April 18, 2000
EVANSTON, Ill. - For the second year in a row, Northwestern University will "Pack the Parks" and "Cram the Courts," as a full slate of events and promotions surround a busy athletic weekend in Evanston. The weekend features four-game Big Ten series for both the Wildcat baseball and softball teams, a pair of tennis matches for the 16th-ranked Wildcats, and the spring football game at Ryan Field on Saturday.
The fun begins at 2 p.m. Friday, when the softball team meets Michigan State in a doubleheader on Anderson Field. At 3 p.m., the baseball team entertains the Spartans at Rocky Miller Park.
Several activities surround the spring football game, which will kick off Saturday at noon and is open to the public. At 11 a.m., head coach Randy Walker will address fans on the roof of the N Club, with Pepsi being distributed for free. At 11:45, all children aged 13 and under are invited to join the Wildcat players on the field for "Stretch With the `Cats," with the first 400 receiving a Wildcat t-shirt from adidas. After the game, fans are invited for a picture and autograph session with the Wildcat players, Willie the Wildcat, the NU cheerleaders and the Ladycats. Following that, a Wildcat egg hunt -- sponsored by ARAMARK and United Airlines' Wilmette ticket office -- will be open to all young Wildcat fans.
Saturday's other athletic action begins at 11 a.m., when the women's tennis team meets Iowa at the Vandy Christie Tennis Center on Sheridan Road. At 1 p.m., the baseball team continues their series with Michigan State as they play a doubleheader, while softball meets Michigan in a single game.
On Sunday, the women's tennis team hosts Wisconsin at 11 a.m., while the softball team plays another single game with Michigan beginning at noon. At 1 p.m., the baseball team wraps up its series with Michigan State with a single game.
Admission is free to the spring football game, as well as all softball and tennis matches, and ticket prices to the baseball games will be slashed -- people can buy a weekend pass for just $5, and Saturday is "Dollar Day" with all tickets just $1.
The spring football game and surrounding events will take place only if weather permits. In the event of inclement weather, the women's tennis matches will be played at the Johnson Tennis Center next to Rocky Miller Park.
"Pack the Parks/Cram the Courts" is sponsored by Kraft, Pepsi-Cola and adidas.