(02-09-2017 01:15 PM)gleadley Wrote: Josh, do you think playing at a facility closer to the heart of Chicago could benefit the program. At second glance, playing a game just steps off the Blue Line near UIC campus doesn't seem like a terrible option. Admittedly, I don't know what life is like down at the end of the Red Line, but wonder if CSU games would be better attended if they took a few games a year more into the city?
Not to mention south Chicago is one of the most dangerous places in the city and the country. 784 homicides in 2016 and already 61 in 2017. There have been 10 shootings since January 1st within the campus area (4 within 8 blocks of campus during this time).
Obviously this isnt CSUs problem, but have to wonder if it plays apart in attendance.
I like the idea of downtown games though. Itd be really cool to see Chicago State do a yearly invitational for midwest or even just Illinois schools/strictly mid major schools. At Allstate Arena or United Center (I think thats what its called still, where the Bulls play).
Chicago State (WAC)
Eastern Illinois/SIUE (OVC)
Northern Illinois (MAC)
UIC (Horizon)
SIllinois/Loyola/Bradley/Illinois State (MVC)
Western Illinois (Summit)
Northwestern/Illinois (Big 10)
DePaul (Big East)
Make it a tournament or just a series of games (this lets multipe schools from same conference come) and build fan interest, recruiting, and maybe get some more local fans for CSU and all the schools. Illinois has tons of mid majors and luckily they are very spread out in their conference affiliations.
Just an idea