Aug. 30, 2001

The Fighting Illini home football season kicks off Saturday, Sept. 8 when Illinois hosts Northern Illinois at Memorial Stadium at 11:10 a.m. Prior to kickoff, fans of all ages will enjoy several special activities at Illini Street Fest, presented by Chevy's Fresh Mex.

University of Illinois fans will have a unique opportunity to experience the pageantry of college football prior to the UI-vs.-Northern Illinois game. The College Football Hall of Fame "Road Show" will make an appearance at Illini Street Fest. The Road Show is actually a 38-foot RV that the College Football Hall of Fame has transformed into a traveling museum full of displays, photos and memorabilia from its home in South Bend, Ind.

Upon entering the Road Show, fans will be able to view uniforms, equipment, balls, trophies and other artifacts that represent the permanent displays in the Hall of Fame. In addition, there will be interactive kiosks and video displays covering memorable plays and players throughout the history of college football.

The Road Show, which is free to the public, has traveled across the country since July 1999. It makes stops at different colleges each Saturday of the football season. The Park Inn International and Illini Conference Center is sponsoring the Road Shows' appearance in Champaign.

In addition to the Road Show, fans will also get a chance to meet student-athletes from all of their favorite sports in person. The Illinois "Athlete Village" will be a must stop for all fans, particularly children. Student-athletes representing 19 varsity sports will be gathered under one tent just off of Kirby Avenue at Illini Street Fest. Fans can obtain autographs and get their pictures taken with a variety of men and women student-athletes. Like the Road Show, this unique opportunity will only take place prior to the first football game, Sept. 8.

After visiting the College Football Hall of Fame Road Show and meeting current Illini at the Athlete Village, there are still plenty of activities for fans to enjoy. Surrounded by corporate and group tailgate tents, Illini Street Fest features food vending for all fans. The Jerkys will play live music on the Chevy's Stage. Kids will enjoy free face painting, mini golf and inflatable games. The Marching Illini will perform their pregame concert near the corner of Kirby and First Streets one hour prior to kickoff. Illini Street Fest is presented by Chevy's Fresh Mex and sponsored in part by Chevrolet, Coca-Cola, County Market, The Park Inn International and Illini Conference Center and KFC Catering. For more information, contact Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing, Dave Johnson, at 217-244-0016.

Illini Street Fest Schedule

SEPTEMBER 8
9 a.m.      Illini Street Fest Presented by Chevy's Fresh Mex begins
              - College Football Hall of Fame Road Show
              - Illinois Athlete Village
              - The Jerkys perform free concert at Kirby and Oak Street
              - Coca-Cola Fun Zone with inflatable games
              - Game day Information Booth opens at Kirby and First Street
9:30 a.m.   Public food service begins
              - Chevy's Fresh Mex, Park Inn International, KFC Catering
10:10 a.m.  Marching Illini in concert at Kirby and First Street
11:10 a.m.  Illinois vs. Northern Illinois kickoff

Illini Street Fest Season Schedule

Sept. 8 vs. Northern Illinois
  - Music by The Jerkys
  - College Football Hall of Fame Road Show
  - Illinois Athlete Village
Sept. 15 vs. Louisville
  - Music by The Brat Pack
  - Entertainment by University of Illinois Flyball and Agility Dogs
Oct. 6 vs. Minnesota
  - Music by The Delta Kings
Oct. 20 vs. Wisconsin
  - Music by Mike and Joe
  - U.S. Army Rock Climbing Wall
Nov. 10 vs. Penn State
  - Music by Modern Cowboyz
  - FANSonly Fanfest Party at Illini Street Fest