In early August, the Big Ten’s postponement of fall sports capped the end of a months-long wait to the seemingly inevitable conclusion depriving players, coaches and fans of a football season for at least a few months. The conference’s rationale for the decision, which was communicated poorly at best, drew swift and intense backlash, petitions and lawsuits from angry players, parents and even politicians.
While the renewed talks to play football this fall gives some hope to disheartened observers, Evanston businesses are simultaneously in the process of overcoming an economic crisis in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a challenge furthered without football.