Neutral site playoff games (FUN ONLY, NOT A SERIOUS PROPOSAL)

[jotapepe]

I always was fascinated by Texas's neutral site playoff games practice. I know it wouldn't work in Illinois, I'm not proposing it, but I will be posting my round-by-round neutral site proposals each week this year. My general principles on this one:
- Play on high school fields over college fields
- Turf over grass (it is late in the year in Illinois, after all)
- North-south fields over east-west fields
- Stadiums with some character over cookie-cutter stadiums
- Good in-between neutral site
- A site somewhat meaningful to one or both teams if possible (conference opponent, etc.)
- Public school fields over private school fields
- Size considerations based on the size of the schools (and bigger schools get chosen first)
- Sooner break any of these rules than do something outlandish

Any other thoughts for this purely entertainment idea?

 

[OldSchoolCoach]

Love this. Problem though........who gets the gate fee?

 

[jotapepe]

Love this. Problem though........who gets the gate fee?

This is part of why it's not a real proposal.

 

[4Afan]

Not a fan at all. Home playoff games are great. You would lose the majority of fans with neutral site games due to all the games being streamed online. The casual fan who would go to a home game won't go to a neutral site game.

 

[Cyclone630]

Love this. Problem though........who gets the gate fee?

IHSA would still take their 50%+

 

[Anon1754502667]

Considering that not more than a handful of teams will get significantly more than 1000 people or $6k in gate fees for first and second round games, this isn't remotely doable.

in the early 90s, a few semifinal games got moved to accommodate huge crowds

 

[mullin17]

IHSA would still take their 50%+

50% wrong. IHSA takes all the gate, then gives the host school a flat fee. IHSA highway robery.

 

[Cyclone630]

50% wrong. IHSA takes all the gate, then gives the host school a flat fee. IHSA highway robery.

They do take 100% of the gate but give payouts to both the home and away schools from that.

Payouts are below.

In the First Round, Second Round, Quarterfinal Round, and Semifinal Round, each game shall be financially independent. 1) The host school shall receive a host school guarantee of the greater of $1,100 or 10% of gate, the cost of the game officials, and 15% of the net income. The IHSA office will pay all playoff officials. 2) The visiting school shall receive the greater of 15% of the net income or $5 per round trip mile for the first 50 miles and $3 for each additional mile.

 

[jotapepe]

Again, this is for FUN. First round:

Mount Carmel-Loyola at Winnemac
West Aurora-Belleville East at Normal Community
Young-Palatine at Maine South
LWE-Stevenson at York
Fremd-Huntley at Dundee-Crown
Lyons-York at Proviso West
Warren-New Trier at Stevenson
Bolingbrook-Oswego East at Neuqua Valley
Elgin-Barrington at Hoffman Estates
Glenbrook South-Minooka at DGS
Curie-HF at Marist
Sandburg-Lockport at Andrew
Maine South-DGS at Proviso East
South Elgin-Hinsdale Central at Wheaton North
Lane-Perspectives at Hanson
Oswego-Naperville North at Waubonsie Valley

Richards-Edwardsville at Decatur Macarthur
Payton-Hersey at Niles West
St. Rita-Guilford at Elgin
LWC-Reavis at Sandburg
Glenbard East - West Chicago at St. Francis
Batavia-Hoffman Estates at Glenbard North
Moline-Andrew at LaSalle-Peru
Glenbard North-Yorkville at Metea Valley
Glenbard West-Willowbrook at Glenbard East
DGN-Prospect at Addison Trail
LWW-Lincoln Park at St. Laurence
Kenwood-Prosser at St. Ignatius
SCN-United Township at Dixon
Carmel-Normal Community at Plainfield South
Brother Rice-Jefferson at Streamwood
Addison Trail-Jacobs at Fremd

Nazareth-Hononegah at Huntley
Highland Park-WWS at Elk Grove
Lake Zurich-Grant at Wauconda
Antioch-Glenbard South at Barrington
Burlington Central-Libertyville at Palatine
Mather-Harlem at Jacobs
Riverside-Brookfield-Rolling Meadows at Leyden
Kennedy-Fenwick at Morton West
Glenwood-JCA at Bloomington
ESL-Plainfield East at Champaign Centennial
Normal West-Thornwood at Morris
Goode-Simeon at Stagg Stadium
BBCHS-Shepard at Rich Township
St. Laurence-Oak Lawn at Reavis
Crete-Monee-Quincy at Peoria Stadium
Dunlap-Pekin at East Peoria

Vernon Hills-Prairie Ridge at Lake Zurich
Morgan Park-St. Francis at Hinsdale Central
Ag-King at Eckersall
Corliss-Lake View at DeLaSalle
Belvidere North-Bulls at Schaumburg
Kaneland-Lakes at Crystal Lake Central
St. Patrick-Wauconda at Hersey
Cary-Grove-Sycamore at Hampshire
Washington-U-High at Morton (IL)
Mahomet-Seymour-Marion at Effingham
Kankakee-Lemont at LWE
Providence-Springfield at Mahomet-Seymour
Oak Forest-Champaign Centennial at Bradley-Bourbonnais
Bloomington-Mascoutah at SHG
Peoria-Macarthur at Lincoln
Morton-TF North at Ottawa

Montini-Urban Prep at OPRF
Marengo-PND at Hall
Woodstock North-Dixon at DeKalb
Coal City-Sterling at Mendota
Morris-Woodstock at Kaneland
Metamora-South Shore at Minooka
Macomb-Hillcrest at Washington
Geneseo-Rochelle at Sterling
Richland County-Jacksonville at Collinsville
Centralia-Cahokia at Mascoutah
Breese Central-Columbia at Belleville East
Freeburg-Highland at O'Fallon
Carterville-Alton Marquette at Waterloo
QND-SHG at Jacksonville
Rochester-Taylorville at Glenwood
Mount Zion-Waterloo at Alton

Richmond-Burton-North Boone at Harvard
Rauner-Aurora CC at DGN
Bloomington CC-Princeton at IVC
Monmouth-Roseville-Manteno at Metamora
Byron-Oregon at Stillman Valley
Johnsburg-DuPec at Belvidere North
McNamara-Herscher at Kankakee
Chicago Hope-IC Catholic at Elmwood Park
Williamsville-Hillsboro at Taylorville
PORTA-Fairfield at Triad
Tolono Unity-Mt. Carmel at Newton
Monticello-Paris at Mattoon
Vandalia-CZR at Centralia
Olympia-Greenville at St. Teresa
SJO-Benton at Robinson
West Frankfort-Roxana at Salem

Rockridge-Illini West at Monmouth-Roseville
Chi. Richards-Tri-Valley at Reed-Custer
Seneca-Riverdale at Princeton
Wilmington-West Hancock at Limestone
El Paso-Gridley-Chi. Marshall at Coal City
Newman-Ridgeview at Dunlap
Farmington-E/PC at Kewanee
Aurora Christian-Erie/Prophetstown at Rochelle
Johnston City-Wesclin at Mount Vernon
Chester-Maroa-Forsyth at Greenville
Flora-Nashville at Mater Dei
Pana-BHRA at Charleston
Westville-Shelbyville at Monticello
DuQuoin-Carlinville at Belleville West
Marshall-ALAH at EIU
Cumberland-Sullivan at Shelbyville

Stockton-Galena at River Ridge
Princeville-Heyworth at Pekin
Clifton Central-Knoxville at El Paso-Gridley
Rushville-Industry-Dwight at Deer Creek-Mackinaw
Annawan/Wethersfield-Stark County at Galva
Crane-Deer Creek-Mackinaw at Wilmington
Lena-Winslow-Forreston at Freeport
GCMS-Ottawa Marquette at Pontiac
Calhoun-Villa Grove at Lanphier
Greenfield/Northwestern-Sesser-Valier at Granite City
Casey-Westfield-Red Hill at Richland County
Tuscola-Nokomis at Mount Zion
Camp Point Central-West Central at Beardstown
Brown County-Athens at Routt
Salt Fork-Dupo at Springfield Southeast
Oakwood-Carrollton at Rochester

 

[SiuCubFan8]

I know this is for fun but I don't get it. Going to Morgan Park/SFHS @ Hinsdale Central does nothing for me other than make it an easier drive, which I would appreciate...lol.

 

[4Afan]

This greatly takes away from the atmosphere. If Rochester is going to host a game, why wouldn't it be the Rochester game rather than a 1A game?

 

[IHSAfan207]

If IHSA ever ranks 1-32 for all classes maybe some rule of no travel grater than 2.5 hours or a middle neutral site is used. Gates split along the lines if the game was hosted without the neutral site.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

If IHSA ever ranks 1-32 for all classes maybe some rule of no travel grater than 2.5 hours or a middle neutral site is used. Gates split along the lines if the game was hosted without the neutral site.

If you go 1-32 you go 1-32, IMO.

 

[Anon1754502667]

Here is my idea -- a longshot but a bit more realistic. Neutral site semis, which would include 4 games.

One neutral site for 7A/8A; another one for 5A/6A and so forth.

Would eliminate HFA for a big game and could create more atmosphere.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Here is my idea -- a longshot but a bit more realistic. Neutral site semis, which would include 4 games.

One neutral site for 7A/8A; another one for 5A/6A and so forth.

Would eliminate HFA for a big game and could create more atmosphere.

Why are we eliminating HFA?
Why does watching LWE/MC play at Lockport create more atmosphere?

 

[4Afan]

Why are we eliminating HFA?
Why does watching LWE/MC play at Lockport create more atmosphere?

Absolutely agree. Not sure why people want to take away the HFA and atmosphere. You won't get that at a neutral site.

With games available to be streamed the casual fan isn't traveling to a neutral site, but would go to a home game.

 

[Anon1754502667]

Absolutely agree. Not sure why people want to take away the HFA and atmosphere. You won't get that at a neutral site.

With games available to be streamed the casual fan isn't traveling to a neutral site, but would go to a home game.

My point is that the current HFA formula often has top teams going on the road in semi finals.

The eliminates that.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

If it was true HFA, I would agree. However, if MC and LWE play this year, it will likely be held at LWE, eliminate MC's seeding advantage. That is what I am trying to eliminate

So it's fake HFA now?

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Give me higher seed hosts until the semi's. I could get on board with semi's AND title games on neutral college sites.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Give me higher seed hosts until the semi's. I could get on board with semi's AND title games on neutral college sites.

If you could fill Joliet Memorial stadium(example) I think that "could" be cool but IL HS FB just doesn't have that kind of juice.
R1-R3 current home and away and semi-final always higher seed hosts. I would have to think about that more.

 

[4Afan]

If it was true HFA, I would agree. However, if MC and LWE play this year, it will likely be held at LWE, eliminate MC's seeding advantage. That is what I am trying to eliminate

Boohoo MC wouldn't have HFA and LWE would. You have neutral site games and there's no HFA for anyone and crowds would be down for both sides.

I'm sure a MC/LWE game would have a great atmosphere if it were played at Bremen.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Boohoo MC wouldn't have HFA and LWE would. You have neutral site games and there's no HFA for anyone and crowds would be down for both sides.

I'm sure a MC/LWE game would have a great atmosphere if it were played at Bremen.

Agree, this isn't Texas. A packed Joliet Memorial between two teams would be cool but it's not happening.

 

[MS4EVER]

I love being on the road for the semis! There is just something about going to a stadium and getting dirty looks from everyone! Winning on their field makes it that much sweeter. Of course if you lose that ride home sucks!

 

[USD24]

I love being on the road for the semis! There is just something about going to a stadium and getting dirty looks from everyone! Winning on their field makes it that much sweeter. Of course if you lose that ride home sucks!

Completely agree. Some of favorite games as both a player and a fan were away semi-final games!

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

If you could fill Joliet Memorial stadium(example) I think that "could" be cool but IL HS FB just doesn't have that kind of juice.
R1-R3 current home and away and semi-final always higher seed hosts. I would have to think about that more.

I mean I was saying it from a place of "I'm fine with how it is, but if we must, leave rounds 1-3 alone."
You don't need juice, you need the right venues, right?. I wasn't thinking big university sites. Illinois has some smaller venues for football if that's what's required. The problem almost instantly with smaller venues is parking, concessions, and a few other things off rip. Most larger high school stadiums pose the same issue though in many cases.

Smaller venues I thought of almost immediately...
I love seeing different venues, so I don't mind discussing all of these lol

1. Tucci Stadium (Illinois Wesleyan University) - Bloomington, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,500
2. Frank Lindsay Field (Millikin University) - Decatur, IL - Listed Capacity: 4,000
3. Knowlton Outdoor Athletic Complex (Augustana College) - Rock Island, IL - Listed Capacity: 1,800
4. Shea Stadium (Bradley University) - Peoria, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,800
5. Peoria Stadium (Peoria Public Schools) - Peoria, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,500
6. Memorial Stadium (Springfield Public Schools) - Springfield, IL - Listed Capacity: N/A [Parking Nightmare]
7. Langhorst Field (Elmhurst University) - Elmhurst, IL - Listed Capacity: 2,800+
8. England Stadium (Illinois College) - Jacksonville, IL - Listed Capacity: 1,468 (likely too small, but a neat venue nonetheless)

Others...
9. The Knosher Bowl (Knox College) - Galesburg, IL - Listed Capacity: 6,000 (??? Might be mostly berm seating included though, never been to this one)
10. Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium (North Central College) - Naperville, IL - Listed Capacity: 4,839 (temporary seating for 1,050 additional spectators for football games)
11. Holmgren Athletic Complex (North Park University) - Chicago, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,000 (It's an eye sore from the satellite view but creative use of the space)
12. QU Stadium (Quincy University) - Quincy, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,000
13. Joliet Memorial Stadium (University of St. Francis) - Joliet, IL - Listed Capacity: 10,000
14. McCully Stadium (Wheaton College) - Wheaton, IL - Listed Capacity: 4,000

Bold= currently a non-football venue used for soccer at Bradley University and by a semi-pro or pro soccer team in the lower tiers of the American soccer pyramid. Large enough for a football field for sure though.

 

[4Afan]

Sure... I mean I was saying it from a place of "I'm fine with how it is, but if we must, leave rounds 1-3 alone."
You don't need juice, you need the right venues, right?. I wasn't thinking big university sites. Illinois has some smaller venues for football if that's what's required. The problem almost instantly with smaller venues is parking, concessions, and a few other things off rip. Most larger high school stadiums pose the same issue though in many cases.

Smaller venues I thought of almost immediately...
I love seeing different venues, so I don't mind discussing all of these lol

1. Tucci Stadium (Illinois Wesleyan University) - Bloomington, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,500
2. Frank Lindsay Field (Millikin University) - Decatur, IL - Listed Capacity: 4,000
3. Knowlton Outdoor Athletic Complex (Augustana College) - Rock Island, IL - Listed Capacity: 1,800
4. Shea Stadium (Bradley University) - Peoria, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,800
5. Peoria Stadium (Peoria Public Schools) - Peoria, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,500
6. Memorial Stadium (Springfield Public Schools) - Springfield, IL - Listed Capacity: N/A [Parking Nightmare]
7. Langhorst Field (Elmhurst University) - Elmhurst, IL - Listed Capacity: 2,800+
8. England Stadium (Illinois College) - Jacksonville, IL - Listed Capacity: 1,468 (likely too small, but a neat venue nonetheless)

Others...
9. The Knosher Bowl (Knox College) - Galesburg, IL - Listed Capacity: 6,000 (??? Might be mostly berm seating included though, never been to this one)
10. Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium (North Central College) - Naperville, IL - Listed Capacity: 4,839 (temporary seating for 1,050 additional spectators for football games)
11. Holmgren Athletic Complex (North Park University) - Chicago, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,000 (It's an eye sore from the satellite view but creative use of the space)
12. QU Stadium (Quincy University) - Quincy, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,000
13. Joliet Memorial Stadium (University of St. Francis) - Joliet, IL - Listed Capacity: 10,000
14. McCully Stadium (Wheaton College) - Wheaton, IL - Listed Capacity: 4,000

Bold= currently a non-football venue used for soccer at Bradley University and by a semi-pro or pro soccer team in the lower tiers of the American soccer pyramid. Large enough for a football field for sure though.

This creates logistical issues since college football is going on as well. How many of these would be available for the weekend of the semifinals?

As has been mentioned before I feel this sucks the atmosphere right out of a semifinals game over what a home game would be like. Illinois high school football isn't the draw some of you think it is and if games aren't at home the casual fans will stay home and stream it or go to a bar that is streaming it.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

This creates logistical issues since college football is going on as well. How many of these would be available for the weekend of the semifinals?

As has been mentioned before I feel this sucks the atmosphere right out of a semifinals game over what a home game would be like. Illinois high school football isn't the draw some of you think it is and if games aren't at home the casual fans will stay home and stream it or go to a bar that is streaming it.

Idk, that's a solid question. We don't have to play these on a Saturday. It would be nice, but we're talking the week before thanksgiving right? I can give you this year's availability based off those dates if you'd like for a sample. I do know for one, the stadiums attached to teams in the CCIW (DIII I think?) conference only play 10 game schedules with no bye weeks. For instance, Millikin is done playing football on Nov. 15 against Elmhurst.

So that would be Elmhurst, Millikin, Wesleyan, North Central, North Park, Augustana that I listed, I think... and Wheaton

Edit: O'Brien @ EIU would be available this season possibly. Away @ Alabama Nov 22

I don't disagree with you, again I'm fine with how it currently is honestly. But my teams also never made it to state and we really enjoy games at our home venue, most especially big playoff ones. I also am not naive enough to think there's a draw at all for high school football in Illinois. Most people already do the things you said for state, lets be honest. So again, I'd agree with you. I just enjoy the discussion of stadiums and didn't think the casual person even on this site had the knowledge of some of these venues that are there, and possibly available.

2nd Edit: Since I basically started it up top... and since you supplied the question I'll answer. Trivial talking points at this junction...

IC - Last Home game Nov 1, season done Nov 15
Knox - Done Nov 15
QU - Done Nov 15
SF - Done Nov 15
Confirmed: All CCIW programs done on Nov 15.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

I mean I was saying it from a place of "I'm fine with how it is, but if we must, leave rounds 1-3 alone."
You don't need juice, you need the right venues, right?. I wasn't thinking big university sites. Illinois has some smaller venues for football if that's what's required. The problem almost instantly with smaller venues is parking, concessions, and a few other things off rip. Most larger high school stadiums pose the same issue though in many cases.

Smaller venues I thought of almost immediately...
I love seeing different venues, so I don't mind discussing all of these lol

1. Tucci Stadium (Illinois Wesleyan University) - Bloomington, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,500
2. Frank Lindsay Field (Millikin University) - Decatur, IL - Listed Capacity: 4,000
3. Knowlton Outdoor Athletic Complex (Augustana College) - Rock Island, IL - Listed Capacity: 1,800
4. Shea Stadium (Bradley University) - Peoria, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,800
5. Peoria Stadium (Peoria Public Schools) - Peoria, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,500
6. Memorial Stadium (Springfield Public Schools) - Springfield, IL - Listed Capacity: N/A [Parking Nightmare]
7. Langhorst Field (Elmhurst University) - Elmhurst, IL - Listed Capacity: 2,800+
8. England Stadium (Illinois College) - Jacksonville, IL - Listed Capacity: 1,468 (likely too small, but a neat venue nonetheless)

Others...
9. The Knosher Bowl (Knox College) - Galesburg, IL - Listed Capacity: 6,000 (??? Might be mostly berm seating included though, never been to this one)
10. Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium (North Central College) - Naperville, IL - Listed Capacity: 4,839 (temporary seating for 1,050 additional spectators for football games)
11. Holmgren Athletic Complex (North Park University) - Chicago, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,000 (It's an eye sore from the satellite view but creative use of the space)
12. QU Stadium (Quincy University) - Quincy, IL - Listed Capacity: 3,000
13. Joliet Memorial Stadium (University of St. Francis) - Joliet, IL - Listed Capacity: 10,000
14. McCully Stadium (Wheaton College) - Wheaton, IL - Listed Capacity: 4,000

Bold= currently a non-football venue used for soccer at Bradley University and by a semi-pro or pro soccer team in the lower tiers of the American soccer pyramid. Large enough for a football field for sure though.

So a venue is bringing out more fans? I am not sure I can agree with that.

 

[jotapepe]

Again, this is supposed to be a "for fun" idea and I would not suggest it as an actual proposal. I think that attendances would be unreasonably small for these kinds of games.

Also, I would not suggest using Augustana's field for a neutral-site game. Parking is not good for Alleman games, and it would probably be similarly bad for other sorts of games.

 

[jotapepe]

For FUN only - second round sites:

Mount Carmel-Belleville East at Bloomington
LWE-Palatine at Downers Grove North
Fremd-Lyons at Addison Trail
Warren-Bolingbrook at Rolling Meadows
Barrington-Glenbrook South at Buffalo Grove
Maine South-Hinsdale Central at Proviso West
Lane-Oswego at Willowbrook
Homewood-Flossmoor-Lockport at Andrew
Richards-Hersey at Leyden
St. Rita-LWC at Stagg HS
Glenbard East-Batavia at Wheaton-Warrenville South
Moline-Glenbard North at Rochelle
Glenbard West-DGN at Glenbard South
Kenwood-LWW at Brother Rice
SCN-Carmel at Barrington
Brother Rice-Jacobs at Lake Park

Lake Zurich-Antioch at Round Lake
Burlington Central-Harlem at Belvidere
Normal West-Simeon at Minooka
Bradley-Bourbonnais-St. Laurence at Homewood-Flossmoor
Crete-Monee-Dunlap at Ottawa
Nazareth-Wheaton-Warrenville South at Glenbard East
Rolling Meadows-Fenwick at Maine West
Glenwood-East St. Louis at Alton

King-Corliss at Mount Carmel
Prairie Ridge-St. Francis at Elgin
Belvidere North-Kaneland at Sycamore
St. Patrick-Cary-Grove at Prospect
Washington-Mahomet-Seymour at Normal West
Kankakee-Providence at Bloom
Oak Forest-Bloomington at Reed-Custer
Peoria-Morton at East Peoria

Montini-PND at Ottawa Marquette
Dixon-Coal City at LaSalle-Peru
Morris-Metamora at Streator
Macomb-Geneseo at Galesburg
Jacksonville-Cahokia at Jerseyville
Breese Central-Freeburg at O'Fallon
Carterville-SHG at Highland
Rochester-Waterloo at Civic Memorial

Richmond-Burton-Aurora Central Catholic at Crystal Lake South
Byron-DuPec at Rockford Auburn
IC Catholic-Bishop McNamara at Lincoln-Way Central
Bloomington Central Catholic-Monmouth-Roseville at Peoria Stadium
Williamsville-PORTA at Athens
Tolono Unity-Monticello at Urbana
Vandalia-Greenville at Hillsboro
SJO-Roxana at Glenwood

Rockridge-Tri-Valley at Dunlap
Seneca-Wilmington at Coal City
Newman-El Paso-Gridley at Hall
Aurora Christian-Farmington at Princeton
Johnston City-Maroa-Forsyth at Vandalia
Flora-Pana at Effingham
Westville-DuQoin at Richland COunty
ALAH-Cumberland at Mattoon

Stockton-Heyworth at Wethersfield
Clifton Central-Dwight at Herscher
Annawan/Wethersfield-Deer Creek-Mackinaw at Richwoods
GCMS-Lena-Winslow at Mendota
Casey-Westfield-Nokomis at Shelbyville
Camp Point Central-Brown County at Quincy
Dupo-Carrollton at East Alton-Wood River
Calhoun-Greenfield/Northwestern at Carrollton

 

[Gold5606]

Just looking ahead to next week and the very probable game of LW East @ Mt. Carmel. Would they move that game? Carmel holds what?....maybe 2400 people? There will be a demand of upwards of 10-12k people wanting to go to that game. Would the IHSA move it to Gatley? If not I would buy tickets quick and flip them for 5x the price!

 

[jotapepe]

Just looking ahead to next week and the very probable game of LW East @ Mt. Carmel. Would they move that game? Carmel holds what?....maybe 2400 people? There will be a demand of upwards of 10-12k people wanting to go to that game. Would the IHSA move it to Gatley? If not I would buy tickets quick and flip them for 5x the price!

The IHSA would not move it to Gately, as Mount Carmel has a suitable on-campus stadium. (Admittedly one that would be sold out and likely featuring people looking through fences and from treetops and rooftops!) That decision would be on Mount Carmel - they could do it if they wanted and could work it out.

 

[jotapepe]

Third round:
Mount Carmel-LWE at Eisenhower
Fremd-Bolingbrook at Wheaton North
Barrington-Lockport at Glenbard North
Maine South-Oswego at Downers Grove North
St. Rita-Hersey at Proviso East
Batavia-Glenbard North at St. Charles East
Downers Grove North-LWW at Bolingbrook
St. Charles North-Brother Rice at Glenbard East
Nazareth-Lake Zurich at Elk Grove
Burlington Central-Fenwick at Lake Park
East St. Louis-Simeon at Bloomington
St. Laurence-Dunlap at Morris
St. Francis-King at Riverside-Brookfield
Belvidere North-Cary-Grove at Marengo
Washington-Providence at Streator
Oak Forest-Peoria at Ottawa
Montini-Coal City at Joliet Central
Morris-Geneseo at LaSalle-Peru
Cahokia-Breese Central at O'Fallon
SHG-Rochester at Lanphier
Richmond-Burton-Monmouth-Roseville at Sterling
Byron-IC Catholic at Hampshire
Williamsville-Tolono Unity at Maroa-Forsyth
Vandalia-St. Joseph-Ogden at Mount Zion
El Paso-Gridley-Farmington at East Peoria
Tri-Valley-Wilmington at Pontiac
Flora-Maroa-Forsyth at Mattoon
Westville-ALAH at Champaign Centennial
Dwight-Stockton at Rochelle
Lena-Winslow-Annawan/Wethersfield at Rock Falls
Calhoun-Casey-Westfield at Greenville
Brown County-Carrollton at Winchester

 

[Wassup13]

I always was fascinated by Texas's neutral site playoff games practice. I know it wouldn't work in Illinois, I'm not proposing it, but I will be posting my round-by-round neutral site proposals each week this year. My general principles on this one:
- Play on high school fields over college fields
- Turf over grass (it is late in the year in Illinois, after all)
- North-south fields over east-west fields
- Stadiums with some character over cookie-cutter stadiums
- Good in-between neutral site
- A site somewhat meaningful to one or both teams if possible (conference opponent, etc.)
- Public school fields over private school fields
- Size considerations based on the size of the schools (and bigger schools get chosen first)
- Sooner break any of these rules than do something outlandish

Any other thoughts for this purely entertainment idea?

I always disliked this proposal. I love teams playing home games and i like the way home games are determined.

My only playoff changes would be 6 classes and 16 teams per class.

If those want more teams then I would have a second tournament like the NIT tournament in college basketball.

 

[rbundy84]

1st 3 rounds at Highest Seed (none of this highest see with least home games BS)
Semis and Finals at Neutral Sites, and have multiple games at the neutral site. Utilize turf high school or small college sites. Would be a lot of fun!

1A/2A North
3A/4A North
1A/2A South
3A/4A South
5A/6A North
5A/6A South
7A Semis (Chicagoland)
8A Semis (Chicagoland)

Just a thought...

 

[jotapepe]

Semis:
Mount Carmel-Fremd at Maine South
Lockport-Oswego at Plainfield Central
Batavia-St. Rita at Downers Grove South
DGN-Brother Rice at Argo
Nazareth-Fenwick at Morton West
East St. Louis-St. Laurence at Normal Community
Belvidere North-St. Francis at DeKalb
Oak Forest-Providence at Lincoln-Way East
Morris-Montini at Plainfield East
Breese Central-Rochester at North Mac
Richmond-Burton-Byron at Belvidere North
Tolono Unity-St. Joseph-Ogden at Urbana
Wilmington-El Paso-Gridley at Pontiac
Maroa-Forsyth-ALAH at Decatur Macarthur
Stockton-Lena-Winslow at Pearl City*
Calhoun-Brown County at Pittsfield

*Stockton and Lena-Winslow could easily just play at Stockton, as they are in real life. Pearl City is not really "in between" these two schools. Stockton is the higher seed and the regular season game was at Le-Win, so I don't mind sending them to Stockton.