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University of Illinois Athletics

Lou Henson walks off the court with Nick Anderson and Kenny Battle after the 1989 Elite Eight win over Syracuse

Men's Basketball

Flyin' Illini Set to Return Saturday

30th Anniversary of 1988-89 Illinois Final Four Team

Men's Basketball

Flyin' Illini Set to Return Saturday

30th Anniversary of 1988-89 Illinois Final Four Team

Get Tickets | Get 4-Pack | Get Bobbleheads

The 1988-89 Flyin' Illini will return to campus on Feb. 23 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their historic season. The Flyin' Illini electrified the college basketball world with their fast-paced, above-the-rim style of play and advanced to the NCAA Final Four after winning a then-school record 31 games.

The squad will be recognized at State Farm Center when the Fighting Illini host Penn State on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m. A number of special events are planned to celebrate the occasion. 

Flyin' Illini Reunion / Fan Meet & Greet

Several players, coaches and staff from the Flyin' Illini are expected to be in attendance*, including Nick Anderson, Kenny Battle, Kendall Gill, Lowell Hamilton, Marcus Liberty, Stephen Bardo, and many more. Bardo will be calling the game for Big Ten Network. There will be a Meet & Greet, sponsored by Gameday Spirit, with the Flyin' Illini on the court after the game.

(*returning players subject to change)

4-Pack Ticket Package

A special Flyin' Illini 4-Pack ticket offer for $89 is available for purchase for the Penn State game. Individual tickets for the PSU game start at $35, but they're just $22.25 each with the 4-Pack. BUY 4-PACK

Commemorative Poster

A commemorative Flyin' Illini poster will be handed out to the first 1,500 fans who enter State Farm Center. Gates open at 10 a.m. on Feb. 23. 

Flyin' Illini Apparel

Gameday Spirit is selling special Flyin' Illini apparel at their stores, online, as well as at State Farm Center during the game and on the court after the game. GET GEAR

Flyin' Illini Bobbleheads Still Available

The 30th anniversary commemorative Flyin' Illini bobblehead set is still available for purchase through fightingillini.com and at Gameday Spirit. Here's how to get them. 

   » Full set of five players for $39 | Get Bobbleheads
       (must pick up with voucher at State Farm Center at a remaining basketball game)

   » Player bobbleheads for $15 each | Get Bobbleheads
       (must pick up with voucher at State Farm Center at a remaining basketball game)

   » Player bobbleheads at GamedaySpirit.com for $22.99 each + shipping | Get Bobbleheads

   » Set of five players and Coach Lou Henson at GamedaySpirit.com for $120 + shipping | Get Set

   » At Gameday Spirit locations for $22.99 each (Neil & Kirby and Sixth & Green in Champaign)

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