Midlands location

[so cal hawkfan]

Someone set me straight, I was under the impression that the Midlands was held annually in Champaign Ill at Northwestern University, I see this year it’s at Hoffman Estates about 45 minutes away. Is this a Covid thing, or is something else going on with the venue change?

 

[honkey69]

They started holding it there a couple years ago when NU was renovating their arena. Not sure if they're planning to switch it back, but the Sears Center is a way nicer venue to spend a long weekend in.

 

[ginormous.headed.circus.midget]

I talked with Tim C last year, and there is no plan currently to move back on campus.

much more convenient out there, although a bit more expensive.

Anyone interested in suites, contact me or the event.
Not worth doing by myself, to expensive but perfect for a group

 

[IAChief32]

They started holding it there a couple years ago when NU was renovating their arena. Not sure if they're planning to switch it back, but the Sears Center is a way nicer venue to spend a long weekend in.

This. I have been to all of the Midlands since they swapped and from what I hear, it's just a lot more convenient in terms of hotels, places to eat close to the venue etc.

 

[UndercoverHawk]

Someone set me straight, I was under the impression that the Midlands was held annually in Champaign Ill at Northwestern University, I see this year it’s at Hoffman Estates about 45 minutes away. Is this a Covid thing, or is something else going on with the venue change?

Illinois is in Champaign. Northwestern is in Evanston. But Sears center is nice.

 

[so cal hawkfan]

Illinois is in Champaign. Northwestern is in Evanston. But Sears center is nice.

Good catch thanks. I was reading off Iowa’s schedule and mistyped. Reeding is hardd.

 

[24 so far]

Good catch thanks. I was reading off Iowa’s schedule and mistyped. Reeding is hardd.

They said there would be no reading! Er I mean math..........

 

[who r u]

i was told that they make more money at the Sears center, not sure how, and wouldnt be going back to campus

 

[TNTwrestle]

I had a good system for Evanston. Cheap but decent motel in Elk Grove Village, but found a route that I could be at Welsch-Ryan in 15 minutes consistently. Could get a good breakfast without long lines at one of three places near the motel or on route to the arena and several places to grab food at night the first night. Also had three or four great spots to eat between sessions the first day.
Sears Centre is nicer but costs over twice as much for tickets. Food near the motel, about 15 minutes away in Hoffman Estates, but places close to the arena are very crowded between sessions and not a lot of choices I like.
They serve alcohol there (which means nothing to me), parking is easy and free (if I'm remembering correctly) and the board showing bouts and on-deck matches is very helpful.
I'm old and prefer the old location, but Sears Centre has its good points as well, just costs me more money.

 

[Cruo]

Closer to Mt. Prospect, so that's good.

 

[GantryZ]

Closer to Mt. Prospect, so that's good.

Who has two thumbs and is from Mt. Prospect? This guy!

 

[GantryZ]

I had a good system for Evanston. Cheap but decent motel in Elk Grove Village, but found a route that I could be at Welsch-Ryan in 15 minutes consistently.

You need to share this route! From where I'm sitting that kind of defies that laws of physics, but I've been wrong before...

I agree completely about the new setup, it's just so much pricier all around and less intimate. Would prefer it back at Welsh Ryan.

 

[eagles2k3]

You need to share this route! From where I'm sitting that kind of defies that laws of physics, but I've been wrong before...

I agree completely about the new setup, it's just so much pricier all around and less intimate. Would prefer it back at Welsh Ryan.

I was thinking the same thing! I feel like anywhere in the NW burbs is an hour to Evanston!

 

[eagles2k3]

I talked with Tim C last year, and there is no plan currently to move back on campus.

much more convenient out there, although a bit more expensive.

Anyone interested in suites, contact me or the event.
Not worth doing by myself, to expensive but perfect for a group

We've done a suit before with a group. it's expensive. I think maybe 1,000 for one day if I remember correctly.

They have suites all around the arena. The suites on the ends the viewing is rough for the opposite side of mats. If you got something near the middle that is great viewing. Also beats sitting for hours at a time. It's nice to be able to roam a bit in a suite.

 

[bman546]

Several years ago, I went and saw an MMA fight there and saw Dan Henderson KO Fedor Emelianenko. Nice venue right off I-90, and plenty of eating, shopping along Higgins and Sutton intersection. Plus there is a Cabela's. Marriott is 1/4 mile walk to the arena.

 

[TNTwrestle]

You need to share this route! From where I'm sitting that kind of defies that laws of physics, but I've been wrong before...

I agree completely about the new setup, it's just so much pricier all around and less intimate. Would prefer it back at Welsh Ryan.

I was thinking the same thing! I feel like anywhere in the NW burbs is an hour to Evanston!

Touhy Ave most times, or Dempster certain times of the day, but Dempster was a little out of the way to get to. Maybe I'm misremembering exactly how long (I'm getting older) but it certainly wasn't an hour and we could make very consistent time in spite of traffic and lights. When my mom was along, we had to be there when the doors opened.
Might have stayed in Mount Prospect or Des Plaines a time or two, but my favorite was Howard Johnsons in Elk Grove Village. Watched online and they always ran a special around November for $55 a night. Stayed once in Skokie, would never do that again, but lots of good food there. After the first five trips or so, we had everything down pretty well for the next twenty plus.

 

[Section25]

I agree with TNT as we always stayed in Skokie or Elk Grove Village for probably 20 plus years. Actually stayed more than a few times at the Howard Johnson's, but found a real decent place in Skokie with a phenomenal pool and the restaurants in the area were awesome. Three years before they started the remodel a friend bought a place within two blocks of the arena so we stayed there. I miss it being at Welsh Ryan, but won't matter as I'll be on Sanibel Island.

 

[paednoch23]

Who has two thumbs and is from Mt. Prospect? This guy!

bought an old used police cruiser from mount prospect years ago. It had a cop motor cop tires, Cop suspension and Cop shocks

 

[TNTwrestle]

bought an old used police cruiser from mount prospect years ago. It had a cop motor cop tires, Cop suspension and Cop shocks

Gettin' the band back together...

 

[lookleft goright]

I may go to Midlands and then the Southern Scuffle this year. What a way to end a year and start a new one.

 

[TNTwrestle]

Used to do the whole trip for around $200 (or less). Just dropped over $400 on tickets and motel for me and my son, without gas, food and extras. I guess I'm turning into THAT old guy. I'm living on a fixed income now.

 

[burk11]

Welsh-Ryan seats are great. Been attending Midland's for years, every session. During school year I am usually there every week for some athletic event. Not a bad view in the house. On street parking nearby (no cost) great public transport. I attend many/most Northwestern wrestling matches, at WELSH-RYAN.

Stated simply, Sears Center is a dump. And a rip-off, really tired of paying $20 per session to park. Most seats are bad, bad spectator views. Get your bank account ready for sticker-shock this year, and take your PB&J sandwiches with.

Obviously I'm upset with Hoffman Estates site. I will probably limit my Midlands attendance at the H/E venue. Bad decision.

Venting my spleen, however one vents a spleen!

 

[MrMagic2772]

Recently changed naming rights. Went from Sears Center to NOW Arena.

 

[GantryZ]

On street parking nearby (no cost) great public transport. I attend many/most Northwestern wrestling matches, at WELSH-RYAN.

Always loved that for duals/Midlands there is a paid lot but you don't have to go another 100 feet to get widely available free street parking. Not sure why people ever pay, but they do.

 

[burk11]

Recently changed naming rights. Went from Sears Center to NOW Arena.

Sears Center was a dump.

Renaming it the Now Arena, well I guess if putting lipstick on a pig… Okay, it’s still a dump.