CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced a full slate of marketing promotions for Illinois baseball home games at Illinois Field in 2023.

The 13th annual Bleacher Bum Barbecue, the premier promotion for Fighting Illini baseball, will be held Saturday, May 6, when Illinois hosts Michigan State at 3 p.m. at Illinois Field. The event has been a staple on the Illini schedule, as the previous 10 editions have drawn average crowds over 3,000 to Illinois Field, including an all-time high of 5,214 in 2009.

Nine Innings of Winning will take place on Friday, May 18, when Illinois hosts UT Martin at 6 p.m. One or more prizes will be raffled off each inning. A definite list of prizes will be released at the beginning of May.

For the ninth time, the Fighting Illini will wear special commemorative jerseys as part of Honor and Serve Day at Illinois Field. The event, which is designed to honor University of Illinois student veterans and all of America's military heroes along with serving the Champaign-Urbana community, will be held on Saturday, May 6, when Illinois hosts Michigan State at 3 p.m. Full details and this year's commemorative jerseys will be unveiled at a later date.

Illinois Field will also feature several recurring promotions all season long. Bring your furry friend every Tuesday for Bark in the Park, with a dog bone giveaway on April 25. Food Truck Fridays will feature local food tuck options during Friday home games and Craft Beer Saturdays will feature beers from local breweries.

There will also be happy hour drink specials from gate open to first pitch for all home games.

Baseball cards will be given away in five sets:
» March 18
» April 2
» April 16
» April 23
» May 6

Notable dates:
» Opening Day (March 14)
» St. Patrick's Day (March 17)
» Agriculture Day (March 31)
» Bunny in the Park (April 2)
» Jackie Robinson Day (April 15)
» Pajama Day (April 16)
» Most Valuable Professor Day (April 18)
» Little League Day/Gear for Good Donation Drive (April 22)
» Country Day/Picnic in the Park (April 23)
» Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
» Honor and Serve/Scout Day/Bleacher Bum BBQ (May 6)
» Mom's Day (May 7)
» 9 Innings of Winning (May 18)
» Senior Day (May 19)
 

All games will be held at Illinois Field. Game dates, times, giveaways and promotions are subject to change.