FOX Big Noon Kickoff and Live Music Highlight Grange Grove Lineup

GRANGE GROVE | TAILGATING IN GRANGE GROVE | FOOTBALL TICKETS

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The 2023 edition of Grange Grove, Illinois' premier pregame tailgating location will feature a full slate of entertainment for the season. Grange Grove has public tailgating, live music, a kids' zone, the Busey Bank Illini Sports Network pregame radio show and the best Illini gear and apparel at the Gameday Spirit store. Grange Grove opens each gameday at 7 a.m. CT, and pregame entertainment begins three hours prior to kickoff. 

This year's live entertainment schedule has been set:

·       Sept. 2 – Toledo – The Tom Grassman Band: TGB can be described as "Rock-and-Roll Party Music" with a set list designed to get people out of their seats and onto the dance floor. 

·       Sept 16 – Penn State – FOX Big Noon Kickoff: FOX and their pregame show will provide Grange Grove entertainment with their all-star cast of Matt Leinart, Brady Quinn, Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, host Rob Stone, Bruce Feldman, and Chris "The Bear" Fallica. The fan-friendly, two-hour show begins at 9 a.m. CT and will bring a number of activations with giveaways and interactive games. 

·       Sept. 23 – FAU – The K-Tels: The K-Tels are a Champaign-based trio that plays classic R&B, Rock & Roll, and Soul from the 60's and 70's.

·       Oct. 6 – Nebraska – – Kolton Taylor and the Truck Toppers: Hailing from Ogden, guitarist and vocalist Kolten Taylor and his red dirt country/southern rock outfit The Truck Toppers cover such artists as Cody Jinks, Tyler Childers, Midland, Garth Brooks, Zach Bryan, Cody Johnson, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Allman Brothers.

·       Oct. 21 – Wisconsin – Red Hot Winter Band: This band has an all-star lineup from your favorite local bands combined with national touring performers.  Music includes today's hits, classic rock, pop, and country.

·       Nov. 11 – Indiana – AllNighter: Four friends from Champaign-Urbana who came together as a band to play their eclectic tastes which range from country to pop, soul, 90's alternative, classic rock and even metal.

·       Nov. 25 – Northwestern – Rock in Stereo: Central Illinois' premiere wedding and special events band is bringing rock and roll covering classic songs that have made profound music impacts on generations of rock music lovers.

KIDS ZONE: In addition to live entertainment, each week Grange Grove will feature a Kids Zone with inflatable games, face painting, and balloon artists each game, with specialty features for theme games. 

PREGAME RADIO SHOW: Fans can listen to the Busey Bank Illini Sports Network Illinois football pregame radio show live in Grange Grove as Brian Barnhart, Steve Kelly and Martin O'Donnell preview the day's game and interview expert guests. The official network pregame show begins one hour prior to kick with WDWS's local show hosted by Scott Beatty. Radio show action comes on the air two hours prior to kick. 

GRANGE GROVE TAILGATING: Fans have the opportunity to tailgate in Grange Grove. Each fan mus secure a tailgate spot in advance through Tailgater Concierge. Tailgates can be purchased to ensure first allocation, as well as free "self setup" spaces. Grange Grove will open from 5 p.m. CT to 7 p.m. CT the night before each game to allow fans to set up any tailgate items in advance. Vehicles will not be allowed inside Grange Grove at any time. 

Tailgaters will be limited to their assigned spaces, and personal tents and awnings must be 10'x10' or smaller. Tailgating on sidewalks or walkways is prohibited and no electrical power will be provided. Security will monitor the area overnight; however, any items set up in the lot are left at the risk of the owner.

HASSLE-FREE TAILGATING: Fans can now arrive at Memorial Stadium to a fully set up tailgate, complete with tent, tables, chairs, and optional catering, TVs and beverages.Tailgater Concierge offers four different tailgate sizes and price points, and tailgates can be booked for the entire season as well as per game. Tailgates will be in Grange Grove and will get first option of placement prior to the general public accesses the area the night before the game.

• Field Goal – 1-10 Tailgaters, 10x10 premium space
• Touchdown – 11-20 Tailgaters, 10x20 premium space
• Safety – 21-34 Tailgaters, 15x20 premium space
• Championship – 35-50 Tailgaters, 20x25 premium space
• Groups of 50+ can customize tailgates in Lot 31, Grange Grove or other group areas, with the purchase of 50 or more tickets.

Tailgater Concierge will provide the tailgate equipment, handle the set-up and take-down, and have staff available on-site to help with anything else fans may need.