CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced a full slate of marketing promotions for Illinois baseball home games at Illinois Field in 2026.
Notable Promotions
Local youth teams eighth grade and under are invited to Youth Baseball Day at Illinois Field when Illinois hosts Oregon at 1 p.m. CT on Sunday, April 19. For more information, register your team HERE. Teams that cannot attend but are interested in bringing members to another game may fill out the Group Experiences form for more information.
The 16th annual Bleacher Bum BBQ, the premier promotion for Fighting Illini baseball, will be held Saturday, April 25, when Illinois hosts Nebraska at 3 p.m. CT. The event has been a staple on the Illini schedule, as 10 of the previous 11 editions have drawn average crowds over 2,000 to Illinois Field, including an all-time high of 5,214 in 2009.
For the 12th time, the Fighting Illini will wear special commemorative jerseys as part of Honor and Serve Day at Illinois Field. The event – which is designed to honor University of Illinois student veterans and all of America's military heroes, including those serving the Champaign-Urbana community – will be held on Sunday, April 26, when Illinois hosts Nebraska at 1 p.m. Full details and this year's commemorative jerseys will be unveiled at a later date.
Season-Long Promotions
Illinois Field will also feature several recurring promotions all season long:
- Bark in the Park - Dogs are allowed admission to all home games this season. Fans who bring their dogs must sign a waiver and receive a wristband at the marketing table.
- Turn Two Tuesday - Fans can purchase orders of six wings for just $1 each and domestic draft beers for just $3 each (must be 21 years or older).
- FamILLy Day Friday - Families can purchase four hot dogs, four popcorns, and four bottled non-alcoholic beverages altogether for just $40.
- Kids Zone & Kids Run the Bases (Sundays) - Beginning 30 minutes prior to first pitch, young Illini fans have access to a Kids Zone every Sunday. Kids may also run the bases after every Sunday home game.
- Discounted Slushee Bats (Sundays) - Slushee bats will be available for just $7 every Sunday home game.
- Trading Card Giveaways - 2026 Fighting Illini Baseball trading cards will be given away in four sets on the following dates:
- Sunday, March 21, vs. Rutgers
- Saturday, April 18, vs. Oregon
- Saturday, April 25, vs. Nebraska
- Saturday, May 9, vs. Northwestern
- Group Experiences - Interested in bringing your group to a Fighting Illini Baseball game this season? Experiences include:
- Line up with the team for the National Anthem
- First pitch
- "Play Ball" kid
- Guest PA announcer
- Access to participate in any on-field promotions happening throughout the game
- Videoboard shoutout
Right Field Patio Rental
The patio outside right field is available for rent this season. The space features two pads, which can be reserved separately or together. Fans are encouraged to bring their own chairs and tents, and a picnic table will be provided. Food and beverage packages are also available. Contact Diego Acosta (diegoaa2@illinois.edu) to reserve a spot.
Illinois Baseball Tailgate Packages
Reserve your full-service tailgate for Illinois baseball with RevelXP today. It's completely hassle free as RevelXP will set up the tailgate and have everything ready for you to show up and start tailgating. If you purchase a full-service tailgate, you may set up just outside the facility at your tailgate starting three hours prior to game time until the conclusion of the second inning. If you have any questions, please contact Colin McMahon, General Manager for RevelXP at 217-953-8282 or colin.mcmahon@revelxp.com.Â
Game-by-Game Promotions Schedule:Â FightingIllini.com/Promotions
All games will be held at Illinois Field. Game dates, times, giveaways, and promotions are subject to change. Visit FightingIllini.com/Promotions for the latest updates for each game.
