Fighting Illini Football Promotional Schedule Announced for 2024 - University of Illinois Athletics (2024)

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illini Athletics has announced the promotional schedule for the 2024 Fighting Illini football season which features a season-long celebration of the 100^th Anniversary of Memorial Stadium presented by Toyota.

The Fighting Illini host seven home contests, beginning Thursday, Aug. 29 against Eastern Illinois. Following the opener vs. EIU, the Illini host six Saturday home games vs. Kansas (Sept. 7), Central Michigan (Sept. 14), Purdue (Oct. 12), Michigan (Oct. 19), Minnesota (Nov. 2), and Michigan State (Nov. 16).

FAMILLY FUN ZONE EVERY GAME ALL-SEASON LONG - Enjoy the FAMILLY FUN ZONE in Grange Grove, with bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists, football equipment try-ons, giveaways, posters, tailgating, and more!

Thursday, Aug.29 vs. Eastern Illinois (8p.m. CT | BTN) |GET TICKETS

U. of I. Student Night
Res-Hall Challenge – The residence hall with the highest attendance will be rewarded with access for two hours in Memorial Stadium on a separate date. In addition, ANY student living in campus housing will be allowed to come on to the field for postgame photos!

Greek Recruitment – The Panhellenic Council will host a FREE tailgate in Grange Grove pregame and a social function in the northeast student patio in the stadium once gates open. Panhellenic council members will be on hand with information on recruitment and other Greek-life opportunities.

Student Football Season Ticket Holder Benefits

• Priority access to purchase Fighting Illini men's basketball season tickets once on sale this fall. NOTE – Students who do not have football season tickets, will likely NOT have a chance to purchase men's basketball season tickets.
• Concessions Discount – Save 15% off concessions all season long
• Guaranteed student seats for Oct. 19 home game vs. Michigan

Purchase student season tickets HERE.

GIVEAWAY: 100^th Anniversary logo lapel pins – first 10,000 fans.

Saturday, Sept. 7 vs. Kansas (6 p.m. CT| FS1) |GET TICKETS

Hail To The Orange Out! –Wear Orange! Visit Gameday Spirit, the official Fighting Illini fan store to get your orange apparel!

FamILLy Weekend –Illinois' New Student & Family Experiences will host an exclusive FamILLy Weekend tailgate in Grange Grove at 3:30 p.m. CT prior to the Fighting Illini facing Kansas.Special Ticket Promotion info HERE.

From alumni to new students to Urbana-Champaign natives, Illinois invites all members of the Illini FamILLy to take part in FamILLy Weekend. Fighting Illini Account Managers are available now to speak with fans about FamILLy Weekend tickets, tailgating, parking, and more.

Extra Yard for Teachers– As part of the College Football Playoff Foundation's national platform to promote and reward educators, Illinois will pay tribute to local and national educators for their tremendous impact on all our lives. Teachers will be offered free tickets to the game. Call or email our Fighting Illini Account Managers;Austin Boudreau |(217) 300-5915 | ab90@illinois.edu orDylan Gates |217-244-6300|dylanlg2@illinois.edu to learn more.

Band Day– High School bands from across the state will come to perform with the Marching Illini.

Game Sponsor – Coca-Cola

Saturday, Sept. 14 vs. Central Michigan (11 a.m. CT | Peaco*ck) |GET TICKETS

Central Michigan FamILLy 4 Pack – Includes four tickets at a discounted price of $79, with the ability to add additional tickets for just $19.75 per ticket. Great seating options are available with the FamILLy4 Pack, including theOrange Zone and Horseshoe.

Scout Day –Boys & Girl Scouts are invited to Memorial Stadium with a special ticket package that includes a free Scout Day t-shirt (limited quantity). Special Ticket Promotion info HERE.

Varsity I Weekend –Former student-athlete letterwinners are invited back to campus to take part in a large, all-sport reunion.

Game Sponsor – Carle

Saturday, Oct. 12 vs. Purdue|GET TICKETS

Celebrate Food and Ag –The College of ACES Meat Science Labwill offer special meat packages for sale that you can order for your tailgate. All orders receive FREE tongs with purchase. More details on meat packages and how to order will be available mid-August. The College of ACES Sustainable Student Farmwill host a farm stand in Grange Grove two and a half hours before game time. Farm fresh produce from vegetables and fruit will be available for sale to add to your tailgate food supplies.

Petting Zoo in Grange Grove – Back by popular demand, the Unity FFA will again host a petting zoo in Grange Grove! A variety of farm animals will be on hand for kids and adults to interact with.

Agriculture Exhibits in Grange Grove – Discover the fascinating world of food and agriculture! Through engaging, interactive activities to educational games provided by the College of ACES, Illinois Extension, and 4H, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the journey from farm to table.

Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Weekend– The 2024 class of the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame will be honored this weekend with the induction ceremony on Friday, Oct. 11 (time TBA) inside State Farm Center, followed by an on-field recognition during the football game vs. Purdue. Admission to the induction ceremony is free and open to all fans.

Youth Sports Day –Inviting youth sports participants and organizations across all sports to be a part of Youth Sports Day at Memorial Stadium! Special ticket package includes a Fighting Illini Youth Jersey (limited quantity available). Youth Sports Day participants will also have the opportunity for postgame photos on the Memorial Stadium field (limited spots available). Special Ticket Promotion info HERE.

Game Sponsor – Celebrate Food and Ag Sponsors

Saturday, Oct. 19 vs. Michigan |GET TICKETS

Rededication Ceremony and Gala: On Friday, Oct. 18, 2024 (the 100^th anniversary of the original dedication in 1924), DIA will host a rededication event open to the public to unveil a new historical marker and the addition of the names of alumni who passed in combat during conflicts in the Middle East. Following the ceremony, there will be a black-tie gala in the Colonnades Club, featuring legends from each era of Illinois football.

Game Ball Presentation: Former players will present the game ball to the officials during a special ceremony.

Spirit of the Illini: Descendants of Bob Zuppke, George Huff, and Red Grange will take part in the Spirit of the Illini ceremony at halftime.

Game Sponsor – Toyota

Saturday, Nov. 2 vs. Minnesota |GET TICKETS

Dads Day– To continue the proud Illinois tradition of the Dads Association which began in 1920, the Minnesota game will honor the dads of all Fighting Illini and crown King Dad at halftime. Special Ticket Promotion info HERE.

Military Appreciation Day– This game will honor and recognize those brave service men and women who protect our freedom, while also paying tribute to the strong connection and history between the university and the military community.

All active military personnel are eligible for two free tickets to the game. Call (217) 333-1397 or email wlyz@illinois.edu to learn more.

Saturday, Nov. 16 vs. Michigan State |GET TICKETS

Senior Day– Honor the Fighting Illini seniors, and their families, as they suit up to play their final home game at Memorial Stadium.

First Responders Day– Ticket package includes an Illinois branded hat with a design honoring police, fire & medical professionals. More details to be announced.

Michigan State FamILLy 4 Pack – Includes four tickets for a discounted price of $59, with the ability to add additional tickets for just $14.75 per ticket.

Great seating options are available with the FamILLy4 Pack, including theOrange Zone and Horseshoe.

Game Sponsor – University of Illinois Alumni Association