Northwestern University Athletics
Summer 'Cats' Caravan Keeps Rolling Along to the Southside
7/29/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 29, 2009
EVANSTON, Illinois - The Northwestern Wildcats have been crisscrossing the Chicagoland area this summer with the annual 'Cats Caravan.
This road tour made stops at fairs, festivals and parades throughout the Chicago area and is now making its way this Saturday to Orland Park, the hometown of head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
"From a football standpoint, our recruiting always starts and ends in the Chicagoland area. The same is true when we recruit fans to be a part of the Northwestern Football Family," said Pat Fitzgerald. "I am excited to be back in my hometown of Orland Park this weekend to meet new fans and spend time with the people who have supported me through the years."
On Saturday, August 1, the Village of Orland Park will host Kids' Day at the Taste of Orland Park, offering an afternoon of free activities and sport demonstrations for children. Members of the Northwestern Football team will be on hand to sign autographs from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with Coach Fitzgerald meeting fans from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
"We're thrilled to have Pat Fitzgerald join us for Kids' Day at the Taste of Orland Park," said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin. "The Humphrey Complex is the perfect setting for Coach Fitzgerald to greet the young people of the community as that's where he played youth football as an Orland Park Pioneer."
Fans who stop by to meet the Wildcats will also have chances to win football tickets, get Wildcat giveaways and receive information about ticket discounts this season, including half-price tickets for Orland Park Day at Ryan Field on September 12th.
If you can't make it out to Orland Park this Saturday, be sure to check the updated 'Cats Caravan schedule below for your next chance to meet the 'Cats. Plus, find a way to make it to Ryan Field this fall by taking advantage of the special ticket discounts as well as by encouraging young Wildcat fans to get involved in the many ways they can earn free tickets, including the Bound for Success Reading Program, Wildcats 3.0 and Purrfect Attendance.
Whether you win, earn or buy your football tickets this season, be sure to arrive early to enjoy the free pregame fan fest area, Wildcat Alley, which features games, face painting, food, the Marching Band, cheerleaders, Willie the Wildcat, the free Goose Island Beer Garden and much more. For information about Wildcat Football Gamedays, check the Fan Zone on NUsports.com or e-mail wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu. Plus, hear straight from the 'Cats by joining us on Facebook or by following us on Twitter.
2009 'Cats Caravan Schedule
June
20-21 - Custer's Last Stand - Evanston
27 - Taste of Chicago Sports Pavilion (2 to 6 p.m.) - Chicago
July
4 - Evanston Fourth of July Parade - Evanston
10 and 12 - Brookfield Zoo - Brookfield
18 - College Football Enshrinement Festival - South Bend, Ind.
25-26 - Taste of Lincoln Avenue - Chicago
28 - Big Ten Kick-off Luncheon - Chicago
August
1 - Taste of Orland Park - Orland Park
8-9 - Lincoln Park Fest - Chicago
15-16 - Long Grove Arts Fest - Long Grove
22 - Kenosha Scrimmage - Kenosha, Wis.
28 - Meet the Team Night ( 6 p.m.) - Ryan Field
