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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Fighting Illini Athletics has announced the initial promotional schedule for the 2021 Fighting Illini Football season. Illinois kicks off the 2021 football season at home Saturday, Aug. 28 against Big Ten foe Nebraska in the first kickoff of the college football season.

Details on game day features and pregame activities in Grange Grove will be announced in the upcoming weeks. Fans are encouraged to follow the team on social media and sign up for Fighting Illini emails to get the latest updates.

Saturday, Aug. 28 vs. Nebraska (12 p.m. CT | FOX) | GET TICKETS
First game of the 2021 college football season – As the first game of the 2021 college football season, the Bret Bielema era kicks off with Illinois squaring off against Nebraska in the only Big Ten contest of the weekend. The game also features the only head-to-head Power 5 game of the day.  

2001 Big Ten Championship Reunion Weekend – This season marks the 20th anniversary of the 2001 Illinois football Big Ten Championship run, which saw head coach Ron Turner's squad make a 10-1 regular season run and earn a trip to the BCS in the Nokia Sugar Bowl. Members of the team will be back on campus to celebrate that magical season and honored during the opener against the Cornhuskers. Former players will also be signing autographs at the Varsity I Autograph in Grange Grove after Illini Walk. 

Saturday, Sept. 4 vs. UTSA (6 p.m. CT | BTN) | GET TICKETS
Band Night – High School bands from across the state will come to perform with the Marching Illini.

Extra Yard for Teachers – As part of the College Football Playoff Foundation's national platform to promote and reward educators, Illinois football will pay tribute to their favorite and most impactful teachers and local and regional educators will be honored during in-game activities. Teachers will also be offered free tickets to the game. Contact lkmense@illinois.edu or call (217) 300-8491 to learn more.  

Friday, Sept. 17 vs. Maryland (8 p.m. CT | FS1) | GET TICKETS
Friday Frenzy 4-Pack – Fans can purchase four tickets for just $99 as part of the special Friday Frenzy ticket promo. The 4 Pack saves fans $41 off the regular price. Get tickets. 

Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Weekend – The 2020 class of the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame will be honored this weekend with on-field recognition during the game, and induction into the Hall on Saturday at 1 p.m. inside the State Farm Center. Admission is free and open to all fans. 

Celebrate Food and Ag – In partnership with the College of ACES, the game will celebrate the many partnerships and contributions the agriculture industry has given to the University and the Central Illinois community. 

Varsity I Weekend – Former student-athlete letterwinners of all sports are invited back to campus to take part in a large reunion. 

Saturday, Oct. 2 vs. Charlotte | GET TICKETS
"FamILLy" 4-Pack – Fans can purchase four tickets for just $49 as part of the Illini FamILLy 4-Pack ticket promo, a savings of $31. Purchase tickets

Foundation Weekend – The Foundation's 86th Annual Business Meeting will be shared via video on Friday, October 1. Foundation Weekend festivities are currently being planned and more details will be announced as they are available. The weekend will celebrate both our storied traditions and the generous philanthropic efforts that create and contribute to world-class facilities, pioneering research, life-changing health innovations, learning opportunities, and transformative scholarships. Together, we are unstoppable!

Saturday, Oct. 9 vs. Wisconsin (2:30 or 3 p.m. CT) GET TICKETS
Homecoming – The Illini football game is final activity in a week-long celebration of Illinois alumni returning to campus. 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.  

Saturday, Oct. 30 vs. Rutgers | GET TICKETS
Military Appreciation Day – This game will honor and recognize those brave servicemen and women who protect our freedom, while also paying tribute to the strong connection and history between the University and the military community. All active military personnel are eligible for two free tickets to the game. Contact lkmense@illinois.edu or call (217) 300-8491 to learn more.  

Dads Day – To continue the proud Illinois tradition of the Dads Association which began in 1920, this game will honor the dads of all Fighting Illini and crown King Dad at halftime. Dads Day weekend will also feature a Friday night Fighting Illini men's basketball exhibition game at State Farm Center. 

Saturday, Nov. 27 vs. Northwestern | GET TICKETS
Senior Day – Come out and honor the Fighting Illini seniors and their families playing their last game at Memorial Stadium.