JOIN THE I FUND | RENEW TICKETS | PREMIUM SEATING | TICKET INFORMATION

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics is taking an exciting approach to football tickets for the 2023 season and launching a campaign that puts FamILLy First. Following a 2022 season that saw the Fighting Illini win the most games in 15 years, the DIA wants to use that momentum to build a strong community around game day at Memorial Stadium. As a central part of the campaign, ticket prices will be reduced by an average of 17 percent, with many portions of the stadium seeing decreases of more than 35 percent. 

"From the first time I stepped foot on our campus as a high school recruit, I fell in love with Football Saturdays at the University of Illinois," Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "With the on-field progress our program has shown these last two seasons under Coach Bielema and thanks to our dedicated players, it has been exciting to feel the energy returning in and around Memorial Stadium. The uptick in attendance last season, coupled with the buzz in our tailgating lots, shows that our team has captured the hearts and imaginations of our fans. As not only the athletic director but a football alumnus and a parent, it is extra special to share the Illinois Football experience with my kids and family and to see others doing the same. We are forming memories that will last a lifetime.

"As we move into the 2023 season and beyond, we must continue to activate our passionate Illini fan base. For us to achieve the goals we have for Illinois Football, we need everyone to participate! With that in mind, we are implementing an aggressive pricing and sales strategy in an effort to draw more fans into Memorial Stadium. We are attempting to make it as easy as possible for people to engage with this program and be part of the bright future of Fighting Illini Football. Get your tickets today, bring your family to join our #famILLy, and let's make memories together!"

Season ticket holders have access to many benefits, and more have been added for 2023. Those who renew or purchase new before April 21 will save $10 off Memorial Stadium seat backs. All season ticket holders will receive game day deals on concessions and merchandise from Gameday Spirit and will have savings on golf rounds at the Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois. Purchasing and renewing season tickets early allows for fans to break payments into a five-month installment plan.   

"One of the greatest things I have seen since coming to Illinois is the feeling and growth of #famILLy in all areas of our program," head football coach Bret Bielema said. "Our roster and our fans are becoming more together every day. With this FamILLy First initiative and new affordable pricing on season tickets, let's continue to build the numbers for seven famILLy reunions at Memorial Stadium throughout the fall."

Bielema led Illinois to an 8-5 record in 2022 and guided the Fighting Illini back to a bowl game in just his second season in Champaign. The Illini were ranked in the AP Top 25 for five straight weeks, reaching as high as No. 14, and were ranked in the College Football Playoff rankings for the first time in school history. Illinois led the nation in scoring defense (12.8) for the first time in program history, led the nation and set a school record in interceptions (24), and ranked third in total defense (273.5). Under first-year offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr., Illinois featured the program's first ever Doak Walker Award finalist (Chase Brown) and the most improved passing offense in the nation. The Illini ranked third in the nation in completion percentage (69.6%), a rise of 122 spots in the national rankings, and Brown ranked fourth in the nation in rushing.

Illinois returns 10 All-Big Ten performers, the most in the Big Ten West, after last year's team produced a program-record 19 All-Big Ten selections. Overall, the Illini return 13 starters on offense and defense, including All-American DT Jer'Zhan Newton, Freshman All-American OLB Gabe Jacas, and three offensive linemen from the program's first ever Joe Moore Award semifinalist group.

The Fighting Illini will host seven home games in 2023, including five Big Ten matchups. Illinois kicks off the season at home on Sept. 2 against Toledo, while hosting the 1983 Big Ten Championship reunion. Conference play starts early with a Sept. 16 matchup against defending Rose Bowl Champion Penn State, followed by the final non-conference game against Florida Atlantic. The remaining schedule features Nebraska on Oct. 7, Wisconsin for Homecoming on Oct. 21, Indiana for a Nov. 11 Dads Day, and Senior Day vs. in-state rival Northwestern on Nov. 25.

I FUND BENEFITS: Join the I FUND for as little as $100 and take advantage of complimentary season parking, and a savings of $75 off single game parking. I FUND members also experience and an exclusive presale period for single game tickets, and tickets for away game and postseason bowls. Certain donor levels also enjoy complimentary tickets to the premier pregame party at the Stadium Club and exclusive I FUND events. 

PREMIUM TICKETS: Renewals and new tickets are on sale for premium areas in Memorial Stadium. Season tickets can be purchased for Memorial Stadium Suites, 77 Club, and Colonnades Club. For questions, contact Illinois Premium Seating at premiumseating@illinois.edu or (217) 244-7722. 

ABOUT FAMILLY FIRST: FamILLy First is a mentality. Whenever a FamILLy comes together, great things can be accomplished. Our mission is to unite the Illini FamILLy with a common goal of creating an electric game day environment to propel Illinois Football forward. As a department, extensive effort has been made in the off-season to identify areas to better serve loyal Fighting Illini fans. In return we are asking our fans to put the FamILLy First in whatever capacity they can. Together we can create an unforgettable in-venue atmosphere that will provide our fans memories to last a lifetime, our student-athletes a competitive edge, and our recruits a place that they can envision calling home. Our shared love and devotion to Illinois is a strong bond that ties us together. It's what makes us FamILLy. Loyal I FUND members and season ticket holders are part of this FamILLy, but the FamILLy must grow to reach new heights.

I FUND "FAMILLY" 4 PACK
For $429, the I FUND "FamILLy" 4 Pack includes 4 season tickets ($82.25 per ticket) and a $100 I FUND membership in the Captains Club. Captains Club members are eligible for a season parking pass as part of their benefits.

SEASON TICKET TIMELINE
Feb. 22 – FamILLy First Season Ticket Launch
April 3 – Student Season Ticket on Sale
April 21 – Season Ticket Renewal Deadline
May 1 – Season Ticket Seat Upgrades
May 15 – Parking Selection

*Prime seats require on I FUND Donation