There's no place like Saturday...


November 16, 2010

College Football Report - From Diamond to Gridiron:

The New York Yankees hit 115 home runs at Yankee Stadium this season. The Chicago Cubs rounded the bases 74 times at historic Wrigley Field. Saturday, fans will turn out to two of the most iconic ballparks in America to witness a different kind of score. The hits and homers entrenched into the fields of Yankee Stadium and Wrigley field will turn to touchdowns and field goals.

For the first time ever the newly built Yankee Stadium will play host to a college football game when Notre Dame (5-5) takes on Army (6-4), Saturday, Nov. 20 (above). On the same day, Chicago’s Wrigley Field will host the Northwestern (7-3) versus Illinois (5-5) matchup, the first college football game at Wrigley since 1938.

Baseball Stadiums around the country have played hosts to numerous football games in the past. The University of Miami shares Sun Life Stadium with both the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins baseball team. To be honest, though, Sun Life Stadium doesn’t have the same luster as Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field. College Football’s Emeral Bowl takes place annually at San Francisco’s AT&T baseball park as well.

The turnaround from baseball field to football gridiron was a transition that’s been in the making for the greater half of November. Areas of both fields offer little room for mistake, with walls and stands just feet away. Field goals and extra points are sure to make their way onto Sheffield Ave. at Wrigley as well (above, right).

Padding was added to the east endzone at Wrigley where the famous ivy-covered brick wall stands. Coaches on both sides didn’t feel concerned over the tight knit matter, feeling confident in the padding installed.

Illinois head coach Ron Zook took time to joke with his wide receivers, however, stating “We have to get you ready for the Arena League.”

Yankee Stadium offers up a bit more room, but just as much excitement and up close fan encounters.

The old Yankee Stadium, torn down two years earlier, played host to the Army versus Notre Dame rivalry 21 times between 1925 and 1946.

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All writing and views subject to © Drew P. Kochanny, All Rights Reserved. Photo's credited to rights owner.