CHAMPAIGN, Ill.— Celebrating the addition of three new destinations, Experience Champaign-Urbana and destination marketing organizations (DMO) representing all cities of the Big Ten have partnered to launch a new digital passport to encourage visitation beyond attendance at athletic events.
"Throughout the fall, we welcome thousands of visiting fans and returning alumni to Memorial Stadium," explains Terri Reifsteck, Vice President of Marketing & Community Engagement for Experience Champaign-Urbana. This new passport allows us to extend our hospitality across all Big Ten fans whether they are visiting Champaign-Urbana or one of the many other Big Ten communities."
Working with destination experience technology company Bandwango, the group developed a digital passport featuring the top 10 attractions for each of the 17 Big Ten cities representing 18 schools. The free passport is easily accessible from a mobile device, providing instant access to the most popular things to see and do in each location.
"This passport features top destinations for visitors beyond the football game," Reifsteck states. "Whether we're looking for the signature dishes of the community or must-see fall spots, this passport allows all Big Ten fans an opportunity to get to know the communities as a whole as they travel and support our student-athletes."
Champaign-Urbana's top-10 list includes:
- Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
- Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
- Krannert Art Museum
- The Japan House
- Riggs Beer Company
- Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
- Jarling's Custard Cup
- CU Adventures in Time & Space
- Rose Bowl Tavern
- Papa Del's Pizza
"Champaign-Urbana is always changing. It was important when selecting our top 10 to give a nod to those spots that many alumni will remember, while also introducing them to newer destinations that they may not have yet experienced."
The Cities of the Big Ten trail is a partnership of Experience Champaign-Urbana, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Visit Bloomington, Central Jersey Convention & Visitors Bureau, Destination Ann Arbor, Destination Madison, Discover Los Angeles, Experience Columbus, Experience Prince Georges County, Visit Greater Lansing Michigan, Chicago's North Shore, Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau, Meet Minneapolis, Think Iowa City, Travel Lane County (Oregon), Visit Lafayette/West Lafayette, and Visit Seattle.
The Cities of the Big Ten passport can be accessed here.
