CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Fighting Illini baseball has a full slate of promotions at Illinois Field this weekend, headlined by the Bleacher Bum Barbeque, Gear for Good equipment drive and Honor and Serve Day.

The 13th annual Bleacher BBQ, presented by Hickory River Smokehouse, the premier promotion for Fighting Illini baseball, will be held Friday, May 5, when Illinois hosts Michigan State at 6 p.m. CT 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, including an all-time high of 5,214 in 2009. Free barbeque will be available for the first 500 fans.

Running alongside the BBQ will be the Gear for Good equipment drive. Fans are encouraged to bring their old baseball equipment to Illinois Field to donate. Fans that donate at the game will receive a t-shirt. The donation drive will go on through the entirety of the game and gear will be collected next to the marketing table behind the press box starting 30 minutes before first pitch.

Gear for Good is a local charity organization, founded by St. Thomas More junior Brenden Damore, that collects and donates gently used baseball gear for underprivileged children.

Those who are unable to attend the ballgame but are interested in donating their gear can reach out to Damore directly on Facebook or on Instagram.

A fireworks show will follow at the conclusion of Friday's game.

Saturday is Honor and Serve Day at Illinois Field. Illinois baseball would also like to invite all veterans as well as active military to join us in this celebration as we honor the military and serve the community at Illinois Field. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT.

There will be an in-game auction supporting Peacemaker Project 703. The gift will be presented by the Illinois Baseball Dugout Club in memory of Chris Oberheim, a former Champaign police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty on May 19th, 2021. The foundation, run by Chris' family, has committed to defend the name, purpose, honor and the badge of all police officers.

Illini baseball would also like to welcome all moms to Illinois Field Sunday for Mom's Day, a 1 p.m. CT first pitch, which will feature a wine glass giveaway. The game will also feature Illini baseball moms throwing out the first pitch and special in-game videoboard content.