The Big Ten Championship Game is the annual championship game for the Big Ten Conference, one of the Power Five conferences in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The game is held at a neutral site, with the location rotating among the conference's member cities.
The first Big Ten Championship Game was held in 2011, replacing the previous system of determining the conference champion based on the regular-season standings. The game is played on the first Saturday of December, and the winner receives the Griese-Brees Big Ten Championship Trophy and an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff. If the winner is already in the top four of the College Football Playoff rankings, the conference's second-ranked team will receive the automatic berth.
The Big Ten Championship Game has been played at four different venues: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana (2011-2015); Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan (2016-2019); and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada (2020-present). The game has been won by seven different teams, with Ohio State holding the most championships with seven titles.
Big Ten Championship Game
The Big Ten Championship Game is the annual championship game for the Big Ten Conference, one of the Power Five conferences in the NCAA FBS. Here are ten important points about the game:
- Held at a neutral site
- First held in 2011
- Played on the first Saturday of December
- Winner receives the Griese-Brees Big Ten Championship Trophy
- Winner receives an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff
- Has been played at four different venues
- Has been won by seven different teams
- Ohio State holds the most championships with seven
- Michigan is the defending champion
- The 2023 game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
The Big Ten Championship Game is one of the most prestigious games in college football, and it has a significant impact on the College Football Playoff. The game is always played in a festive atmosphere, and it is a must-see for fans of Big Ten football.
Held at a neutral site
The Big Ten Championship Game is unique among the Power Five conference championship games in that it is held at a neutral site. This is in contrast to the other Power Five conference championship games, which are all held at the home stadium of the higher-seeded team.
- Prevents home-field advantage
Playing the game at a neutral site prevents either team from having a home-field advantage. This creates a more level playing field and makes the game more fair.
- Increases revenue
Playing the game at a neutral site allows the conference to generate more revenue. The conference can sell more tickets and suites at a neutral site than it could at the home stadium of either team.
- Creates a festive atmosphere
Playing the game at a neutral site creates a more festive atmosphere. Fans of both teams can travel to the game and enjoy the experience of being in a neutral environment.
- Rotates among conference cities
The location of the Big Ten Championship Game rotates among the conference's member cities. This gives fans in different cities a chance to experience the game in person.
The Big Ten Championship Game is a major event on the college football calendar, and it is one of the most prestigious games in the country. Playing the game at a neutral site helps to create a fair and exciting atmosphere for fans of both teams.
First held in 2011
The Big Ten Conference first announced plans for a conference championship game in 2006, but it took several years for the game to come to fruition. One of the main obstacles was the fact that the Big Ten had an odd number of teams at the time, which made it difficult to determine how the game would be played.
In 2010, the Big Ten expanded to 12 teams with the additions of Nebraska and Penn State. This finally allowed the conference to move forward with plans for a championship game. The first Big Ten Championship Game was held on December 3, 2011, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The game was won by Michigan State, which defeated Wisconsin 42-39.
The Big Ten Championship Game has been held every year since 2011. The game has been played at various sites around the conference, including Indianapolis, Detroit, and Minneapolis. The game has been won by seven different teams, with Ohio State holding the most championships with seven.
The Big Ten Championship Game is one of the most important games on the college football calendar. The game decides the champion of the Big Ten Conference and has a major impact on the College Football Playoff. The game is always played in a festive atmosphere, and it is a must-see for fans of Big Ten football.
Played on the first Saturday of December
The Big Ten Championship Game is always played on the first Saturday of December. This is in contrast to the other Power Five conference championship games, which are all played on the second Saturday of December.
- Avoids conflict with other conference championship games
Playing the game on the first Saturday of December avoids conflict with the other Power Five conference championship games. This allows fans to watch both the Big Ten Championship Game and the other conference championship games without having to choose between them.
- Provides a buffer before the College Football Playoff
Playing the game on the first Saturday of December provides a buffer before the College Football Playoff. This gives the Big Ten champion time to rest and prepare for the College Football Playoff semifinals.
- Creates a festive atmosphere
Playing the game on the first Saturday of December creates a more festive atmosphere. The game is played in the lead-up to the holidays, and it is a great way to celebrate the end of the college football regular season.
- Tradition
The Big Ten Championship Game has been played on the first Saturday of December since its inception in 2011. This has created a tradition that fans have come to expect.
The Big Ten Championship Game is a major event on the college football calendar, and it is one of the most prestigious games in the country. Playing the game on the first Saturday of December helps to create a fair and exciting atmosphere for fans of both teams.
Winner receives the Griese-Brees Big Ten Championship Trophy
The winner of the Big Ten Championship Game receives the Griese-Brees Big Ten Championship Trophy. The trophy is named after former Big Ten quarterbacks Bob Griese and Drew Brees. Griese played for Purdue from 1963 to 1966 and was a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Brees played for Purdue from 1997 to 1999 and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Griese-Brees Big Ten Championship Trophy was first awarded in 2011, the same year that the Big Ten Championship Game was first held. The trophy is a large, silver cup with the names of all the Big Ten champions engraved on it. The trophy is awarded to the winning team on the field after the game.
The Griese-Brees Big Ten Championship Trophy is one of the most prestigious trophies in college football. It is a symbol of the Big Ten Conference's commitment to excellence in football. The trophy is also a reminder of the two great quarterbacks who played in the Big Ten and went on to have successful NFL careers.
The Griese-Brees Big Ten Championship Trophy is a cherished prize for the winning team. It is a symbol of the team's hard work and dedication, and it is a reminder of the great tradition of football in the Big Ten Conference.
Winner receives an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff
The winner of the Big Ten Championship Game receives an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff. The College Football Playoff is a four-team playoff that determines the national champion of college football. The playoff was created in 2014, and it has been won by three different teams: Ohio State (2014), Alabama (2015, 2017, 2020), and Clemson (2016, 2018, 2022).
The Big Ten Conference is one of the six conferences that receive an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff. The other five conferences are the ACC, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC, and Notre Dame. The six conference champions are joined by two at-large teams to form the four-team playoff field.
The winner of the Big Ten Championship Game is guaranteed a spot in the College Football Playoff, regardless of its ranking in the final College Football Playoff rankings. This gives the Big Ten champion a major advantage in the race for the national championship.
The College Football Playoff is the most prestigious tournament in college football, and it is a major goal for every team in the country. The winner of the Big Ten Championship Game has a great chance to reach the College Football Playoff and compete for the national championship.
Has been played at four different venues
The Big Ten Championship Game has been played at four different venues: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana (2011-2015); Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan (2016-2019); U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota (2020); and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada (2021-present).
The Big Ten Conference rotates the location of the championship game among its member cities. This gives fans from all over the conference a chance to experience the game in person.
Lucas Oil Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility that has hosted the Big Ten Championship Game six times. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 67,000 and is known for its retractable roof and its large video board.
Ford Field is a multi-purpose stadium that has hosted the Big Ten Championship Game four times. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 65,000 and is home to the Detroit Lions of the NFL. Ford Field is known for its natural grass surface and its intimate atmosphere.
U.S. Bank Stadium is a state-of-the-art stadium that hosted the Big Ten Championship Game in 2020. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 66,000 and is home to the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. U.S. Bank Stadium is known for its retractable roof and its large video board.
Allegiant Stadium is a state-of-the-art stadium that will host the Big Ten Championship Game from 2021 to 2025. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 65,000 and is home to the Las Vegas Raiders of the NFL. Allegiant Stadium is known for its retractable roof and its large video board.
Has been won by seven different teams
The Big Ten Championship Game has been won by seven different teams: Ohio State (7), Michigan (4), Wisconsin (3), Michigan State (2), Penn State (1), Iowa (1), and Northwestern (1).
- Ohio State
Ohio State has won the Big Ten Championship Game a record seven times, including three consecutive titles from 2014 to 2016. The Buckeyes are one of the most dominant teams in the Big Ten and have a rich tradition of success in the conference.
- Michigan
Michigan has won the Big Ten Championship Game four times, most recently in 2021. The Wolverines are one of the most storied programs in college football and have a long history of success in the Big Ten.
- Wisconsin
Wisconsin has won the Big Ten Championship Game three times, most recently in 2019. The Badgers are known for their tough defense and physical style of play.
- Michigan State
Michigan State has won the Big Ten Championship Game twice, most recently in 2015. The Spartans are a rising power in the Big Ten and have a bright future.
The Big Ten Championship Game is one of the most competitive conference championship games in the country. The game has been won by seven different teams in its 11-year history, and there is no clear favorite to win the game each year.
Ohio State holds the most championships with seven
Ohio State holds the most Big Ten Championship Game titles with seven, including three consecutive championships from 2014 to 2016. The Buckeyes have been one of the most dominant teams in the Big Ten in recent years, and they have a rich tradition of success in the conference.
Ohio State's success in the Big Ten Championship Game is due in large part to its strong offense. The Buckeyes have a high-powered passing attack, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, and a talented group of receivers. Ohio State also has a strong running game, led by running back Miyan Williams.
In addition to its strong offense, Ohio State also has a solid defense. The Buckeyes have a talented defensive line, led by defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, and a strong secondary, led by cornerback Denzel Burke.
Ohio State is the clear favorite to win the Big Ten Championship Game in 2023. The Buckeyes have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and they are well-coached by Ryan Day. Ohio State is looking to win its fourth consecutive Big Ten Championship and its eighth overall.
Michigan is the defending champion
Michigan is the defending champion of the Big Ten Championship Game. The Wolverines defeated Iowa 42-3 in the 2022 Big Ten Championship Game to win their first Big Ten title since 2004.
- Strong offense
Michigan has one of the most potent offenses in the country. The Wolverines are led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is one of the top young quarterbacks in the country. Michigan also has a talented group of receivers, led by Ronnie Bell and Roman Wilson.
- Physical defense
Michigan's defense is one of the most physical in the country. The Wolverines are led by defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who is one of the best defensive players in the country. Michigan also has a strong secondary, led by cornerback Mike Sainristil.
- Experienced coaching staff
Michigan is led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is one of the most successful coaches in the country. Harbaugh has a proven track record of success at Michigan, and he has the Wolverines poised to make another run at the Big Ten title in 2023.
- Home field advantage
Michigan will host the 2023 Big Ten Championship Game at Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines have a strong home field advantage, and they will be looking to use it to their advantage in the championship game.
Michigan is the favorite to win the 2023 Big Ten Championship Game. The Wolverines have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and they are well-coached. Michigan is looking to win its second consecutive Big Ten title and its 43rd overall.
The 2023 game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
The 2023 Big Ten Championship Game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lucas Oil Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility that has hosted the Big Ten Championship Game six times previously.
- Seating capacity
Lucas Oil Stadium has a seating capacity of over 67,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in the country. The stadium is known for its large video board and its retractable roof.
- Home to the Indianapolis Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium is home to the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL. The Colts have a large and passionate fan base, which will create a great atmosphere for the Big Ten Championship Game.
- Central location
Lucas Oil Stadium is located in the heart of Indianapolis, which is a central location for the Big Ten Conference. The stadium is easily accessible from all parts of the conference.
- Experience
Lucas Oil Stadium has a lot of experience hosting major sporting events. The stadium has hosted the Big Ten Championship Game six times, as well as the Super Bowl in 2012.
The 2023 Big Ten Championship Game is expected to be a sellout. Fans from all over the conference will travel to Indianapolis to see the two best teams in the Big Ten battle for the conference title.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Big Ten Championship Game:
Question 1: When is the Big Ten Championship Game?
Answer 1: The Big Ten Championship Game is played on the first Saturday of December.
Question 2: Where is the Big Ten Championship Game played?
Answer 2: The Big Ten Championship Game is played at a neutral site, which rotates among the conference's member cities.
Question 3: Who plays in the Big Ten Championship Game?
Answer 3: The Big Ten Championship Game is played between the winners of the Big Ten East and Big Ten West divisions.
Question 4: What is the prize for winning the Big Ten Championship Game?
Answer 4: The winner of the Big Ten Championship Game receives the Griese-Brees Big Ten Championship Trophy and an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff.
Question 5: How many times has the Big Ten Championship Game been played?
Answer 5: The Big Ten Championship Game has been played 11 times, with the first game being played in 2011.
Question 6: Which team has won the most Big Ten Championship Games?
Answer 6: Ohio State has won the most Big Ten Championship Games, with seven titles.
Question 7: What is the attendance record for the Big Ten Championship Game?
Answer 7: The attendance record for the Big Ten Championship Game is 80,844, set in 2016.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the Big Ten Championship Game. For more information, please visit the Big Ten Conference website.
Tips
Here are a few tips for attending the Big Ten Championship Game:
Tip 1: Buy your tickets early. The Big Ten Championship Game is one of the most popular sporting events in the country, so tickets sell out quickly. Be sure to buy your tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Tip 2: Arrive early. The Big Ten Championship Game is a big event, and there will be a lot of people in attendance. Be sure to arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to find your seats and get settled in.
Tip 3: Dress warmly. The Big Ten Championship Game is played in December, and it can be cold in Indianapolis. Be sure to dress warmly to stay comfortable throughout the game.
Tip 4: Be prepared for a lot of walking. Lucas Oil Stadium is a large stadium, and you will likely have to do a lot of walking to get to your seats and to the concessions. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do some walking.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a great time at the Big Ten Championship Game.
Conclusion
The Big Ten Championship Game is one of the most prestigious games in college football. The game decides the champion of the Big Ten Conference and has a major impact on the College Football Playoff. The game is always played in a festive atmosphere, and it is a must-see for fans of Big Ten football.
Here are some of the main points to remember about the Big Ten Championship Game:
- The game is played on the first Saturday of December.
- The game is played at a neutral site, which rotates among the conference's member cities.
- The game is played between the winners of the Big Ten East and Big Ten West divisions.
- The winner of the game receives the Griese-Brees Big Ten Championship Trophy and an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff.
- Ohio State has won the most Big Ten Championship Games, with seven titles.
The Big Ten Championship Game is a major event on the college football calendar. The game is a celebration of the best that Big Ten football has to offer. Fans from all over the conference will travel to Indianapolis to see the two best teams in the Big Ten battle for the conference title.