I'm also from "out of town", like 50 miles south of Chicago.
Last year I took a shuttle bus from the Gateway Shopping Center. The bus loaded next to Circuit City and I was able to park really close to the bus. Dropped off and picked up about 1 block east of the stadium. I thought the bus was very efficient, but the NU - KU game was WAY TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT!
Best Wishes, GBR