CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Big Ten Network will broadcast its BTN Tailgate show live from Grange Grove Saturday morning beginning at 9 a.m. CT prior to the Fighting Illini hosting Wisconsin for Illinois' 111th Homecoming game (2:30 p.m. CT on BTN). Hosted by Brock Vereen, Annie Sabo, and Anthony Herron, BTN Tailgate is the home for Big Ten football fans on Saturday mornings with original features, special guests, and Big Ten analysis live from campus.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema (9:15 a.m. CT), Director of Athletics Josh Whitman (9:40 a.m. CT), and Illini legend Dana Howard (10:15 am.. CT) are all set to appear live on set in Grange Grove. The set will be located in the southwest corner of Grange Grove. Illini fans can make signs onsite or bring their own to show live on BTN.
BTN Tailgate originates from a different Big Ten campus each week, beginning at 9 a.m. CT leading into the first games of the day at 11 a.m. The BTN Tailgate area is free and open to the public.
BTN will be giving away Illinois t-shirts and two footballs autographed by head football coach Bret Bielema.
Grange Grove Tailgating
Grange Grove opens from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. the night before each game to allow fans to set up any tailgate items in advance. Tailgaters are able to pull up on the north side of the lot (Lot 36) and drop-off their items. Vehicles will not be allowed inside Grange Grove at any time. Students will be directed to the north section and public will be directed to the south section.
Although student tailgating and public tailgating areas are separate, specific spaces are not marked nor reserved. Spaces will be limited to approximately 15'x15' in order to allow room for everybody. Personal tailgating tents and awnings must be 10'x10' or smaller. Tailgating on sidewalks or walkways is prohibited and no electrical power will be provided. Security will monitor the area overnight; however, any items set up in the lot are left at the risk of the owner.
Grange Grove reopens at 7 a.m. on game day. At that time, fans may return to their tailgate space and walk-in any additional items they need, including food and beverages. Tailgating groups will have to bring their own items [grill, tables, chairs, etc.). Fans over the age of 21 will be able to consume alcoholic beverages in this area, similar to all tailgating lots. Grange Grove will remain open until 10 p.m.
