7 Days to Kickoff: 7 Enhancements to Look for at Memorial Stadium

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — With seven days until the #12-ranked Illinois football team kicks off its season, here are seven things fans can look out for when they enter Memorial Stadium for the season opener against Western Illinois:

#1 • FamILLy Huddle presented by Papa John's: New in 2025, Illini fans will have access to Zuppke Field at Memorial Stadium following all home games. After the field is cleared of players and personnel, fans will be able to access the field from sections 123-125 in the southwest corner of Memorial Stadium and sections 107-109 in the southeast corner of Memorial Stadium. Fans must clear the field once the Marching Illini begins their exit march. 

Papa John's will also offer 40% off pizza using the code "Illini40" after all Illini football wins this fall. 

#2 • Concessions Enhancements: Illinois announced many exciting concessions enhancements coming to Memorial Stadium this fall. Read the full release here. 

#3 • Illini Hour is Back: The popular Illini Hour is returning to Memorial Stadium in 2025 and upgraded to include all concessions stands (excludes food trucks). From 90 minutes to 30 minutes before kickoff, all hot dogs and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding souvenir cups) will be $3, hard seltzers will be $5, and 24-ounce domestic beers will be $7. 

#4 • Interactive Wayfinding: Finding your way on gameday just got easier! Use our new interactive wayfinding tool for Memorial Stadium. From parking lots to concessions, restrooms to seat locations, find it all at map.fightingillini.com or in the Fighting Illini app.

#5 • Northeast Patio: Located in the northeast end zone, this new premier group space provides fans with an exciting blend of great food and a unique vantage point to catch all the action - a perfect mix of community, comfort, and Illini spirit! Tickets are sold out for the first six games of 2025 but remain available for the Northwestern game. Fans interested can fill out the group ticket interest request here.

#6 • Sustainability: The University of Illinois' Fighting Illini football program is actively engaged in sustainability efforts, primarily through the "Be Orange, Go Green" program. This initiative – a partnership between the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics – encourages fans to actively recycle using the bins provided around Memorial Stadium and tailgating areas during home games. DIA has a goal of dramatically reducing the amount of landfill waste accumulated during game day. 

#7 • ICON On-Field Experience: The ICON Pregame Party is back at Memorial Stadium for a second-straight season. ICON members at The Quad level and above ($1,000+) will be invited to field level in the south end zone during pregame warmups.