Illinois Announces Concessions Enhancements for Memorial Stadium Gamedays

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Thursday many exciting concessions enhancements coming to Memorial Stadium this fall. With season tickets sold out for the first time in at least 20 years, record crowds are anticipated, and fans throughout Memorial Stadium will notice upgrades to enhance the quality, variety, and convenience of concessions available within steps of their seats.

Here are some of the highlights:

SPONSORSHIPS: A pair of brand partnerships highlight the upgraded concessions offerings coming in 2025. Beginning this season, Yuengling has partnered with Illini Athletics and will now be available for purchase at all locations where beer is sold throughout Memorial Stadium. Papa John's has also joined forces with Illinois Athletics, offering pizza options for fans on both the east and west sides of the stadium.

MORE DISCOUNTS AND DEALS: The popular Illini Hour deal and season ticket holder discounts will now be available at all locations throughout Memorial Stadium (excluding food trucks). This upgrade gives fans access to more locations to take advantage of both the pregame Illini Hour offers – good from 90 minutes to 30 minutes before kickoff – and utilize the discounts earned through their loyalty to Illinois football.

SOUVENIR YETI: New this year, Yeti specialty cups (20 oz.) – white with a silver Illinois script – will be sold for $47.99 at concessions stands throughout the stadium. Each Yeti purchase includes a non-alcoholic drink selection.

BEER AT MAIN CONCESSIONS STANDS: Beer will now be sold at most main concessions stands throughout Memorial Stadium, allowing fans to make one-stop purchases with their meals and other snacks and refreshments.

NEW GRAB N' GO MARKETS: New Illini Markets have been added in both the northwest portion of the Great West Hall and the southeast corner of the Great East Hall. Fans will now have seven Illini Market locations throughout the stadium to take advantage of the convenience of a grab n' go selection of refreshments and food, including Jersey Mike's Subs.

SMITH BURGER ADDS NEW LOCATION, BEER OFFERINGS: One of the most popular additions last season, Smith Burger is back in 2025 and has added a new location in the Great West Hall. All Smith Burger locations throughout Memorial Stadium will also add beer sales in 2025.

EXPRESS OPTIONS FOR DRINKS IN EAST MAIN STANDS: Among the upgrades in place for the east side of Memorial Stadium this season, four new beer and water tankers have been placed just inside vomitories in the east main stands. The upgrade will allow fans to quickly grab drinks and get back to their seats without missing any of the action.

EAST BALCONY ENHANCEMENTS: To alleviate lines and anticipated delays due to increased ticket sales, the main concessions stand in the east balcony has been renovated to expedite service for fans. Two new points of sale have been added, along with an improved workspace for food preparation and more storage for on-site product.

NEW DRINK OPTION IN HORSESHOE: Fans in the Memorial Stadium horseshoe will notice a new drink option in 2025 with the addition of the Big Grove Batched Cocktail Tent. The location will offer specialty cocktails and beer in a convenient south end zone location.

STUDENT SECTION UPGRADES: Whether craving something salty or sweet, the Block I will be covered all season long. New in 2025, a Jarling's Custard Cup stand has been added to the north end zone student section, and pretzels will now be offered at all beer locations in the student section. 

PREMIUM ENHANCEMENTS: Last season, Illinois Athletics introduced a new, all-inclusive food and beverage feature for fans in the 77 Club and Memorial Stadium Suites, a first in college football. DIA continues to innovate and invest in improvements for all premium spaces in Memorial Stadium to offer fans an unparalleled college football experience.

New in 2025:

• Two of the main concessions stands in the Colonnades Club will now be run by local favorites, with Smith Burger Company and Big Grove Tavern bringing their high-end menu items to the premium space.
• Two action stations have been added, one on each end of the Colonnades Club, providing fans with a custom "build-your-own" experience. 
• In 77 Club, both outdoor terrace areas will include new seating spaces for fans and offer a special outdoor grill offering meat and vegetable kabobs.
• In addition to the all-inclusive food and beverage options already available, suite owners will have the option of custom add-ons. For an additional cost, suite owners will be able to make requests for specific beverage lines and food offerings.
• Premium liquor packages are also available to fans looking to upgrade the offerings available in their suites.
• Premium seat holders on the sixth and seventh floors will also see new complimentary refreshment stations offering coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.