Wildcat Way to entertain fans outside Wrigley game

While Northwestern's grand plan to have its football team take the train to Wrigley Field on Saturday morning has hit a snag, the Wildcats will have their “Way” with the neighborhood.

Because of liability issues, the Wildcats won't take the el from Evanston to the Addison for their 2:30 p.m. game against Illinois, which has been dubbed the Allstate Wrigleyville Classic. The team will travel by bus instead.

Despite the change in plans, there still will be plenty to do outside the park for fans before and after the game thanks to a street festival on “Wildcat Way” where fans can enjoy food and refreshments, play games and watch college football action from around the nation in celebration of the first college football game at Wrigley since 1938.

Wildcat Way will be open on Sheffield Avenue between Addison Street and Waveland Avenue from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Admittance is free to the general public.

College football games will air on a large LED screen and numerous flat-screen TVs starting at 11 a.m. and continuing throughout the evening. The 9'x12' LED screen will serve as the backdrop on the Bud Light Music Stage near Waveland Avenue, which will feature four live music acts before and after the game.

A large heated tent will cover the south side of Wildcat Way, featuring Northwestern face painters, several bars and seating tables, and 10 large plasma televisions.

Fans on Saturday morning can also stroll over to the McDonald's parking lot on Clark to catch the ESPN Gameday crew in action.

The Allstate Tailgate Tour will also be on site, which includes the Allstate College Football Legacy Museum and the Allstate Fan Club where fans can create personal signs and take pictures.

Former Northwestern star running back Damien Anderson will host a Q-and-A session with fans and sign autographs from 1 to 2 p.m.