Key Takeaways

• The Big Ten Conference is a collegiate athletic conference comprising 14 member institutions, predominantly located in the Midwestern United States.
• The conference has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1896 and has undergone several expansions and realignments.
• In 2017, the Big Ten Conference consisted of 14 member schools, each located in a different state.
• The conference is known for its competitive sports programs and strong academic institutions.
• The conference’s membership map in 2017 showcased the sprawling reach and diversity of its member schools.

History

The Big Ten Conference, commonly referred to as the B1G, was established in 1896 as the Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives. Originally consisting of the University of Chicago, University of Illinois, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, Northwestern University, Purdue University, University of Wisconsin, and the University of Iowa, the conference aimed to promote and regulate intercollegiate athletics among its member schools.

Over the years, the conference experienced various expansions and realignments, leading to changes in its membership. Notable additions to the conference include Pennsylvania State University (1990) and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (2011). These expansions brought the conference’s membership to 14 institutions by 2017. Each member institution contributes to the rich diversity of the conference, both in terms of geography and academic excellence.

Unique Insights

The Big Ten Conference membership map of 2017 offers several unique insights into the conference’s composition and geographical reach. Some of these insights include:

• The conference spans across 11 states, covering a large portion of the Midwestern United States.
• Each member institution is located in a different state, showcasing the conference’s commitment to representing a wide geographical area.
• The Big Ten Conference has a balanced divisional structure, with East and West divisions, allowing for fair competition and regional rivalries.
• Several Big Ten schools have a rich history and tradition in college sports, with notable athletic achievements and legendary coaches.
• The conference’s member institutions are not only known for their athletic prowess but also for their strong academic programs and research contributions.

Table of Relevant Facts – Big Ten Conference Membership 2017

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many institutions are part of the Big Ten Conference?

The Big Ten Conference consists of 14 member institutions.

2. When was the Big Ten Conference established?

The conference was established in 1896.

3. What was the original membership of the Big Ten Conference?

The original membership of the conference included the University of Chicago, University of Illinois, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, Northwestern University, Purdue University, University of Wisconsin, and the University of Iowa.

4. Which institutions were added to the conference in later years?

Pennsylvania State University joined the conference in 1990, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln became a member in 2011.

5. What is the geographical reach of the Big Ten Conference?

The conference covers 11 states in the Midwestern United States.

6. Are the Big Ten Conference schools known for their academic excellence as well?

Yes, the member institutions are renowned for their strong academic programs and research contributions.

7. What sports are played within the Big Ten Conference?

The conference sponsors a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, and more.

External Links

• Official Big Ten Conference website
• Big Ten Conference on Wikipedia

LSI Keywords

• Big Ten Conference
• B1G
• Intercollegiate athletics
• Midwestern United States
• Collegiate sports
• Member institutions
• Geographical reach
• Academic excellence