CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Football season is here and it's time to get the famILLy back at Memorial Stadium. 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.
FamILLy Fun Zone — Reunite with friends and famILLy in Grange Grove with fun activities for kids including bounce house inflatables, Illinois Football equipment try-on, face-painting, posters and other games to enjoy!
FamILLy Cam — Season ticket holders will have a chance to be highlighted on the video board with a new FamILLy Cam during the game.
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.
Historic Illinois Teams at Varsity I Autograph Tent
• Meet and get autographs from members of the 1983 Big Ten Championship and 1984 Rose Bowl Team in Grange Grove at 3:15 p.m. CT. The squad was only team in Big Ten history to beat every team in the conference during the season.
• The 2003 Men's Tennis National Championship squad will also be meeting and greeting fans in Grange Grove in the autograph tent at 5 p.m. CT.
Freaky Fast 77 Yard Dash presented by Jimmy Johns — The Freaky Fast 77 Yard Dash presented by Jimmy Johns is set to debut between the third and fourth quarters between the hashes at Memorial Stadium. University of Illinois students can nominate themselves or other students to race Red by completing the nomination form here.
Need a tailgate spot? — Reserve a tailgate in Grange Grove for FREE or book a fully turnkey tailgate with add-ons such as televisions, tailgate games, BBQs, high-top tables, and speakers. Catering options include; Nelson's Catering, Hickory River BBQ & Friar Tuck Beverages. Make your FREE or turnkey reservation through our official University of Illinois tailgate service provider Tailgater Concierge.
Illini Hour — Fans are now incentivized more than ever to enter Memorial Stadium during the first hour gates are open. From 90 minutes to 30 minutes before kickoff, all hot dogs, non-alcoholic beverages (excluding souvenir cups), domestic beers, and Trulys are just $3. Fans can visit any stand where items are sold to take advantage of the early bird deals. For the Toledo game, gates open at 5 p.m. CT and Illini Hour runs until 6 p.m. CT before the 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff.
Res-Hall Challenge — The top three residence halls receive a $500 gaming package for their residence hall as part of the Res-Hall Challenge. The top three resident assistants who bring the most students from their floor will win exclusive Illinois Athletics Nike apparel. Students participating in the Res-Hall Challenge must sign-in at the res-hall check-in tables located at either 1) Bottom of stairs outside North entrance or 2) Upstairs in the North student section concourse.
Freshmen First-Year Frenzy — New University of Illinois students are encouraged to join Block I, the official student section of the Fighting Illini football team. The Block I hosts a tailgate in the northeast corner of Grange Grove with free food and drinks. Students will also receive a free t-shirt while supplies last for joining Block I and be invited to this season's Block I road trip game.
Season Ticket Holder Punch Card — The first game of the Season Ticket Holder Punch Cards features a discount on clear bags at Gameday Spirit for $10 and $4 24 oz. Smart Waters at the concessions stands. Each season ticket holder account gets one punch card featuring a unique deal at Gameday Spirit and concessions for each game. Fans must have their cards on site.
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.
