Jul. 13—***
A few years back, I went with ace reporter and Philly expert Joe Vozzelli to Maryland to cover an Illinois football game. At the time, I thought that had completed my quest: to cover a game at every Big Ten football venue.
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Boy, was I wrong.
The Big Ten pulled a fast one — OK, it was a good move — and expanded the league from 14 to 18.
So, now I’ve got new schools to worry about. Fortunately, I went to Autzen Stadium to see Oregon early in the 1990s. That counts, though I want to go back, see how the place has changed and take another nostalgic tour of “Animal House” landmarks,
UCLA and the Rose Bowl is also checked off in multiple ways. I’ve been to the New Year’s Day game in 2008 and also saw Illinois play UCLA on its home field. That’s another bucket-list item deleted.
But there are two more to go. Washington’s Husky Stadium in Seattle and Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to cover Southern California.
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The latter will have to be checked off in a later season. The Trojans play here this year.
But Washington might be doable if the higher-ups approve. Illinois is scheduled to play in the Northwest on Oct. 25 and I am offering to go for The News-Gazette. Would be a lot of fun and I promise to get more photos of the Space Needle.
I definitely want to complete the Big Ten cycle in the next few years. And someday, I might retire and have some spare time on my hands. Don’t think I will be working into my 90s like Loren Tate.
Besides the two new Big Ten schools, I have list of eight others where I hope to watch a game. Let me know your list by emailing me at .
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Utah — I have been near the building for the 2002 Winter Olympics, but never stepped in it. Beautiful setting and Salt Lake City is one of the country’s hidden gems. Plus the Utes are fun to watch.
Army — Great tradition and an ideal setting on a crisp, fall day.
Alabama — Doesn’t really matter the opponent, though I would like to see a close game. Such great history, even before Nick Saban became the GOAT.
Mississippi — I can ask Luke Altmyer for pointers. The Grove has an almost mythical reputation.
Georgia — Yes, there are going to be a few SEC schools on this list. I’ve been to only two schools in the league: Missouri and Oklahoma, when they were playing in a different conference. Time to update my list.
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Boise State — Two words: blue field. On TV, it appears to be picturesque.
Texas — Not sure why I have never been to Austin. Visited every other big city in Texas: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio.
Boston College — The perfect weekend would be a game in Chestnut Hill and a trip to Fenway Park. Maybe bump into one of the Wahlberg’s too.
Air Force — Yes, I like going to games in the mountains. Put BYU on the list too.
