Evanston Senior Living Community Bets on Wildcats in "Big Dance"

Excitement for the Northwestern men’s first ever trip to the Big Dance is polarizing Wildcat fans of all ages. At The Merion, a senior living community in Evanston and home to many NU alum, residents are so passionate about the team they have a unique stake in the Cats opening round game.

The Merion has placed a bet with a fellow senior living community in the Nashville area, home of the Cats opponent, Vanderbilt University. The Heritage at Brentwood gladly accepted the bet that has bragging rights and some local flavors on the line.

If the Cats win, The Merion will have a party and receive country ham and flaky biscuits from the popular Loveless Café in Tennessee, courtesy of the Nashville-area retirement community.

If Vanderbilt wins, The Merion will provide the Nashville natives with Chicago deep dish pizzas from Lou Malnati’s, as well as sending an array of pastries from The Merion’s in-house pastry chef.

This Thursday, March 16, is a day many residents have been waiting nearly 80 years for. Some were around in 1939, when NU hosted the first ever NCAA Tournament Championship game.