The Big Ten Conference is a collegiate athletic conference that operates in the Midwestern United States. It consists of 14 member institutions located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The conference was founded in 1896 as the Western Conference and adopted its current name in 1917.

The Big Ten is one of the most prestigious athletic conferences in the country, and its member institutions have a long history of success in both football and basketball. The conference has produced numerous national champions in both sports, and its teams are consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
In addition to its athletic prowess, the Big Ten is also a major economic driver in the Midwest. The conference generates billions of dollars in revenue each year, and its member institutions support thousands of jobs. The Big Ten also has a significant impact on the region’s tourism industry, as fans from all over the country travel to attend games and visit the conference’s campuses.
The Big Ten Cities
The Big Ten Conference is headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, but its member institutions are located in 11 different cities across the Midwest. These cities are:
- Ann Arbor, Michigan (University of Michigan)
- Bloomington, Indiana (Indiana University)
- Champaign, Illinois (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
- College Park, Maryland (University of Maryland)
- Columbus, Ohio (Ohio State University)
- East Lansing, Michigan (Michigan State University)
- Evanston, Illinois (Northwestern University)
- Iowa City, Iowa (University of Iowa)
- Lincoln, Nebraska (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)
- Madison, Wisconsin (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
- Minneapolis, Minnesota (University of Minnesota)
- Piscataway, New Jersey (Rutgers University)
- State College, Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania State University)
- West Lafayette, Indiana (Purdue University)
These cities are all home to vibrant and diverse communities, and they offer a wide range of cultural and entertainment options. They are also all located within a day’s drive of each other, making it easy for fans to travel to games and other events.
The Big Ten Economy
The Big Ten Conference is a major economic driver in the Midwest. The conference generates billions of dollars in revenue each year, and its member institutions support thousands of jobs. The Big Ten also has a significant impact on the region’s tourism industry, as fans from all over the country travel to attend games and visit the conference’s campuses.
According to a study by the University of Michigan, the Big Ten Conference generates $7.2 billion in annual economic activity in the Midwest. The study also found that the conference supports 57,000 jobs in the region.
The Big Ten’s economic impact is particularly significant in the cities where its member institutions are located. For example, the University of Michigan generates $2.5 billion in annual economic activity in Ann Arbor, and Ohio State University generates $3.6 billion in annual economic activity in Columbus.
The Big Ten Culture
The Big Ten Conference is a major cultural force in the Midwest. The conference’s member institutions are home to some of the nation’s top academic and research programs, and they attract students from all over the world. The Big Ten also has a strong tradition of athletic excellence, and its teams are consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
The Big Ten’s culture is one of excellence, both on and off the field. The conference’s member institutions are committed to providing their students with the best possible educational experience, and they also strive to be leaders in research and innovation. The Big Ten’s athletic programs are also committed to excellence, and they consistently compete for national championships.
The Big Ten’s culture is also one of community. The conference’s member institutions are all located in the Midwest, and they share a common sense of identity and purpose. The Big Ten also has a strong sense of tradition, and its member institutions are proud of their history and their shared values.
The Future of the Big Ten
The Big Ten Conference is well-positioned for continued success in the future. The conference’s member institutions are all committed to excellence, and they have a long history of success both on and off the field. The Big Ten also has a strong financial foundation, and it is well-positioned to weather the challenges of the future.
The Big Ten is also committed to innovation, and it is constantly looking for new ways to improve its programs and services. The conference is investing in new technologies, and it is also working to develop new partnerships with businesses and organizations.
The future of the Big Ten is bright. The conference is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come, and it will continue to be a major force in the Midwest.
The Big Ten’s Member Institutions
The Big Ten Conference is made up of 14 member institutions, all of which are located in the Midwestern United States. The member institutions are:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public research university located in Champaign, Illinois. The university was founded in 1867, and it is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the Midwest. The University of Illinois is a member of the Big Ten Conference, and its athletic teams are known as the Fighting Illini.
Indiana University
Indiana University is a public research university located in Bloomington, Indiana. The university was founded in 1820, and it is the largest university in the state of Indiana. Indiana University is a member of the Big Ten Conference, and its athletic teams are known as the Hoosiers.
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public research university located in Iowa City, Iowa. The university was founded in 1847, and it is the only public research university in the state of Iowa. The University of Iowa is a member of the Big Ten Conference, and its athletic teams are known as the Hawkeyes.
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland is a public research university located in College Park, Maryland. The university was founded in 1856, and it is the flagship university of the state of Maryland. The University of Maryland is a member of the Big Ten Conference, and its athletic teams are known as the Terrapins.
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The university was founded in 1817, and it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Midwest. The University of Michigan is a member of the Big Ten Conference, and its athletic teams are known as the Wolverines.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. The university was founded in 1855, and it is the second-largest university in the state of Michigan. Michigan State University is a member of the Big Ten Conference, and its athletic teams are known as the Spartans.
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is a public research university located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The university was founded in 1851, and it is the largest university in the state of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota is a member of the Big Ten Conference, and its athletic teams are known as the Golden Gophers.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a public research university located in Lincoln, Nebraska. The university was founded in 1869, and it is the only public research university in the state of Nebraska. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a member of the Big Ten Conference, and its athletic teams are known as the Cornhuskers.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois. The university was founded in 1851, and it is one of the most prestigious private universities in the Midwest. Northwestern University is a member of the Big Ten Conference, and its athletic teams are known as the Wildcats.
Ohio State University
Ohio State University is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. The university was founded in 1870, and it is the largest university in the state of Ohio. Ohio State University is a member of the Big Ten Conference, and its athletic teams are known as the Buckeyes.
Pennsylvania State University