Spring Schedule | Follow @IlliniFootball
The Lovie Smith Era of Illinois football began Friday night as the Fighting Illini opened 2016 spring practices under the lights at Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Illini were on Zuppke Field for two hours and 15 minutes in shorts and helmets for day one, the first of 15 spring practices.
It was the first Illini practice for Lovie, who was named head coach on March 7, as well as for eight of the nine assistant coaches. Only run game coordinator and defensive line coach Mike Phair was on the previous coaching staff. It also was the first Illinois practice for three early enrollees - DB Trenard Davis, DB Ahmari Hayes and QB Eli Peters.
The Fighting Illini continue spring ball on Saturday with a 1 p.m. practice at Memorial Stadium. All practices are closed to the public (except for the April 16 open practice).
IHSFCA Clinic
The annual Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Clinic is in town March 31-April 2. Coach Smith and his staff spoke to over 800 high school coaches on Thursday evening and Friday morning, and then hosted the coaches at tonight's practice at Memorial Stadium.
April Fools Ticket Offer
From now until Sunday, April 3, at 11:59pm, fans who wish to be part of Lovie Smith's first game as head coach of the Fighting Illini can order $10 tickets (minimum purchase of four tickets required) for the home opener against Murray State on Saturday, Sept. 3. Kickoff time and seat locations for the tickets purchased will be determined at a later date.
» Buy $10 Tickets
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