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Fighting Illini Promotions

PROMOTIONS

It's more than just a game at Illinois Athletics sporting events! When you attend Fighting Illini sports, you feel part of the action, have a chance to win great prizes and experience ticket deals. Most home events are free to the public and can be found on our all-sport calendar. Check out the list below for all the exciting upcoming events. It's fun for the whole Illini Family! 

Sep. 7

1 PM
Demirjian Park

Illinois Soccer vs. Valparaiso

Senior Day – Illinois will honor its seniors in a pregame ceremony.

100 vs. Illini – 100 eighth grade and under members take on Illini soccer in a scrimmage following the match. Click here to sign up!

Ball Kids: All ball kids will be invited on the field on the field pre-game for the fan tunnel, ball retrieval in-game, and pizza will be provided at halftime Click here to sign up!

Admission is free!

Sep. 12

6 PM
Demirjian Park

Illinois Soccer vs. Indiana

Kick the Stigma – Students across the country are feeling increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.  This game is designed to increase awareness of on campus groups as well as raise money for mental health resources to help expand programs that make a difference.

B1G Opener - Illinois soccer begins Big Ten play at Demirjian Park.

Ball Kids: All ball kids will be invited on the field on the field pre-game for the fan tunnel, ball retrieval in-game, and pizza will be provided at halftime Click here to sign up!

Admission is free!

Sep. 13

Memorial Stadium

Illinois Football vs. Western Michigan

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Celebrate Food and Ag – Join the College of ACES in Grange Grove for Celebrate Food and Ag Day on Sept. 13, an Illinois game day tradition that highlights the impact of agriculture, food, and natural resources on our daily lives. ACES alumni and friends are invited to gather for a festive pregame tailgate. During the game, Dean Germán Bollero will take the field to recognize the importance of this work and the people who power it.

FamILLy Day – In partnership with Illinois' New Student & Family Experiences, an exclusive FamILLy Day tailgate will be held in Grange Grove prior to the Fighting Illini facing Western Michigan. FamILLy Day tailgate passes are SOLD OUT, but FamILLy Day tickets are still available for purchase HERE.

Extra Yard for Teachers – As part of the College Football Playoff Foundation's national platform to promote and reward educators, Illinois will pay tribute to local and national impactful teachers. Teachers will also be offered free tickets to the game. School administrators and principals can contact Josh Joines at jjoines2@illinois.edu or 217-244-9470 to learn more. 

Band Day – High school bands from across the state will come to perform with the Marching Illini.

Youth Sports Day – Inviting not just football but all youth sports participants and organizations to be a part of Youth Sports Day at Memorial Stadium! A special ticket package includes a Fighting Illini youth jersey (limited quantity available) -- SOLD OUT!

A front and back view of a jersey

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Game Sponsor – Ag Day

Sep. 17

5 PM - 8 PM

Hall Of Fame Room

Bielfeldt Administration Bulding

National Anthem Auditions 

MKT Anthem Auditions

Register Here!

Sep. 20

5:30 PM
Huff Hall

Illinois Volleyball vs. Iowa State

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Home Opener - Illini volleyball kicks off their season against the Iowa State Cyclones. Be sure to fill Huff Hall and take part in the Party in Huff!

Sep. 21

1 PM
Huff Hall

Illinois Volleyball vs. Eastern Illinois

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Cerebral Palsy Awareness - This season, the Illinois volleyball team has partnered with Team Impact to welcome Fallon to the team! At a young age, Fallon was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Join us as we honor Fallon and raise awareness for all individuals with cerebral palsy.

VIP Kids Zone - All kids are invited to sit in the south stands to be a part of our VIP Kids Zone!

Post Match Photo Shoot - Be sure to stick following the match for photo ops with the team!

Sep. 25

7 PM
Demirjian Park

Illinois Soccer vs. Penn State

Hail to the Orange Out – Fans are encouraged to don all their Orange.

Ball Kids: All ball kids will be invited on the field on the field pre-game for the fan tunnel, ball retrieval in-game, and pizza will be provided at halftime Click here to sign up!

Admission is free!

Sep. 26

7 PM
Huff Hall

Illinois Volleyball vs. Oregon

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Big Ten Home Opener - Join the Illinois volleyball team as they match up against the Oregon Ducks for their first home Big Ten match of the season!

Duck Dynasty Night - Fans are encouraged to wear their camo and hunter orange!

Post Match Autographs - Be sure to stick around following the match for an autograph session with the team!

Sep. 27

Memorial Stadium

Illinois Football vs. Southern California

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Homecoming – The Illini football game against USC is the final activity in a week-long celebration of Illinois alumni returning to campus. Homecoming week at Illinois celebrates the 113th year of Illinois traditions, including events to celebrate current students, community members, and the more than 400,000 living alumni.

Sunday, Sept. 21: 5K Run / Dyeing of the Fountain / Pancake Breakfast
» Register and find more information: 2025 Homecoming 5K Race
Wednesday, Sept. 24: Greeks Support Homecoming BBQ at South Quad
Friday, Sept. 26: Homecoming Parade

Saturday, Sept. 27: GAME DAY!
» Homecoming Court recognition during the game

Varsity I Weekend – Former student-athlete letterwinners of all sports are invited back to campus to take part in a large reunion. 

Game Sponsor – Carle Health

Sep. 28

1 PM
Demirjian Park

Illinois Soccer vs. Ohio State

Alumni Match - We welcome back our former Illini soccer members.

Admission is free!

Oct. 5

1 PM
Huff Hall

Illinois Volleyball vs. Michigan State

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Pink Match - The annual Illini Pink Match in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Fan are encouraged to wear pink and join the fight against breast cancer.

Oct. 9

7 PM
Demirjian Park

Illinois Soccer vs. Rutgers

Women's Empowerment – Our female athletes are women that value their gifts, know their strengths and embrace their ability to impact the world in a positive way. We aim to inspire future female generations in and outside the world of athletics because the world is a better place when women are empowered.

Most Valuable Professor - Illini Soccer student-athletes will honor their MVP (Most Valuable Professor) in a halftime ceremony.

Ball Kids: All ball kids will be invited on the field on the field pre-game for the fan tunnel, ball retrieval in-game, and pizza will be provided at halftime Click here to sign up!

Admission is free!

Oct. 11

Memorial Stadium

Illinois Football vs. Ohio State

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Hail To The Orange Out! – Wear Orange!

Giveaway: Orange Rally Towels, sponsored by Toyota

Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Weekend – The Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 will be honored this weekend with on-field recognition during the game, and induction into the Hall on the evening of Friday, Oct 10, (time TBA) inside the State Farm Center. Admission is free and open to all fans. View the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 HERE.

Game Sponsor – Toyota

Oct. 12

1 PM
Demirjian Park

Illinois Soccer vs. Purdue

Kick Cancer - Illinois will honor and promote the fight against cancer with their annual Kick Cancer promotion. Each fan will receive a colored ribbon according to the type of cancer they would like to support and each ribbon will be tied to a net.

Latin X Heritage – Illinois will celebrate and honor those of Latin X heritage with various promotions throughout the match.

Ball Kids: All ball kids will be invited on the field on the field pre-game for the fan tunnel, ball retrieval in-game, and pizza will be provided at halftime Click here to sign up!

Admission is free!

Oct. 24

7 PM
Huff Hall

Illinois Volleyball vs. Purdue

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Hail to the Orange Out - Paint the Hall orange! Fans are encouraged to wear orange to the match.

Oct. 25

7 PM
Huff Hall

Illinois Volleyball vs. Michigan

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MVP Night - Illini volleyball would be nothing without the amazing professors who help our student-athletes. The team celebrates the real MVPs on Most Valuable Professor night.

Nov. 1

Memorial Stadium

Illinois Football vs. Rutgers

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Dads Day – To continue the proud Illinois tradition of the Dads Association, which began in 1920, the Rutgers game will honor the dads of all Fighting Illini and see King Dad crowned at halftime.

Foundation Weekend – U of I Foundation creates programming for each college and unit to thank and celebrate their many donors and supporters, which includes tailgates, luncheons, and ceremonies. More info can be found HERE.

Game Sponsor – Coca-Cola

Nov. 2

1 PM
Huff Hall

Illinois Volleyball vs. Iowa

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Camper Reunion Night – Campers who attended Fighting Illini volleyball camps this year will receive a free ticket to the match.

Dad Dress Up – In honor of Dads Day, fans are encouraged to wear their best dad outfit!

VIP Kids Zone – All kids are invited to sit in the south stands to be a part of our VIP Kids Zone!

Nov. 9

3:30 PM
Huff Hall

Illinois Volleyball vs. Penn State

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Huff Hall Centennial Celebration – For the past 100 years, Huff Hall has been a staple on the University of Illinois for both academics and athletics. Join the Illinois volleyball team as they honor historic George Huff Hall and the impact it has had on so many Illini.

Giveaway – The first 300 students will receive a Huff Hall Centennial Celebration t-shirt.

Nov. 14

7 PM
Huff Hall

Illinois Volleyball vs. Washington

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Jorts Night – Fans are encouraged to wear jeans and cut them into jorts once they arrive at Huff Hall!

Giveaway – Select fans will receive a free Hydration Helmet.

Nov. 15

Memorial Stadium

Illinois Football vs. Maryland

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Military Appreciation Day – This game will honor and recognize those brave servicemen and women who protect our freedom, while also paying tribute to the strong connection and history between the University and the military community.

VetTix (free tickets) via "Coach B's Tickets for Troops" – Coach Bielema and his family have pledged to match tickets purchased by Fighting Illini fans to bring veterans, active-duty military, and their families to Memorial Stadium. Fans are invited to participate by purchasing specially designated $20 tickets through the campaign. For each ticket purchased, Coach Bielema will match it — doubling the impact and the number of honored guests who will get to experience game day at Memorial Stadium.

More info on how fans can contribute is available HERE.

Tickets for the Military Appreciation initiative will be distributed by Vet Tix. Those interested in obtaining tickets through the program can register by visiting vettix.org and creating an account.

Nov. 15

8 PM
Huff Hall

Illinois Volleyball vs. Wisconsin

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Stuff Huff - The 19th edition of Stuff Huff returns, one of the most popular Illini traditions and renowned for its vast crowds!

Giveaway - Select fans will receive a free Beanie featuring the Huff Hall centennial logo.

Nov. 26

6 PM
Huff Hall

Illinois Volleyball vs. Indiana

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First Responders Night – Join the Illinois volleyball team as we honor the brave men and women that keep our community safe each day.

VIP Kids Zone – All kids are invited to sit in the south stands to be a part of our VIP Kids Zone!

Nov. 28

7 PM
Huff Hall

Illinois Volleyball vs. Indiana

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Senior Day - Join the Illinois volleyball team as we honor the senior class for their hard work and dedication to Fighting Illini volleyball.

Nov. 29

Memorial Stadium

Illinois Football vs. Northwestern

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Battle for the Land of Lincoln Trophy / Senior Day – Come out and honor the Fighting Illini seniors playing their last regular-season game at Memorial Stadium.

4-Game Mini Plan for $175 – Includes Western Illinois (Aug. 29), Ohio State (Oct. 11), Rutgers (Nov. 1), and Northwestern (Nov. 29). Get Mini Plan tickets HERE

Game Sponsor – Alumni Association