FIGHTING ILLINI TAILGATE TOUR INFORMATION | FREE REGISTRATION HERE

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and the University of Illinois Alumni Association have partnered to launch the Fighting Illini Tailgate Tour, a seven-city barnstorm around the state in May and June. The Tour will feature coaches, student-athletes and administrators in tailgate-themed, family friendly events, which are free to all fans and alumni.

"For nearly two years, we've been limited in our ability to get out and meet Illinois fans and alumni where they live," Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "It's time to get back on the road and provide opportunities for our coaches to interact with fans in a meaningful way. Illini fans, especially in the state, are incredibly passionate and loyal, but we're taking our engagement to another level in order to grow our fan base back to its most fervent level."

Each event will begin at 5 p.m. with a social hour filled with food, drink, games, photo booths, and giveaways. At 6 p.m., fans will be able to hear from the coaches recapping the 2021-22 seasons and previewing the future. The event is open to attendees of all ages.

Illinois has more than 200,000 living alumni in the state, and thousands more fans in addition to those graduates. The Fighting Illini Tailgate Tour gives all those fans and alumni a chance to get out and meet their favorite coaches, review the exciting accomplishments of 2022 and preview the upcoming year in Fighting Illini sports.

Details about each event can be found at www.FightingIllini.com/IlliniTour.

2022 Fighting Illini Tailgate Tour Schedule
Wed., May 18 - Aurora/Downers Grove area
Tues., May 24 - Springfield
Wed., May 25 - Quad Cities
Thurs. May 26 - Belleville
Tues. June 7 - Rockford
Tues., June 14 - Winnetka
Thurs., June 16 - Peoria

OTHER EVENTS: Illinois will also partner with the Cubs, White Sox and Cardinals to host Illini Nights this summer. Each Illini night features a special theme ticket and co-branded giveaway. Illinois coaches and student-athletes will be in attendance to celebrate the evening and host pregame activities.

• Illini Night at Cubs (vs. Diamondbacks) – May 19 -- 6:40 pm CT first pitch *pregame party at 4 p.m. at Brickhouse Tavern
• Illini Night at White Sox (vs. Red Sox) – May 25 -- 7:10 pm CT first pitch
• Illini Night at Cardinals (vs. Cubs) – Aug. 3 -- 6:45 pm CT first pitch