Sept. 19, 2001

In an effort to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for fans attending Fighting Illini football games, the University of Illinois has announced several changes and clarifications to entry gate policies at Memorial Stadium.

All policies and procedures will be in place for the Sept. 22 home game against Louisville and are expected to remain in effect permanently.

* Patrons will not be permitted to exit and re-enter the stadium. (Re-entry stamps will not be provided.)
* Smoking is prohibited inside Memorial Stadium except in designated smoking areas provided along the Horseshoe Concourse and the East and West Colonnade.
* A full ticket is required for admission. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
* The following items are prohibited in Memorial Stadium:

     - Alcoholic Beverages       - Glass Bottles and Cans
     - Backpacks and Bags        - Large Lens Cameras
     - Banners and Signs         - Noisemakers
     - Bota Bags/Wine Skins      - Strollers
     - Coolers and Containers    - Tri-pods
     - Fireworks                 - Video Cameras

* All patrons are subject to search. The University of Illinois reserves the right to remove disruptive individuals from the stadium.

Patriotic Theme set for Pregame and Halftime Performances

In light of the tragedies Sept. 11, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has planned a patriotic and solemn-themed program during this week's Fighting Illini football game.

"A special patriotic pregame and halftime performance is planned Saturday at the Illinois-Louisville football game as a tribute to those who have lost their lives in the recent tragedies in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania," said UI Director of Athletics Ron Guenther. "As a result, all originally scheduled pregame and halftime activities, including the Varsity I presentation, Dad's Day activities, Chief Illiniwek and traditional Illini music, will be put on hold. The traditions of Illinois football will resume Oct. 6 when the Illini host Minnesota."

The program will include several patriotic pieces by the Marching Illini including the Armed Forces Medley, Stars and Stripes Forever, America the Beautiful and a special presentation of the National Anthem by the Varsity Men's Glee Club and the Singing Men of WGNN under the direction of Barrington Coleman. Fans entering the stadium will be handed a Red, White and Blue pom pon and asked to participate in the tribute.

At Illini Street Fest on Kirby Avenue, starting at 9 a.m., Champaign, Urbana and UI firemen and police officers will be collecting donations to directly support relief funds for the fallen firefighters and police officers of New York City. Donations will be divided between the New York Firefighters 911 Disaster Relief Fund and WTC Police Disaster Relief Fund. This is the only fund-raiser surrounding Memorial Stadium approved by the UI Chancellor's Office.