When my husband and I moved to Chicago in 1995, one of the first things John was excited to share with me was his love of Northwestern football. Both of my in-laws graduated from Northwestern—my father-in-law played basketball there—and John and his two brothers grew up attending countless football and basketball games. Northwestern sports were woven into his childhood long before they became part of mine.
I attended my first Northwestern football game that fall, and while I don’t remember the opponent—or much about the game—I do remember that, to my husband’s immense surprise (and possibly the entire stadium’s!), Northwestern won. And then they kept winning, all the way to the Rose Bowl. Talk about a great introduction to Wildcat football!
When we moved to Wilmette in 2002, with the stadium practically in our backyard, becoming season ticket holders felt like a natural next step. More than two decades later, I realize that Northwestern and Big Ten sports became part of the backdrop of our children’s childhoods, too, helping shape their love of football and sports in general. What began as one of John’s childhood traditions became one of ours.
Last Friday, we had the opportunity to see the new stadium for the first time, and let me tell you: she’s a beauty! There are so many things that contribute to a vibrant community—our parks, schools, shops, restaurants and gathering places—but very few communities can say they have a collegiate football stadium of this caliber right in their backyard. I feel incredibly fortunate that Northwestern football has been part of our family’s story for so many years, and I’m thrilled to see this beautiful new chapter begin.
Bring on Friday’s home opener. Go ’Cats!
