CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Fighting Illini football pregame tradition of Illini Walk will look slightly different for 2021 and focus the walk to the center promenade in Grange Grove. The Illinois football team will arrive at Memorial Stadium approximately two hours and 15 minutes prior to kick each game with the buses arriving on First St. at the main gates of Grange Grove. 

The Fighting Illini Cheerleaders will lead the Illinois football travel squad off the buses and through the center of Grange Grove before entering the Stadium. Approximately 15 minutes before Illini Walk the drumline will perform for fans in Grange Grove in front of the Red Grange Statue, and the Marching Illini will perform during and following the Illini Walk. 

Fans are also encouraged to attend the Marching Illini March to the Stadium. The band leaves the Armory 45 minutes before kickoff each game. The route goes west on Gregory, south on Fourth St. and west on Kirby into the Horseshoe entrance. 

To help ensure the health and safety of the coaches and student-athletes while also maintaining the pregame tradition, ropes will create the walk path for the team, giving them social distancing from fans. 

With a kickoff time of 12:20 p.m. CT on Saturday, Aug. 28 vs. Nebraska, Illini walk will begin around 10:05 a.m. CT. Fans are encouraged to start gathering in Grange Grove at 9:45 a.m. CT.

Grange Grove Pregame Schedule - Aug. 28 vs. Nebraska
7:00 a.m. CT - Grange Grove opens for Tailgating
8:00 a.m. CT - Gameday Spirit Merchandise store opens
9:00 a.m. CT - Kids Zone opens (inflatable games, Gameday Genomics, face painting, balloon artist)
9:50 a.m. CT - Drumline Performance
10:05 a.m. CT - Illini Walk
10:20 a.m. CT - Live Music begins: Garrett Biggs 
10:30 a.m. CT - Varsity I Autograph Tent opens (members of the 2001 Big Ten Championship team)
11:35 a.m. CT - Marching Illini March to the Stadium