June 16, 2003

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - A record 74 Big Ten football games were televised during the 2002 season and that record may be a short-lived one as the Big Ten released game times and potential networks for the upcoming 2003 season.

While games times and networks are subject to change as the season progresses, the Illini football team is already slated to appear on television at least seven times this season including a pair of appearances on ABC during this season's opening-three weeks.

Illinois games vs. California on Sept. 20; vs. Michigan State on Oct. 11; at Iowa on Nov. 1; at Indiana on Nov. 8 and vs. Northwestern on Nov. 22 are currently not scheduled for television, however that may change in the coming months. All Big Ten Conference games not currently scheduled for television will be determined 12 days prior to kickoff.

Selections of games in the first-three weeks of the season, homecoming games and games rescheduled for prime time exposure are generally finalized during the early summer. Be sure to check www.fightingillini.com during the summer for any Fighting Illini football schedule changes and updates.

Illinois 2003 Football Television Schedule - As of June 16, 2003

Date        Opponent                Time        Networks

Aug. 30     Missouri (St. Louis)    11 a.m.     ABC

Sept. 6     Illinois State          11:10 a.m.  ESPN-Regional

Sept. 13    at UCLA                 7 p.m.      ABC

Sept. 27    Wisconsin               5 p.m.      espn2

Oct. 4      at Purdue               11 a.m.     ESPN/espn2/ESPN-Regional

Oct. 18     at Michigan             11 a.m.     ESPN/espn2/ESPN-Regional

Oct. 25     Minnesota               11 a.m.     ESPN/espn2/ESPN-Regional