Grange Grove | Get Tickets

The University of Illinois is looking forward to the continuation of Grange Grove as a high-energy tailgating area directly west of Memorial Stadium, beginning with Fighting Illini Football's 2017 season opener on Saturday, September 2 against Ball State. Kickoff is slated for 11:00 AM.

In an effort to create an energetic atmosphere around Memorial Stadium, there will be a variety of elements inside Grange Grove for fans to enjoy. There will be space for fans to set up their own tailgate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additionally, larger groups and organizations looking to host custom tailgate parties, including tents and tickets, will be able to purchase hospitality tailgate packages. For pricing and information about group hospitality tailgates, please call the Fighting Illini group sales department at 217-244-3212.

In addition to tailgating, fans can also enjoy live music and a family fun zone with inflatables, face painting, and activities for kids, beginning three hours before kickoff each week. There will also be food vendors located on First Street right outside Grange Grove. No ticket will be required to enter the area, so all 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 before each home game. Two and a half hours prior to kick, the Illinois Football team will walk through Grange Grove from First Street to Memorial Stadium along with the Marching Illini. Fans are encouraged to line the pathway and cheer the team on as they make their way into the stadium.

Grange Grove will be open for every home Illinois Football game and will continue to be an exciting area for all Fighting Illini fans to experience. More information about Grange Grove for 2017 will be added to FIGHTINGILLINI.com over the next week.

South End Concert Lineup

Fans are invited to listen to free live music in the south end of Grange Grove each week, starting approximately two hours before kickoff. The lineup of artists is subject to change. Each band will play on a stage set up in the south end, weather-permitting.

• Illinois vs. Ball State (Sept. 2) - Andy Mo Band
• Illinois vs. Western Kentucky (Sept. 9) - Love Sign
• Illinois vs. Nebraska (Sept. 29) - Feudin' Hillbillys
• Illinois vs. Rutgers (Oct. 14) - UnFamiliar Vibez
• Illinois vs. Wisconsin (Oct. 28) - 90's Daughter (HOMECOMING)
• Illinois vs. Indiana (Nov. 11) - TBA (VETERAN'S DAY | DAD'S DAY)
• Illinois vs. Northwestern (Nov. 25) - DJ Bob Bass

Grange Grove Student Tailgating

The Student Tailgate area will allow University of Illinois students to have a designated tailgating spot inside of Grange Grove.  Located in the north section of Grange Grove, students have access to live music, inflatables, and other activities. 

Setup and Parking

Grange Grove will be open from 5 PM – 7 PM the night before each game to allow fans to set up any tailgate items in advance. Tailgaters will be able to pull up on the north side of the lot and drop-off their items. Vehicles will not be allowed inside Grange Grove at any time. Students will be directed to the north section and public will be directed to the south section.

Although student tailgating and public tailgating areas are separate, specific spaces are not marked nor reserved. Spaces will be limited to approximately 15'x15' in order to allow room for everybody. Personal tailgating tents and awnings must be 10'x10' or smaller. 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.

Grange Grove will reopen at 7 AM on gameday.  At that time, fans may return to their tailgate space and walk-in any additional items they need, including food and beverages. Tailgating groups will have to bring their own items [grill, tables, chairs, etc.). 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 PM (or one hour after the conclusion of the game for night games).

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.