With temperatures in the 30s, the Northwestern Wildcats took the field for their season opener Saturday night. There were no fans in the stands of Ryan Field and no tailgating outside, but Purple Nation was happy to have football back.
© Northwestern – NUSports.com
As part of the media contingent, I arrived early, not knowing what to expect but wanting to check out all aspects of game day. The empty parking lots were a strange and sad sight. Usually they are a sea of purple, as fans tailgate all day. Some fans come just to tailgate, watching the game on their own televisions in the lot. While there was no such activity at Ryan Field, there were plenty of neighborhood outdoor watch parties.
I am usually the first media member to arrive. I enjoy being in the empty stadium, soaking in the serenity. Then I watch as the stadium comes alive with players, workers and other media members.
Everyone in the stadium wore masks and maintained a social distance. Even when interacting with the team, the press members kept a distance. Other than that, it was business and fun as usual. Everything went smoothly, especially for the Wildcats.
© Northwestern – NUSports.com
The University of Maryland Terrapins struck first with a field goal, but it was all Northwestern after that, as the Wildcats rolled to a 43–3 win. In his 15th season at Northwestern, coach Pat Fitzgerald earned his 100th win.
I drove home tired and a bit chilled but was happy at the return of Northwestern football. Northwestern has seven more games in this slightly abbreviated season, three of which I will see in person and four I will watch on television. Either way is a great way to spend a fall Saturday.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
© Northwestern – NUSports.com
© Northwestern – NUSports.com
© Northwestern – NUSports.com
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FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
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Insta FeedApril 2026
Apr 18, 2026PIT Becomes First Airport Certified for Universal Design
Pittsburgh International Airport has become the first transportation center and airport in the country to be awarded a Universal Design Certification from the University of Buffalo’s Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access. The certification recognizes the airport’s human-centered approach to design across the terminal, including strong performance in mobility access, wayfinding, lighting, sensory inclusion and intuitive navigation.
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TAP FORBIZ: Empowering Business Travel for Every Enterprise
In today's global business landscape, travel isn’t just movement — it’s momentum. TAP FORBIZ, TAP Air Portugal’s premium corporate travel solution, is engineered to maximize that momentum across all types of businesses — from agile SMEs to global enterprises and orchestrated events.
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Apr 17, 2026Sun, Sea, Cliffs and Bridges Beckon on the Pacific Coast Highway
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Apr 17, 2026The Rise of Destination Hotels: 3 Luxurious Stays Worth a Visit
Booking a hotel typically comes after picking a destination. Some travelers treat it as a second thought or just a place to sleep. According to vacation platform Wander, however, more travelers are planning trips around a single property or hotel instead of the destination. So, we’ve rounded up three hotels around the world that serve as a destination in and of themselves.
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SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel
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Apr 17, 2026Hilton Introduces Hilton AI Planner
Hilton recently announced its new Hilton AI Planner, a generative AI–powered digital concierge to help travelers explore the company’s hotels and plan stays. Hilton AI Planner, now in beta testing at hilton.com, uses conversational intelligence to help travelers navigate every stage of the shopping journey, from identifying the right destination, comparing properties or exploring amenities using real‑time responses and curated recommendations. The tool initially launches to a small pool of site traffic on hilton.com before expanding to more users as it evolves.
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Apr 16, 2026eFlyer Reviews
Apr 15, 2026Labombe by Trivet Review
In the heart of London’s prestigious Mayfair neighborhood and within COMO Metropolitan London is Labombe by Trivet, a relatively new restaurant and bar already making waves across London’s dining scene. I experienced firsthand why Labombe by Trivet has made a name for itself in the short time it’s been open.
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Three Must-Do AmaWaterways River Cruises for the Entire Family
For travelers seeking the perfect blend of relaxation, cultural immersion and family-friendly adventure, few experiences rival that of an AmaWaterways river cruise. Recently honored in Global Traveler’s 2025 Leisure Lifestyle Awards as Best River Cruise Line for the third consecutive year, AmaWaterways continues to set the standard for authentic and inclusive exploration on Europe’s storied waterways. Throughout your journey, you’ll enjoy spacious staterooms; exquisite farm-to-ship cuisine; enriching excursions led by expert local guides; and a warm, attentive crew dedicated to making every journey seamless. For families looking to create lasting memories, here are three unforgettable AmaWaterways itineraries worth experiencing within the coming months.
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Apr 15, 2026Virgin Atlantic Accelerates Starlink WiFi Rollout
Virgin Atlantic announced an accelerated rollout of Starlink across its entire fleet, beginning with the Airbus A350 aircraft in May. The first customer flight is slated for early May on VS153 from London Heathrow to New York (JFK).
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