Promotional Schedule | 2021 Illini Soccer Schedule

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini Athletics has announced the initial promotional schedule for the 2021 Fighting Illini Soccer season. Illinois kicks off the 2021 home schedule on Thursday, Aug. 26 against third-ranked North Carolina, scheduled for an 8 PM CT kickoff on the Big Ten Network.

Fans are encouraged to follow Illini Soccer on social media and sign up for Illini emails to get the latest news and information about 2021 Illinois Soccer promotions.  

2021 ILLINI SOCCER PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

Thursday, Aug. 26 vs #3 North Carolina (8 PM CT | Big Ten Network) | FREE ADMISSION

Opening Night at Demirjian Park – Illinois' home opener will officially mark the grand opening of Demirjian Park to fans. The Demirjian family, led by UI alumni Richard Demirjian (LAS, '88) and Kara Demirjian-Huss (ACES, '92), who provided a lead gift of $7 million to develop Demirjian Park, will be honored in a pregame ceremony. In addition, to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Illini Soccer, alumni from years past will be honored at halftime of the match, including Illinois' first ever head coach and former U.S.W.N.T. coach Jill Ellis.  

Sunday, Aug. 29 vs Butler (1 PM CT | B1G+) | FREE ADMISSION

Senior Day – Illinois will honor seniors in a pregame ceremony for their hard work and dedication to Illini Soccer.

Thursday, Sept. 2 vs Xavier (7 PM CT | B1G+) | FREE ADMISSION

Bark in the Park – Recurring every Thursday home match this season, Illinois will welcome fans and their furry friends to Demirjian Park to enjoy an Illini Soccer match.

Thursday, Sept. 23 vs Purdue (7 PM CT | B1G+) | FREE ADMISSION

IlliNOISE Night – Illini fans are expected to bring the NOISE to Demirjain Park vs Purdue, with cowbell noise makers given out to the first 300 fans.

Bark in the Park - Recurring every Thursday home match this season, Illinois will welcome fans and their furry friends to Demirjian Park to enjoy an Illini Soccer match.

Sunday, Oct. 3 vs Maryland (1 PM CT | B1G+) | FREE ADMISSION

Hispanic Heritage Night – Illinois celebrates Hispanic Heritage Night vs Maryland with specialty food items available in the concession stand throughout the match.

FIFA Tournament – Prior to and after the match Illinois will be hosting a FIFA Tournament with the brand-new FIFA 22 game. The tournament champion will win the ultimate Illinois prize pack.

Friday, Oct. 8 vs Wisconsin (6 PM CT | B1G+) | FREE ADMISSION

Soktoberfest – Illinois' premier event of the season, Soktoberfest blends the traditional German, the beautiful fall season in Champaign and Illinois soccer all in one. Specialty items including Bratwurst, Beer Cheese, Soft Pretzels, and more will be served in the concession stand!

Homecoming Weekend – Homecoming week at Illinois celebrates the 111th year of Illinois traditions. Themed "Close or Apart, We're Illini at Heart", the week includes events to celebrate current students, community members and the more than 400,000 living UIUC alumni. The activities are kicked off on Sunday morning, Oct. 3 with a 5K run, a pancake breakfast and the dyeing of the fountain at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center. The week also includes the annual Homecoming parade, student dinner on the Quad and business and office decorating. Visit https://homecoming.illinois.edu for the full schedule. 

Thursday, Oct. 21 vs Nebraska (7 PM CT | B1G+) | FREE ADMISSION

MVP (Most Valuable Professor) – Illini Soccer student-athletes will honor their MVP (Most Valuable Professor) in a pregame ceremony.

Bark in the Park - Recurring every Thursday home match this season, Illinois will welcome fans and their furry friends to Demirjian Park to enjoy an Illini Soccer match.

Sunday, Oct. 24 vs Rutgers (1 PM CT | B1G+) | FREE ADMISSION

Kick Cancer – Illinois will honor and promote the fight against cancer with their annual Kick Cancer promotion. Each fan will receive a colored ribbon according to the type of cancer they would like to support, and each ribbon will be tied to the goal in the shape of a Block I.