GAMEDAY CENTRAL | FAN GUIDE | GET TICKETS

Fighting Illini Football hosts Kent State at 11 a.m. this Saturday to open the 2018 season. The first 5,000 students in the gates will receive a Lovie Beard. All fans are encouraged to come early, be loud, and WEAR ORANGE.

GRANGE GROVE

Now in its fifth season, Grange Grove is THE destination for pregame activities at Memorial Stadium. New items for 2018 include the Former Letterwinner Autograph Tent, Gameday Genomics for kids and Jarling's Custard Cup.

Grange Grove opens for tailgating at 7 a.m., and will feature all the pregame traditions of Illini Walk and the Marching Illini drumline with the family fun of tailgating, the Family Fun Zone and live musical entertainment, beginning three hours before kickoff each game day.  The tailgating area outside of the West entrances of Memorial Stadium is free and open to the public, so no ticket is required for admittance.

Fans are encouraged to line the brick path through Grange Grove to catch a performance from the Marching Illini Drumline at 8:45 a.m. before the Fighting Illini Walk as the team enters the stadium.

TICKETS

Fans can purchase tickets to the Fighting Illini Football game versus Kent State, and all home games, by clicking here or calling the Fighting Illini Ticket Office at 1-866-ILLINI-1.