For weeks, things in Evanston have been going purple. From fire hydrants in Downtown Evanston to storefront displays, the color of choice is purple. Behind this purple passion is Northwestern University now 3-0. It all culminates tomorrow when the Wildcats take on the Central Michigan Chippewas.
Last night, hundreds of people turned out for a pep rally in front of the Rotary International building in Downtown Evanston. Among the attendees were Evanston residents, Northwestern students and alumni and even the marching bands from both Evanston Township High School and Northwestern University.
Among the celebrities on hand to rile up the crowd were Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl, Northwestern President Morton Schapiro, football coach Pat Fitzgerald, and Northwestern All-American Mike Adamle, along with the Wildcat cheerleaders and NU's world-famous marching band and the Evanston Township High School POM KITS and marching band.
As we have already reported, The Stanley Cup will be making a visit to the game tomorrow as part of a pregame presentation. The university's Department of Athletics will recognize Blackhawks' Chariman Rocky Wirtz, a 1975 graduate of Northwestern, and Blackhwawks' President John McDonough, who frequently lectures at the university and is a member of the Faculty Adviosry Board for the school's master of arts in sports administration program.
The recognition ceremony will be held midfield at Ryan Field at approximately 10:50 a.m.
Evanston residents still wishing to see the Stanley Cup and the game can purchase discounted tickets before tomorrow online for $17 using the promotional code "Purple" on NUsports.com.