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Northwestern-area bar shuts doors to Illini

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The University of Illinois’ plans to have coaches and others court fans at a bar near Northwestern’s campus have been called off after Wildcats fans objected.

Illini men’s basketball coach John Groce, football coach Tim Beckman and others had planned a stop to meet fans at World of Beer in Evanston on Wednesday. The stop was part of the Fighting Illini Caravan promotional tour around the state.

Illinois sports information director Kent Brown told The News-Gazette in Champaign that the bar decided against hosting the stop. Some Northwestern fans had objected.

Brown says the event probably will be moved to a location in downtown Chicago.

Illinois has pushed under Athletic Director Mike Thomas to win more fans in Chicago and heat up the sometimes mild rivalry with Northwestern.

Head coach Tim Beckman and the Illini didn’t win a Big Ten football game last season, Beckman’s first at the helm. Associated Press/Nov. 10, 2012
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