). Their all-time record is above .500 despite many decades of frustration. No franchise in baseball has played more games than the Cubs. For more than a century and a half, the Cubs have remained a symbol of baseball tradition. From the White Stockings of the 1870s, to the powerhouse teams of Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance, to Ernie Banks’ “Let’s play two,” and finally the dramatic 2016 championship, the Cubs’ story is one of the richest and most enduring in American sports history. Artie Fischal Views: 0
SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHICAGO BEARS
The Birth of a Legend: The Decatur Staleys The Chicago Bears, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, had humble beginnings as the Decatur Staleys. The team was founded in 1919 by the A.E. Staley Company, a starch manufacturer in Decatur, Illinois. A.E. Staley, the company’s owner, hired George Halas and Edward “Dutch” Sternaman to run the team. Halas, a former University of Illinois football player, brought his competitive spirit and leadership to the fledgling team. In 1921, the Staleys moved to Chicago and became the Chicago Staleys. The next year, they adopted the name Chicago Bears, inspired by the city’s baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, as they initially played at Wrigley Field. Fields Called Home Staley Field (Decatur, 1919-1920): The original home field during their time as the Decatur Staleys. Wrigley Field (Chicago, 1921-1970): The Bears called this iconic baseball stadium home for nearly half a century, sharing it with the Cubs. Soldier Field (Chicago,1971-Present): The Bears moved to Soldier Field in 1971, a stadium known for its grandiose colonnades and scenic location by Lake Michigan. Soldier Field underwent a major renovation in 2002, giving it a modern look while retaining its historic charm. Star Players Through the Ages Red Grange: The Galloping Ghost In the 1920s, the Bears signed Harold “Red” Grange, a star halfback from the University of Illinois. Known as “The Galloping Ghost,” Grange’s presence legitimized professional football and brought it to the national spotlight. His debut for the Bears in 1925 attracted massive crowds, and his electrifying runs became legendary. Bronko Nagurski: The Iron Horse Bronko Nagurski, who played for the Bears from 1930 to 1937 and again in 1943, was a force of nature. A bruising fullback and linebacker, Nagurski’s sheer power and versatility epitomized the rugged style of play in the early days of the NFL. He helped lead the Bears to multiple championships, including the famous 73-0 victory over the Washington Redskins in the 1940 NFL Championship Game. Sid Luckman: The T-Formation Maestro Sid Luckman revolutionized the quarterback position with his mastery of the T-formation, an innovation brought to the Bears by head coach George Halas. Luckman’s ability to execute this formation, along with his strong arm and sharp football IQ, helped the Bears dominate the 1940s. Under his leadership, the Bears won four NFL Championships. Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers: Heart and Soul of the 1960s The 1960s Bears were defined by two Hall of Famers: Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers. Butkus, a ferocious middle linebacker, struck fear into opponents with his relentless aggression and physicality. Sayers, known as the “Kansas Comet,” dazzled fans with his incredible speed and elusiveness, becoming one of the most dynamic running backs in NFL history. Walter Payton: Sweetness Walter Payton, who played for the Bears from 1975 to 1987, is often regarded as the greatest running back of all time. Nicknamed “Sweetness,” Payton’s combination of toughness, agility, and work ethic made him a beloved figure in Chicago and beyond. He retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and helped the Bears win Super Bowl XX in 1986. The 1985 Bears: A Team for the Ages The 1985 Chicago Bears are considered one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Coached by Mike Ditka, the Bears boasted a dominant defense led by Richard Dent, Mike Singletary, and William “The Refrigerator” Perry. Quarterback Jim McMahon and running back Walter Payton spearheaded the offense. Their 15-1 regular-season record and dominant playoff run culminated in a decisive 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. The Post-Super Bowl Era and the 1990s 1986-1989: The Aftermath of Glory After their historic 1985 season, the Bears continued to be a dominant force in the NFL. The defense, known as the “Monsters of the Midway,” remained formidable, but repeated Super Bowl appearances eluded them. Injuries, particularly to key players like Jim McMahon, and internal conflicts began to take a toll. Coach Mike Ditka’s fiery personality sometimes clashed with players and management, leading to a volatile team environment. 1990s: Searching for a New Identity The 1990s were a period of rebuilding and searching for a new identity. Mike Ditka was fired after the 1992 season, ending an era. Dave Wannstedt took over as head coach, bringing a new philosophy but limited success. Despite the efforts of stars like linebacker Brian Urlacher, the Bears struggled to return to their former glory. The 2000s: The Urlacher Era and a Return to Prominence 2000-2003: Building the Defense The Bears’ defense once again became their hallmark in the early 2000s, led by the indomitable Brian Urlacher. Drafted in 2000, Urlacher quickly became a centerpiece, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and anchoring a stout defensive unit. 2006: The Super Bowl XLI Run Under head coach Lovie Smith, the Bears made a triumphant return to the Super Bowl in the 2006 season. Led by Urlacher, defensive tackle Tommie Harris, and an electric special teams unit featuring Devin Hester, the Bears finished the season 13-3. Hester’s record-setting kickoff return to open Super Bowl XLI was a highlight, but the Bears ultimately fell to the Indianapolis Colts. Late 2000s: Consistency and Challenges The late 2000s were characterized by inconsistency. While the defense continued to perform well, the Bears struggled with finding a franchise quarterback. The acquisition of Jay Cutler in 2009 was a significant move, intended to stabilize the quarterback position and lead the team to new heights. The 2010s: Peaks, Valleys, and a New Generation 2010-2014: Near Misses and Transition Jay Cutler’s tenure with the Bears was marked by flashes of brilliance mixed with inconsistency. In 2010, the Bears reached the NFC Championship Game but were defeated by the Green Bay Packers. This period also saw the emergence of players like Matt Forte, a versatile running back who became a cornerstone of the Bears’ offense. 2015-2017: Struggles and Rebuilding The mid-2010s were challenging for the Bears. Head coach Marc Trestman’s tenure was short-lived, and John Fox took over in 2015, tasked with rebuilding a struggling team. Despite the efforts, consistent success remained elusive. 2018: The Nagy-Trubisky Era In 2018, the Bears hired Matt Nagy as head coach and drafted Mitchell Trubisky as their quarterback of the future. The Bears’ defense, led by newly acquired Khalil Mack, was dominant, and the team finished the season 12-4. However, their playoff run ended in heartbreak with a missed field goal in the Wild Card round. The 2020s: New Challenges and Innovations 2020-2022: Navigating a Pandemic and Building for the Future The early 2020s brought unprecedented challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting the entire NFL. The Bears navigated these difficulties while continuing to build their roster. In 2021, they drafted quarterback Justin Fields, signaling a new direction for the franchise. 2023-2024: The Fields Era and New Horizons Under the leadership of head coach Matt Eberflus and Justin Fields, the Bears aimed to revitalize their offense and recapture past glory. Fields’ dynamic playmaking abilities brought excitement back to Soldier Field. The 2023 and 2024 seasons saw the Bears making significant strides in their development, focusing on building a strong supporting cast around Fields and shoring up their defense. Legacy and Enduring Impact The Chicago Bears’ history is a tapestry of triumphs, trials, and transformations. From their early days as the Decatur Staleys to becoming one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, the Bears have continually evolved while maintaining their identity as a team built on toughness, innovation, and a storied legacy. Their journey through the decades reflects the broader changes in the NFL and American sports culture, highlighting the importance of adaptation and resilience. As the Bears move forward, their rich history and enduring spirit will continue to inspire fans and shape their path to future success. hope you enjoyed this extended history of the Chicago Bears! What part of their journey stands out to you the most? The Early Years: Decatur Staleys The Chicago Bears’ journey began in 1919 as the Decatur Staleys, founded by the A.E. Staley Company. The team was initially composed of local factory workers and played its games at Staley Field in Decatur. George Halas, who played for the University of Illinois, joined the team as a player-coach and quickly became a driving force behind its success The Move to Chicago In 1920, the team joined the newly formed American Professional Football Association (APFA), which later became theNFL. The following year, Halas and Sternaman moved the team to Chicago, renaming it the Chicago Staleys. They played their first season in Chicago at Cubs Park, which was later renamed Wrigley Field. The Birth of the Chicago Bears In 1922, the team officially became the Chicago Bears. The name change was inspired by the Chicago Cubs, as the Bears initially shared Wrigley Field with the baseball team. The Bears’ first NFL Championship came in 1921, and they continued to build a strong foundation in the early years of the league. The 1920s: Red Grange and the Rise of Professional Football One of the most significant moments in Bears history came in 1925 when they signed Red Grange, a star halfback from the University of Illinois. Grange’s signing was a major coup for the NFL, as he was one of the most popular college football players of his time. His debut for the Bears drew a massive crowd and helped legitimize professional football. The 1930s: Bronko Nagurski and Championship Success The 1930s were a golden era for the Bears, thanks in large part to Bronko Nagurski. Nagurski was a dominant force as both a fullback and linebacker, known for his incredible strength and versatility. He helped lead the Bears to multiple championships, including the famous 73-0 victory over the Washington Redskins in the 1940 NFL Championship Game. The 1940s: Sid Luckman and the T-Formation In the 1940s, the Bears revolutionized the game with the introduction of the T-formation, led by quarterbackSid Luckman. Luckman’s ability to execute this innovative offensive strategy helped the Bears dominate the decade, winning four NFL Championships2 The 1960s: Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers The 1960s saw the emergence of two Hall of Famers: Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers. Butkus, a ferocious middle linebacker, was known for his aggressive play and physicality. Sayers, on the other hand, was a dynamic running back whose speed and elusiveness made him one of the most exciting players to watch, The 1980s: The 1985 Bears and Super Bowl XX The 1985 Chicago Bears are often considered one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Coached by Mike Ditka,… Continue reading SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHICAGO BEARS
Baseball Without Wrigley Field?
Ground Breaking in March, 1914. Opened April 1914. Located at 1060 Addison Street Weeghman Park was the home of the Federal League baseball team Chicago Whales. The park then became the home of the Chicago Cubs in 1916, and was renamed Cubs Park between 1920 and 1926, before being renamed after Cubs owner and Chewing gum VIP William Wrigley Jr (Love that Juicy Fruit. Wrigley Field also served as home to the National Football League’s Chicago Bears. Although the 10th smallest ballpark still in use Wrigley Field is the OLDEST National League Park. It is second only to American League’s Fenway Park (by 2 years). Wrigley Field is the only remaining Federal League park. The new owners have apparently asked for a $200 million to $300 million state bond sale. I definitely am not a proponent of Government Funds being used for non-government purposes. Look at Indianapolis, Indiana . They made a terrible deal to keep the COLTS. The owner is making a bushel more money because he has less OUTGO. Perhaps it is just a coincidence, but it was said that after the sweetheart deal, Colts owner went from MILLIONAIRE to BILLIONAIRE. The taxpayers are the losers here, and Indianapolis is scrambling to find the funds to hold up it’s end of the deal. What I am in favor of is this. Let the people who profit from Wrigley Field, the surrounding businesses, kick into help needed renovations. The hotels, restaurants, bars. parking lots, taxis, buses, trains, etc. Why should the average person be saddled with the cost. I know in my area my taxes go to support Professional teams, but I can’t afford a ticket to see the games. The difference here is Wrigley Field is a part of Americana. Some souvenir manufacturers claim the Cubs as a goldmine. The big QUESTION. Should government funds be used to help preserve this piece of American History. I say FIRST the aforementioned businesses who owe their existence to Wrigley Field. Without Wrigley Field most of those businesses would not exist. I think their financial support would go a long way on needed renovations, note I stressed needed. If there are more legitimate needs then I can see using a government loan, maybe. After all what would baseball be without WRIGLEY FIELD. But this is a question only Chicagoans can answer. What do you think? That’s the way I see it. Views: 193
Half Court uh Half Field Football
The Big Ten has announced a rule change for Saturdays football game at Wrigley Field. Northwestern University is playing Illinois at Wrigley Field Saturday. But with a twist. They say the the middle of the east end zone is too close to the playing field. So Eight months ago both schools and the Big Ten approved the layout of the field without any Safety Concerns . But after the field was layed out a conference official decided the heavily padded wall was a Safety hazard. Maybe the stadium has had some changes since the Chicago Bears played their games there. Or the field was just lain out poorly for this game. But for the Northwestern Vs Illinois game, all kickoffs will be to the East end of the field. At possession changes all offensive plays will be toward the West end zone. This being said, I wonder if, I am a defensive player and I intercept a pass, do I run East (as I should) or do I a reverse and run West. A coin flip was held by the conference Friday and Illinois will sit on the West end bench the 1st half, with Northwestern occupying the West end bench the 2nd half, and overtimes. I realize that player safety is of utmost importance. But after a year of planning, couldn’t they have figured out a better layout or decide it could not be safely played. But to wait until Friday, the day before the game? This could be an interesting thing. Probably a One Time Ever Event. I plan to watch just for the novelty. Game time is 3″30 pm EST, on ESPNU ( at least in my area). Watch it. I’ll bet even the officials get confused. That’s the way I see it. Views: 120
