Dating back to 2017, Chicago Cubs officials have been vocal about
their hope to host a bowl game at iconic Wrigley Field. That seemed to be coming to fruition in the form of an ACC vs. Big Ten matchup, but the talks hit a snag in July 2018.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Cubs officials and the Big Ten
could not come to an agreement on where the bowl would fit in the conference’s pecking order. The Cubs wanted the league’s third- or fourth-best team, but the conference preferred to send a lower-slotted bowl team to blustery Chicago. The conference, understandably, preferred a warmer climate than Chicago in December.