April 27, 2011
Champaign, Ill. -
The Fighting Illini basketball team will get a head start on the 2011-12 season by participating in a foreign tour trip to Italy in August. The trip runs from Aug. 10-20 and includes stops in Rome, Florence, Venice and Como.
NCAA regulations allow teams to make foreign trips once every four years. The Illini anticipate playing four or five games against Italian professional club teams, although details are still being worked out regarding games. In addition to the travel and competition, the Illini will hold 10 on-campus practice sessions prior to the trip.
"We are excited about taking our team to Italy in August," Head Coach Bruce Weber said. "It's a great opportunity for us to come together as a team and learn more about each other. With six new players joining the roster, we feel it's extremely important for us to take advantage of this trip heading into next season."
Basketball Travelers has arranged a supporters' tour for fans interested in traveling to Italy. A limited amount of spots are available, and costs are $6,600 single/$10,200 double (flights included) or $5,100 single/$7,200 double (without flights). For more information, visit the Basketball Travelers website, or contact Becky Johnson by phone at 425-776-2775 or by email at becky@basketballtravelers.com.
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
Note: This is a partial and incomplete itinerary intended to give a general guideline at this time. It does not include all activities as many details are still being worked out. The number of games and game dates could change as well. Basketball Travelers will provide a complete and detailed itinerary for those participating in the supporters' tour.
Wednesday, Aug. 10
Depart from Chicago
Thursday, Aug. 11
Arrive in Rome
Tour Rome
Friday, Aug. 12
Tour Vatican City
Saturday, Aug. 13
Tour Rome
Game #1 vs. TBD
Sunday, Aug. 14
Travel to Florence
Tour Florence
Monday, Aug. 15
Tour Pisa
Game #2 vs. TBD
Tuesday, Aug. 16
Travel to Venice
Game #3 vs. TBD
Wednesday, Aug. 17
Tour Venice
Thursday, Aug. 18
Travel to Como
Game #4 vs. TBD
Friday, Aug. 19
Tour Lake Como
Saturday, Aug. 20
Depart from Milan
Arrive in Chicago
