In a move that adds a touch of collegiate excitement to historic Lambeau Field, the Northwestern Wildcats are set to grace the renowned venue for a prominent college football showdown in 2024.
During a recent alumni event in New York, Northwestern Athletic Director Derrick Gragg disclosed plans for the Wildcats to play a “home” game at Lambeau Field on October 19th.
While unconfirmed, the opponent is expected to be the Wisconsin Badgers…
FYI: AD Gragg told alumni in NYC last week that Northwestern will play a home game at Lambeau Field this year. He didn’t mention the opponent, but it would likely be Wisconsin on Oct. 19.
This smacks of 1991, when NU played a “home” game vs. Ohio State in Cleveland. 😒
— Louie Vaccher (@WildcatReport) February 19, 2024
This event would mark the return of college football to Lambeau Field after a hiatus since September 2016 when a memorable encounter between Wisconsin and LSU took place.
On that day, an unranked Wisconsin team stunned the college football world by edging out the #5 ranked Tigers with a thrilling 16-14 victory.
Exciting news! Northwestern will be hosting a home game at Lambeau Field this fall against UW. Additionally, efforts are underway to schedule the Minnesota game on the Friday following Thanksgiving to boost viewership. Stay tuned for more updates! #OnWisconsin #B1GFootball 🦡🏈
— Chris McIntosh (@McIntoshBurner) February 20, 2024
While the Wisconsin-LSU game was a landmark moment, it’s noteworthy that it was the first Division I college football game held at Lambeau Field.
Previous to that, the stadium had hosted Division III clashes between St. Norbert and Fordham in 1982 and 1983.
The Green Bay @Packers unveiled the highest resolution end zone displays in football in 2023! They also added 60 concourse displays to keep fans engaged. See how 24,500 square feet of LED displays are improving the game-day experience at @LambeauField! #DakPro #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/YyEkgczY3C
— Daktronics (@Daktronics) February 20, 2024
For Northwestern, this decision entails sacrificing a traditional home game for the second time in three years. In 2022, the Wildcats kicked off their season with an upset win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Wisconsin, on the other hand, has ventured into neutral-site matchups recently, as demonstrated by their 2021 clash against Notre Dame at Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears.
Unfortunately for the Badgers, Notre Dame dominated the game, securing a commanding 41-13 victory.
Forever the greatest & most magical stadium 😇🫶✨ #GoPackGo @LambeauField #PackersWeatherClub pic.twitter.com/Zl3lMXOv9h
— Tessa Ruid (@TessaRuid) February 17, 2024
The expected Northwestern-Wisconsin showdown at Lambeau Field promises to be a highlight of the Big Ten calendar.
It joins a roster of high-profile neutral-site matchups scheduled for the season, including Clemson vs. Georgia in Atlanta, LSU vs. USC in Las Vegas, and Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech, also in Atlanta.
Sure your neighborhood is nice, but is @packers Lambeau Field your neighbor?
Currently listed for $699,900#nfl #GreenBayPackers pic.twitter.com/xuvZUq54fT
— Zillow Gone Wild 🏡 (@zillowgonewild) December 24, 2023
What are your thoughts on Northwestern “hosting” the Badgers at Lambeau Field?
No, it might not be the sexiest of matchups – but it will surely be an epic scene.
Is Lambeau Field the most epic stadium in all of football? … If not, what is?
What is your dream neutral-site venue for a Big Ten matchup???