While I mentioned this in my post down below, I have since read that all the nearby hotels are sold out for the game apart from this one - link -
http://www.purplehotel.com/
There are two problems with the hotel.
* One is it is SLIGHTLY "worn around the edges" (at least it was last year when I stayed there) so it's not "world class". It's not seedy or anything like that, but let's just say it could use a small "spruce up". Last renovation must have been 10 years ago.
* The other is that it's not near "anything" (per-se). You need a car or taxi to get to the game or downtown Evanston.
THAT SAID.
* They re-did the rooms last year and they are in good shape.
* Lotsa cable channels.
* There is a lot to do at the hotel (for a hotel), a fancy steakhouse, a cheaper diner, a sports bar, a cigar bar, a pool and sauna. Should have a few Buckeye's there too (just a guess of course). The sports bar is fun.
* There is a huge mall acroos the street if the "wimmenfolk" want to shop amd/or browse.
* Evanston and the stadium are only 10 minutes away by car (if that) or taxi (which should cost you about seven bucks IIRC).
I am NOT advertising this hotel, just mentioning it as an option if you decide to go to the game late (as in...today, or later) and get shut out of other hotels. From what I gather, some convention is going on in downtown Chicago and the Evanston places are full for the game already. This is according to a post on one of our the other message boards.
Take it or leave it, just telling you about another lodging option so you don't end up staying out by the airport or something (ugh).
GO CATS!