Oct. 7, 2008
The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics revealed the next phase of the Zook Zone Towel campaign today: the first-ever "Rock the House" Game at Memorial Stadium.
The "Rock the House" Game is a game of special fan emphasis - a call for Illinois fans to bring their Zook Zone Towels, stand when the opponent has the ball and create an extremely loud home field advantage in support of the Fighting Illini.
Illinois fans already wear orange to every game. They already create one of the loudest environments in the Big Ten. They already have purchased thousands of Zook Zone Towels - a symbol that links the fans to the Fighting Illini. This is a call to bring the towels, use the towels and create an even more impressive home field advantage.
Nearly 20,000 Zook Zone Towels have been sold, meaning one in three fans attending Saturday's Homecoming game against Minnesota already owns the symbol of Illinois football unity. Nearly $20,000 already has been generated for Coaches vs. Cancer through towel sales.
Every Illinois student attending the Minnesota game will have a towel in hand. The student section will do its part, infusing Memorial Stadium with energy that will wrap through the east, south, and west of the stadium back to the students, making it clear that this is Illinois territory.
"I remember the incredible advantage we felt whenever we took the field at Memorial Stadium," said Associate Director of Athletics and former Illinois wide receiver Shawn Wax. "Just imagining the environment we can have at this game - with the student section packed with Zook Zone towels and towels lining the sidelines and horseshoe - fires me up.
"I can't wait to get to Memorial Stadium on Saturday. It will be loud and proud with a Zook Zone crowd! Let's Rock the House at every home game throughout the year."
The video board will feature images of Illinois football players waving the Zook Zone Towel, encouraging fans to get on their feet during Minnesota possessions to raise the noise level. With Homecoming taking place this week, Illinois alumni are invited to help create a Memorial Stadium game day environment like no other. The Homecoming theme, "Feel the 'NOIS," is a perfect fit for the volume Fighting Illini fans will send through the stadium.
The Zook Zone Towel is available exclusively at both the Springfield Avenue and Green Street locations of Gameday Spirit in Champaign. The towels are $7, with $1 going to Coaches vs. Cancer.
