March 7, 2008

EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern's Department of Athletics is urging its fans to arrive early for its final men's basketball home game against No. 10 Wisconsin this Saturday. Traffic around Welsh-Ryan Arena is expected to be heavier than normal due to the expected crowd.

In an effort to better serve its fans, Northwestern opens Welsh-Ryan Arena 90 minutes prior to all men's basketball home games. This Saturday's game tips off at 2 p.m. with doors opening at 12:30 p.m. Senior Day ceremonies will begin at 1:45 p.m., and the first 300 Wildcat fans will receive the Senior Day giveaway item.

CTA, Metra, and Pace all provide service to Welsh-Ryan Arena. The CTA Purple Line from downtown Chicago stops at Central Street where you can walk three blocks west on Central Street to the stadium or connect to the #201 CTA bus that stops a block from the arena.

The Metra Union Pacific North Line from downtown Chicago and Kenosha, Wis., stops at Central Street where you can walk three blocks east on Central to the stadium or connect to the #201 CTA bus that stops a block from the arena.

Pace route #213 runs along Green Bay Road and connects with five other Pace routes, and also stops at Central Street.

For times, directions and connections to all Northwestern home games call 847-836-7000.