CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced a full slate of marketing promotions for Illinois baseball home games at Illinois Field in 2020.

The 12th annual Bleacher Bum Barbecue, the premier promotion for Fighting Illini baseball, will be held Friday, April 24, when Illinois hosts Northwestern at 6 p.m. CT at Illinois Field. The event has been a staple on the Illini schedule, as the previous ten editions have drawn average crowds over 3,000 to Illinois Field, including an all-time high of 5,214 in 2009. This year's event will feature free Hickory River BBQ for the first 500 fans and family friendly activities. More details will be released in the coming weeks.

A new promotion for this season is Craft Beer Night, which will take place on Friday, May 9, when Illinois hosts Michigan State at 6 p.m. Craft Beer Night will feature 3 craft beers from Triptych and 3 from Blind Pig which will be sold at the concessions stand.

For the ninth year in a row, the Fighting Illini will wear special commemorative jerseys as part of Honor and Serve Day at Illinois Field. The event, which is designed to honor University of Illinois student veterans and all of America's military heroes along with serving the Champaign-Urbana community, will be held on Saturday, April 25, when Illinois hosts Northwestern at 3 p.m. Full details and this year's commemorative jerseys will be unveiled at a later date.

The fourth annual Bark in the Park is a chance for fans to bring their dogs to the field for an afternoon of furry promotions. Illinois baseball dog toys will be given out to the first 250 dogs in attendance! The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 10, when the Illini host Michigan State at 3 p.m. More details and registration on the promotions page.

For the first time we are offering Dog Days every mid-week game this season. Bring your dog to the field on March 3, April 14, April 21 and April 28. More details and registration on the promotions page.

Kids Days every Big Ten Sunday will be back at Illinois Field. Kids Days will feature family friendly activities, a trading card giveaway, post-game autographs and run the bases at each event. Click here to register now to run the bases.

Notable Dates

» Illinois Field Opening Day (March 3)
» Home Opening Weekend (March 21) – Schedule magnet giveaway
» Big Ten Home Opener (April 3)
» Mom's Weekend (April 4) – Illinois baseball wine glass giveaway to moms in attendance
» Youth Day (April 5)
» Price Is Right Night (April 10)
» Bunny at the Ballpark (April 11-12)
» Bleacher Bum BBQ (April 24)
» Honor and Serve (April 25) – Camo rally towel giveaway
» Summer Fever & Scout Day (April 26) – Bucket hat giveaway
» Craft Beer Night (May 8)
» Bark In the Park (May 9) – Illinois baseball dog toy giveaway to dogs in attendance
» Senior Day (May 10)

The following concession deals also will be offered throughout the season:
» Mid-week specialty deals
                  » March 3 – Pulled pork deal
                  » April 14 – Taco Tuesday deal
                  » April 21 – The Slugger is back! – Bacon wrapped hot dog
                  » April 28 – Boneless wing deal
» $2 Hot Chocolate on Fridays and mid-week games below 60°
» Sunday Meal Deal (hot dog, chips and a drink for $6 at every Friday game)

Baseball cards will be given away at the four Big Ten series Sunday games, and the players featured on each card set will sign autographs postgame on April 5, April 12, April 26, and May 10. Complete details on each event can be found on the Illinois Marketing and Promotions Schedule.

Kids are able to celebrate their birthday at any home game this season. The party deal includes:
» Cupcakes
» Hot dogs
» Sodas
» Popcorn
» Illini prizes
» Birthday card signed by the team
» Birthday message announced at the game

Book your Illinois baseball party here!

All games will be held at Illinois Field. Game dates, times, giveaways and promotions are subject to change.