Please Note: This story was updated from its original version. The Spring Game's start time is now 6:30 p.m. CT, after originally being scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT. 

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois football team will host the annual Orange and Blue Spring Game on Thursday, April 21 under the lights at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT live on Big Ten Network.

The 2022 Orange and Blue Spring Game will be free to the public. More information will be available at a later date.

The 2022 Fighting Illini

Illinois enters its second season under head coach Bret Bielema, whose first season in Champaign was highlighted by two wins over top-25 opponents, as the Illini thrived in big-game atmospheres. Illinois won a 9-overtime showdown at No. 7 Penn State in front of 105,001 fans and upset then-Big Ten West leading No. 20 Minnesota for the Illini's first ever win over a College Football Playoff ranked opponent.

Illinois' scoring defense, third down defense, and total defense all improved more than 50 spots in the nation rankings from 2020 under recently extended defensive coordinator Ryan Walters. The Illinois offense will be directed by new offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr., who comes to Champaign after helping UTSA vault into the national rankings in 2021.

Season Tickets

Illinois has exciting season ticket package that includes five of seven home games before the middle of October and six opponents that played in bowl games in 2021. Big Ten home games include Iowa (Oct. 8), Minnesota on Homecoming (Oct. 15), Michigan State for Dads Day (Nov. 5), and Purdue for Senior Day (Nov. 12). 

Season tickets are on sale now for the 2022 season on FightingIllini.com. Single-game tickets are scheduled to go on sale in June.