Illini FamILLy,

For the second straight year, we are opening our season during Week 0 at home in Memorial Stadium. We will have the national spotlight on the opening Saturday on our new turf and we need you in Champaign in Memorial Stadium. From tailgating in Grange Grove, to lining the Illini Walk, to being loud in the stands all game long, we need you.

When we say famILLy, it's not just a saying. You are part of this famILLy, and we want you to know that - as players and coaches - we recognize how much you love the Orange and Blue. Our fans and students are crucial to our success.

Last year, two of our biggest wins - against Penn State and Minnesota on the road - we won in LOUD, big-game environments. We know that our Illini famILLy can create that same LOUD atmosphere at Memorial Stadium. The best stadium, with the best fans in the country. Let's take Illinois back to a place where we want to be in Memorial Stadium.

Feeling the energy of 60,000 strong, the buzz and energy in the air, those are the moments college football players and fans live for. You could be the difference! 

Can't wait to see you on August 27. 

I-L-L

Bret Bielema
Illinois Head Football Coach