With the addition of the University of Nebraska, the Big 10 now has twelve teams- the required amount for a lucrative conference championship game.  Indianapolis has been announced as the host of the first Conference Title Game and a few other cities are likely choices (Chicago is probably the #1 contender). However, the cities that are actually home to Big Ten schools should be given the chance to host the event.

The reasons why are simple.  First, this is a college football game.  These towns are used to hosting college football games and all do it pretty well.  Second, it would be a giant boost to the economy of a City like Champaign – far more in percentage terms than to Chicago or Indy.  Third, while Chicago is a world class city, pretty much every college town is a more interesting place than Indianapolis.  Wouldn’t any real college football fan rather watch a game in any Big Ten town other than Indianapolis?  Even Bloomington, Indiana is a far, far more interesting place than Indy and they hardly care about football.

What about home field advantage?  First, the games should rotate on a 12 year cycle between each city in the Big Ten.  So usually, there wouldn’t be any home field advantage, unless for example, the game is scheduled to play in Columbus, and Ohio State is as good as they typically are.  Second, tickets should be split 50/50 between schools so crowd noise won’t be a factor.  Someday Nebraska will travel to Happy Valley to play Ohio State, but again, everyone will be happy they don’t have to play the game in Indianapolis.

Ok, ok. But wouldn’t Chicago be fine?  Sure.  But do you really want to hear 70,000 people complaining about how much it costs to park or why beers cost $8?  Also, Chicago would barely notice it was happening.  70,000 rabid fans descending on a college town would get noticed.  It would be a scene to behold.

Call your congressman.  Tell him anywhere but Indy.