CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini Athletics has released the promotional schedule for the 2026 Fighting Illini men's tennis season. Illinois, ranked No. 24 in the preseason ITA poll, opens its dual campaign against No. 7 Mississippi State on Friday, Jan. 16.
Featured promos include a tailgate raffle for Illinois football's 2026 home opener, a Hail to the Orange T-shirt giveaway, and post-match pickleball.
Season-long enhancements include food trucks at every match, a full-service beverage cart for fans 21 and older, post-match court availability, and free admission all season long.
Friday, Jan. 16 - 6 p.m. CT - Mississippi State
Home Opener – Free Juanito's tacos will be available for the first 100 fans, along with a full-service beverage cart for fans ages 21 and older.
Post-Match Court Access – Refine your own tennis skills with a 30-minute "open court" following each match!
Friday, Jan. 30 - 6 p.m. CT - Duke
Hail to the Orange Out – Be Loud! Wear Orange!
Giveaway – Illinois script shirts for early arriving fans
Post-Match Court Access – Refine your own tennis skills with a 30-minute "open court" following each match!
Sunday, Feb. 22 - 12 p.m. CT - North Carolina
Fraternity Tailgate Raffle – The fraternity with the highest number of members in attendance across three matches (Feb. 22 vs. North Carolina, Feb. 27 vs. Baylor, and Feb. 28 vs. TCU) will win a "Bring Your Own Tailgate Spot" for the 2026 Football Home Opener, sponsored by RevelXP.
Post-Match Court Access – Refine your own tennis skills with a 30-minute "open court" following each match!
Friday, Feb. 27 - 5 p.m. CT - Baylor
Fraternity Tailgate Raffle – The fraternity with the highest number of members in attendance across three matches (Feb. 22 vs. North Carolina, Feb. 27 vs. Baylor, and Feb. 28 vs. TCU) will win a "Bring Your Own Tailgate Spot" for the 2026 Football Home Opener, sponsored by RevelXP.
Post-Match Court Access – Refine your own tennis skills with a 30-minute "open court" following each match!
Saturday, Feb. 28 - 6 p.m. CT - TCU
Orange Krush Wristband Raffle – Students in attendance may enter to win lower bowl wristbands to Men's Basketball vs. Oregon on March 3.
Fraternity Tailgate Raffle – The fraternity with the highest number of members in attendance across three matches (Feb. 22 vs. North Carolina, Feb. 27 vs. Baylor, and Feb. 28 vs. TCU) will win a "Bring Your Own Tailgate Spot" for the 2026 Football Home Opener, sponsored by RevelXP.
Post-Match Court Access – Refine your own tennis skills with a 30-minute "open court" following each match!
Friday, March 6 - 6 p.m. CT - Oregon
Post-Match Court Access – Refine your own tennis skills with a 30-minute "open court" following each match!
Sunday, March 8 - 12 p.m. CT - Washington
Post-Match Court Access – Refine your pickleball skills with a 30-minute "open court" following the match! For more information, contact DIAMarketing@illinois.edu
Friday, March 20 - 6 p.m. CT - Michigan
Post-Match Court Access – Refine your own tennis skills with a 30-minute "open court" following each match!
Sunday, March 22 - 3 p.m. CT - Michigan State
Kids Day – For more information, contact DIAMarketing@illinois.edu
Post-Match Court Access – Refine your own tennis skills with a 30-minute "open court" following each match!
Friday, April 3 - 6 p.m. CT - Indiana
International Night – Join us as we celebrate our international student-athletes!
Post-Match Court Access – Refine your own tennis skills with a 30-minute "open court" following each match!
Sunday, April 5 - 2 p.m. CT - Purdue
Pre-Match Easter Brunch + Egg Hunt
Post-Match Court Access – Refine your own tennis skills with a 30-minute "open court" following each match!
Saturday, April 18 - 12 p.m. CT - Northwestern
Senior Day – Join us in honoring the senior class of Illinois Men's Tennis
Post-Match Court Access – Refine your own tennis skills with a 30-minute "open court" following each match!
