CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Saturday's Fighting Illini football game against Minnesota is the program's annual Dads Day and Military Appreciation Day. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT at Memorial Stadium. Tickets are available at FightingIllini.com.
Continuing the proud 100+-year Illinois tradition of the Dads Association, which began in 1920, Saturday's game honors the dads of all Fighting Illini. The game will also honor and recognize the brave servicemen and women who protect our freedom.
Below is a list of events in and around Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
Illini Walk Rappelling: Prior to the Illini Walk on Saturday, an Army cadet will rappel from the Memorial Stadium colonnades to the ground level to deliver a game ball at 8:30 a.m. CT.
Illini Walk: Saturday's Illini Walk is scheduled for 8:40 a.m. CT. Fighting Illini players will have their dads join them for the walk through Grange Grove.
Pregame Military Tailgate: The Chez Veterans Center staff is hosting a pregame tailgate in Grange Grove, including a VR gaming setup for fans to use for free.
Coin Toss: Three members of different military branches will be present a special coin to be used at the coin toss.
Army Swearing In: An Army swearing-in ceremony will take place on the field during the first timeout of the first quarter.
Napleton's Veteran of the Game: Army Brigadier General Maurice (Moe) Barnett will be the Napleton's Veteran of the Game. He will be recognized on the field during the game and present two scholarships to cadets.
King Dad: A "King Dad" will be crowned at halftime.
