I just don't get this fascination to have a Chicago-area game every year.
Yes, I understand the benefits. . .it's a key market for us, large alumni base, yada yada yada. . .but I view that as just another way in which we are limiting ourselves and our scheduling possibilities.
Since the 2004-05 season, we've played 7 games in Chicago over 4 years. The schedule needs to become more national and less regional. Loyola can be a game every other year, even though it's not the sexiest opponent, it's an important, long-standing, and historically interesting non-con rivalry. And since I doubt DePaul will play us again any time soon and UIC doesn't deserve our fans or money after the shenanigans they pulled last year, and we have no business going to Chicago State. . .that leaves the CCI, a neutral court game someplace up there, or NIU.
I just don't think it's necessary every year.
Why not try to get a neutral court game for our alums in St. Louis, Memphis, Des Moines, Indy, or Nashville for example?