BUY TICKETS | PROMOTIONS PAGE | GRANGE GROVE ACTIVITIES
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Fighting Illini Athletics has announced the promotional schedule for the 2023 Fighting Illini football season. Illinois kicks off the 2023 football season at home on Saturday, Sept. 2 against Toledo at 6:30 p.m. CT.
Saturday, Sept. 2 vs. Toledo (6:30 p.m. CT | BTN) |Â GET TICKETS
FamILLy Reunion – Bring the whole FamILLy to reunite on game day as Illinois kicks off the 2023 season on Sept. 2 for the home opener against Toledo at 6:30 p.m. CT. Enjoy the FamILLy Fun Zone in Grange Grove, with bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists, football equipment try-ons, giveaways, posters, tailgating, and more!
Season ticket holders will have a chance to be highlighted on the video board with a new FamILLy Cam during the game.
Historic Illinois Teams Recognized
• 1983 Football Rose Bowl Team Champions. Only team in Big Ten history to beat every team in the conference during the season.
• 2003 Men's Tennis National Champions
Giveaway – Generation buttons for first-, second-, and third-generation Illini, as seen below. Fans can stop by the marketing table in the Grange Grove promenade for their button. Limited quantity available.
Toledo FamILLy 4 Pack – While single-game tickets for nonconference home matchups start at just $15, the "4 Pack" offers four tickets at a discounted cost of $49, with the ability to add additional tickets for just $12.25 per ticket.
Great seating options are available with the FamILLy 4 Pack, including the Orange Zone and Horseshoe.
Freshmen First-Year Frenzy / Res-Hall Challenge – The top three residence halls receive a $500 gaming package for their residence hall as part of the Res-Hall Challenge.
Saturday, Sept. 16 vs. Penn State (11 a.m. CTÂ | FOX) |Â GET TICKETS
Hail To The Orange Out! – Wear Orange! Visit Gameday Spirit, the official Fighting Illini fan store to get your orange apparel!
Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Weekend – The 2023 class of the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame will be honored this weekend with on-field recognition during the game, and induction into the Hall on Friday, September 22 at 6 p.m. CT inside the State Farm Center. Admission is free and open to all fans.Â
FOX Big Noon Kickoff – Fans are encouraged to visit the FOX Big Noon Kickoff pregame show in Grange Grove beginning at 9 a.m. CT in Grange Grove. Free food, t-shirts, guest appearances from celebrities and more.
Giveaway – 10,000 orange rally towels sponsored by Central Illinois Toyota Dealers
Saturday, Sept. 23 vs. Florida Atlantic |Â GET TICKETS
Extra Yard for Teachers – As part of the College Football Playoff Foundation's national platform to promote and reward educators, Illinois will pay tribute to local and national impactful teachers. Teachers will also be offered free tickets to the game. Contact wlyz@illinois.edu 217-333-1397 to learn more. Â
Band Day – High School bands from across the state will come to perform with the Marching Illini.
1951 Football Rose Bowl Team Champions – Honored on-field during the game.
Friday, Oct. 6 vs. Nebraska (7 p.m. CTÂ | FS1) |Â GET TICKETS
Friday Night Lights – National television on a Friday night! Fans are encouraged to turn their phone flashlights on at kick-off to participate in the stadium-wide light show (no app required, just your phone!)Â
Celebrate Food and Ag – In partnership with the College of ACES, the game will celebrate the many partnerships and contributions the agriculture industry has given to the University and the Central Illinois community.Â
Petting Zoo in Grange Grove – A mini petting zoo will be on site presented by College of ACES representatives to share info and interact with Illini fans and kids!
Giveaway – 10,000 orange rally towels sponsored by College of ACES
Saturday, Oct. 21 vs. Wisconsin (11 a.m. OR 2:30/3 p.m. CT)Â GET TICKETS
Homecoming – The Illini football game is final activity in a week-long celebration of Illinois alumni returning to campus. Homecoming week at Illinois celebrates the 111th year of Illinois traditions. Themed "Sweet Home Illini," the week includes events to celebrate current students, community members and the more than 400,000 living alumni.
Sunday, Oct. 15: 5K Run / Dyeing of the Fountain / Pancake Breakfast
Monday, Oct. 16: Dinner on the Quad / Pep Rally
Tuesday, Oct. 17 (International Day)
   » American Football 101: An opportunity for international students to learn the game of football
Wednesday, Oct. 18 (Honoring the Arts)
   » Greeks Support Homecoming BBQ at Washington Park
Saturday, Oct. 21 – GAME DAY!
   » Grange Grove Tailgating – lots open at 7 a.m. CT
   » Homecoming Parade – Time TBA
   » Homecoming Court recognition during the game
Varsity I Weekend – Former student-athlete letterwinners of all sports are invited back to campus to take part in a large reunion.Â
Game Sponsor – Carle
Saturday, Nov. 11 vs. Indiana |Â GET TICKETS
Dads Day – To continue the proud Illinois tradition of the Dads Association which began in 1920, the Indiana game will honor the dads of all Fighting Illini and crown King Dad at halftime.
Military Appreciation Day – This game will honor and recognize those brave servicemen and women who protect our freedom, while also paying tribute to the strong connection and history between the University and the military community. Be in your seats early for a special military flyover.
All active military personnel are eligible for two free tickets to the game. Contact wlyz@illinois.edu 217-333-1397 to learn more. Â
Saturday, Nov. 25 vs. Northwestern |Â GET TICKETS
Senior Day – Come out and honor the Fighting Illini seniors playing their last game at Memorial Stadium. A pregame ceremony, including senior families, will take place.
FamILLy First Ticket Prices – $15 horseshoe and east balcony seats
