Grange Grove | Student Tailgate Signup | Football Tickets

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – After the successful debut of Grange Grove in 2015, Fighting Illini Athletics is excited to continue the new tradition to create an electric atmosphere at home football games in 2016. Grange Grove will continue to be a FREE, high-energy tailgating area directly west of Memorial Stadium on Fighting Illini football game days, starting with the 2016 season opener against Murray State on Sept. 3.

There will be a variety of elements inside Grange Grove for fans to enjoy, including space for fans to set up their own tailgate in a prime location on a first-come, first-serve basis. More information about Grange Grove for 2016 will be added to FIGHTINGILLINI.com over the next few weeks.

Season tickets for Fighting Illini Football still remain. Order your seats today by calling 1-866-ILLINI-1 or by clicking HERE.

Tailgating in Grange Grove

While tailgating in Grange Grove remains free of charge, University of Illinois students will have the opportunity to RSVP for tailgate space in advance of game day HERE.  Additionally, larger groups and organizations looking to host custom tailgate parties, including tents and tickets, will be able to purchase hospitality tailgate packages by calling the Fighting Illini group sales department at 217-244-3212.

Grange Grove Entertainment

In addition to tailgating, fans can also enjoy live music, including pregame concerts by Jerrod Niemann and Parmalee, and a family fun zone with inflatables, face painting, and activities for kids beginning three hours before kickoff. There will be a variety of food vendors located on First Street right outside Grange Grove. No ticket will be required to enter the area so that fans parked in other tailgate lots may freely enter and exit.

Inside Grange Grove, fans can anticipate the beloved tradition of the Fighting Illini Walk two-and-a-half hours before the game. The Illinois Football team will walk through Grange Grove from First Street to Memorial Stadium along with the Marching Illini, allowing fans to line the pathway and cheer the team on as they make their way into the stadium.

Student Tailgating in Grange Grove

The Student Tailgate area will allow students to have a tailgate spot inside of Grange Grove. Located between First Street and Memorial Stadium, Grange Grove will be the prime tailgating area on Fighting Illini Football game day.

The Student Tailgate area is earmarked for students only and there is no cost to sign up for a space. Organizations that RSVP will be entered for a chance to win the ultimate tailgate prize package!

There is a limited amount of space available for students per game so they will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, therefore, signing up for a space does not guarantee specific placement inside the Student Tailgate. All RSVPs must be submitted by 5 p.m. the Wednesday before each game in order to guarantee a tailgate spot. The RSVP does not include a vehicle parking pass for game day. The Student Tailgate area will be opened to the public two hours and 30 minutes, meaning all spaces must be occupied by then.

Set Up and Parking

Grange Grove will be open from 5-7 p.m. the Friday before each game to allow fans and students to set up any tailgate items in advance. Tailgaters will be able to pull into the parking lot just north of Grange Grove during that time window to drop-off their items. Vehicles will not be allowed inside Grange Grove at any time. Students will be directed to spaces that are still available to be claimed. 

Spaces will be limited to approximately 15'x15' in order to allow room for all fans. Personal tailgating tents and awnings must be 10'x10' or smaller, and must fit within the boundary of one designated tailgate space. Tailgating on sidewalks or walkways is prohibited and no electrical power will be provided. Security will monitor the area overnight; however, any items set up in the lot are left at the risk of the owner. Any students who did not RSVP for the Student Tailgate area may come to Grange Grove at this time as well, however, they will not be entered for a chance to win a tailgate prize package.

Grange Grove will reopen at 7 a.m. on game days, regardless of the game time. At this time, tailgaters may return to their tailgate space and walk-in any additional items they need, including food and beverages.  Fans over the age of 21 will be able to consume alcoholic beverages in this area, similar to all tailgating lots. Grange Grove will remain open until 10 p.m. or one hour after the conclusion of the game for night games.

What to Bring

Tailgaters that do not purchase a hospitality package through the group sales office (217-244-3212) will have to bring their own items (grill, tables, chairs, etc.) into Grange Grove. Only student organizations that signed up through this form will be eligible to win a tailgate prize package.

Prohibited Items

The following items or actions are not allowed in the student tailgate area or parking lots: open fires, weapons, fireworks, saving parking spaces, disorderly conduct, advertising banners or displays, picketing or political campaigning, solicitation, tethered blimps, balloons, and other oversized inflatables.