Chicago Ground Stop Forces Cancellation Of Pacific Football Game

FOREST GROVE – A fire deliberately set at the FAA's main ground control center in the Chicago area has forced the cancellation of Pacific's scheduled football game Saturday at the University of Chicago.

The Boxers were preparing to board buses to Portland International Airport when word arrived that the team's scheduled 2:05 p.m., flight on Southwest Airlines to Chicago Midway International Airport was canceled. As it was Southwest's last scheduled flight to Chicago on Friday, the cancellation eliminated any chance of the team arriving in time for the game.

The flight cancellations were caused by a ground stop forced on Midway and Chicago O'Hare International Airport after a fire was intentionally set in the FAA's regional radar center in Aurora, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. The facility helps guide planes throughout the Chicago region on their takeoff and approach to both airports.

Pacific football is far from the only Portland-based travelers affected by the ground stop. According to the Port of Portland, at least 10 flights from Portland to Chicago on Southwest, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines were scrubbed due to the ground stop. According to the Chicago Tribune, more than 1,600 flights were canceled at the two airports with another 800 delayed.

The cancellation will not affect a gathering of alumni planned for Saturday. The post-game party will still take place at 3:30 p.m. (CDT) at Seven Ten Lanes, 1055 E 55th St., Chicago.

With the game canceled, Pacific will now turn their attention to Northwest Conference play and Homecoming. The Boxers open the NWC at home on Saturday, Oct. 3, hosting Whitworth at 1 p.m., at Hanson Stadium. Live audio and video webcasts for the game will be available at GoBoxers.com.