Jeopardy. Family Feud. Wheel of Fortune. These are some of the most popular game shows on television. While millions of viewers have seen these shows, a more niche audience tunes in to watch The MVP Game on Marquee Sports Network.
Dani Hartmann, a junior at Illinois State University, double majoring in public relations and political science, received a unique opportunity over spring break.
“One of my friends is big on Chicago Cubs Twitter. There was this game show application. She applied and she needed to pick an MVP, a most valuable partner. So, she picked me, and we got on,” said Hartmann.
On March 13, 2023, Hartmann and her hometown friend Alyssa Schubert, met in Chicago at the Old Crow Smokehouse for the filming of the Cubs trivia game show.
“It was very stressful because the cameras were on. We had all kinds of lights and cameras on us. So that was a little nerve wracking,” admitted Hartmann. “But it was really fun. It was kind of like a lighthearted thing. They tried to joke around. That made it a lot better.”
The show is structured with three teams and three rounds. Each team consists of two players, the Cubs superfan and the MVP, or the partner. In the first round each MVP is asked a question about the Cubs superfan they came with.
“It could be like, ‘What is the superfan’s favorite player from this season?,’” said Hartmann.
The superfan then secretly writes their answer on a small whiteboard. After the MVP makes a guess, the superfan turns their whiteboard to show the audience. If both answers match, the team earns a point.
“There’s three of those questions. Two teams move on, and one gets eliminated,” said Hartmann.
In the second round, the MVP is separated from the superfan, and they are asked rapid-fire questions about the Cubs.
“I studied a lot. I did a lot of Cubs trivia practice. Every car ride, I had my parents and siblings quiz me,” said Hartmann.
There are 10 questions and 30 seconds to answer. The team who answers the most questions correctly wins tickets to a Cubs game.
“Then you have the final question in the third round. The superfan has one Cubs trivia question. It’s a harder one, and if they get it right, you get to upgrade your tickets to the 1914 Club. If you get it wrong, you still won, but you don’t get the upgrade,” added Hartmann.
The 1914 Club is a big deal to Cubs fans, and for several good reasons. The seats include rows 1-7, in sections 13-22. The exclusive club is beneath the seats directly behind home plate. Tickets for the club can sell for over $1,000 per person.
Together, the dynamic pair of Hartmann and Schubert, had the most correct answers to win tickets to the Cubs game. Schubert correctly answered the final question about the Cubs and won the upgraded tickets to the 1914 Club.
“I felt really great. It was a really fun experience. You get to bring whoever you want to come watch, so it was really nice getting all our friends and family together,” said Hartmann.
While Hartmann enjoys a Chicago Cubs baseball game, she does not spend all her time on sports game shows. As a double major at Illinois State University, her schedule is jammed packed with coursework and internships.
“I love it. You can be smart about it and double-count some classes. I’ve been doing that, taking specific classes that relate to both majors. You can do it easier than what it seems, but it depends on what you want to do.”
Hartmann is also involved in several extra-curriculars across campus.
“I’m involved in tennis club. I’m in a sorority where I do a lot of philanthropic events. I have an on-campus internship with University Marketing Communications where I contribute social media content and ideas to the flagship accounts. I’m also a campus trendsetter through Her Campus,” said Hartmann.
From successful student at Illinois State University to Cubs super fan, Hartmann hits a home run in all facets of her life.
