Field Notes: The Media School Travel Blog

The Big Ten office in Chicago is something out of a dream if you’re a college sports fan.

The front doors lead into an open-format office with hallways connecting various entities of the network’s office. Awards, glowing on display in glass cases, line the wall. Recent and current college sports stars shine on posters framed on another glass wall, and the next hallway pulls you through the past of some of collegiate sports’ best moments.

Former college coaching greats from all the Big Ten schools are there, too — their iconic stares, glares and smiles all on display.

As you weave through the hallways and studios, one thing is clear: It is an incredibly well-oiled machine. Game schedule notes sit on desks facing numerous TVs counting down to the next match or game. Graphics computers and audio boards light up as content and commercials stream continuously throughout the day.

And while the office is one that puts out hundreds of games every season and runs in perfect staccato, there is an undeniable energy. Employee workspaces are adorned with alma mater memorabilia. Flags, jerseys and even old recordings of games make up the areas where these people work. Again, something of a dream.

It was enlightening and humbling to see how much time, effort and money goes into making the content sports fans enjoy every day. Of course, sports media people want to work in sports, but the Big Ten office makes that dream feel like a reality.