Champaign, Ill. -

July 27, 2001

On Thursday, August 9, the University of Illinois football and volleyball teams will be on hand at Memorial Stadium for autographs and photos at the annual Fan Appreciation Day from 6-8 p.m.

Fans will get their first look at both squads as they head into the 2001 seasons. Admission is free and parking is provided in the Northwest and Northeast lots of the Assembly Hall.

The Illinois football team will look to improve on its 2000 campaign with seven returning starters on the offensive side of the ball, including Heisman Trophy Candidate quarterback Kurt Kittner. The defense returns All-Big Ten Candidates safety Bobby Jackson and defensive tackle Brandon Moore as well as four other starters from last year's team.

Fan Appreciation Day kicks off 12 days of double session football practices. It all leads up to the 2001 season opener on Sept. 1 at California at 2:30 p.m. CT and home opener on Sept. 8 against Northern Illinois at 11 a.m.

The Illinois volleyball team looks to move back up the Big Ten standings as it returns four starters and nine letterwinners from the 2000 squad. The team opens the season Aug. 31 at the George Mason Tournament and at home on Sept. 4 as they host Loyola at 7 p.m. at Huff Hall.