Illini sports are favorites of Champaign-Urbana families — and here’s why
There’s no reason you can’t be a passionate Illini sports fan after having kids. In fact, you might even find that you enjoy Illini games with a different perspective once kids are in tow.
But your enjoyment rests — in part — on what you know before you even arrive. So how to do it? Here are a few tips:
1. Most events are free to attend. Yes, free. The majority of sporting events (link to full calendar) at the University of Illinois have no admission charge — zero, zip, nada. The ones that do have an admission charge are: volleyball, women’s basketball, and the two biggies — men’s basketball and football. But if you sign up your kids for the kids club …
2. Sign up your kids for the Fighting Illini Kids Club. There is a free package (dubbed “Rookie”) and also a $35 “All-American” package. The premium package includes, among others things, two tickets to a select football game; free admission to select volleyball matches; two tickets to a select men’s basketball game; and free admission to all regular season women’s basketball games.
3. Look out for special promotions. For little kids, the game action is often secondary to all the other fun stuff going on. Some Illini games have special elements such as autographs, special halftime shows, special food deals — or even free food! We sometimes call these out in Weekend Planner, but you can look at all of them in this nifty page on the Fighting Illini website promotions page.
4. Don’t dismiss the “less popular” sports, especially for kids. We love men’s basketball and football, but we’ve found that our kids love to get close to the action and feel much more a part of the atmosphere when we go to events that don’t draw the same kinds of crowds. Women’s basketball is a great way to introduce kids to State Farm Center and the basketball atmosphere; there’s cheerleaders, pep band, etc. Volleyball is a fantastic atmosphere. And the sports that are outside have plenty of room for kids to run around. Don’t all the athletes deserve our support?
RELATED: Best Kept Secret — Volleyball and Women’s Basketball Combo Season Tickets
5. Go to special events — even if you’re not going to the game. During football season, there’s Grange Grove (and tailgates of course) that will get your family involved in game day — whether or not you have tickets. There are free activities at each game, such as inflatable games, face painting and much more. No ticket is necessary. The homecoming parade and pep rally is always fun. We’ll post these special events on our events calendar as we hear about them!
6. Pay attention to camps, clinics, or other such events. Some sports offer free clinics, although registration may be required; some may have fees. In the summer, the athletic department offers camps for kids of all ages, including some parent-child camps.
7. Lap tickets. Yes it’s true: everyone needs a ticket to get into football and men’s basketball games regardless of age. But infants and toddlers ages 2 and under are allowed to enter Memorial Stadium or the State Farm Center at a discounted ticket price. For $5, fans can purchase a lap ticket on the day of the game, but the infant or toddler must sit in the lap of an adult during the game. Lap tickets may not be purchased for use in the suites or club areas and cannot be used at postseason events. A game ticket must be presented in order to purchase a lap seat.
8. Bring a stroller to a game at State Farm Center, Huff Hall or Memorial Stadium at your own risk. Strollers are not allowed in those buildings; but many people have told us they leave their strollers outside. There are clear policies against strollers at those venues, but not defined for other places.
9. Be sure to know the rules regarding what you can bring into Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center. There’s a Clear Bag Policy, and we’ve put together a comprehensive post that explains how fans can best handle the situation.
10. Reminder: Beer is sold in general seating areas at Memorial Stadium, State Farm Center, and Illinois Field. You can check out the details here. Fans are expected to behave and know their limits, but understand that you have the right to alert facility personnel if you feel someone’s behavior is out of line.
(Full disclosure: chambanamoms has long enjoyed a great partnership with the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, but the opinions in this article are ours and ours alone.)
Upcoming Illini Sporting Events
Friday, March 31, 2023
Illini Women's Tennis vs. Michigan State - "Color the Court"
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Come cheer on the University of Illinois women’s tennis team as they take on Michigan State at 4pm. Held at Atkins Tennis Center. This Fighting Illini event is FREE and appropriate for all ages. "Color the Court" Giveaway: Illinois Women's Tennis themed coloring book pages
Illini Baseball vs. Michigan
Illinois Field, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Due to unpredictable spring weather, Illinois Baseball games may be delayed or postponed without notice. Promotions are subject to change at any time. The Illinois baseball team will host Michigan. Admission to Illinois Baseball games is free and concessions are available for purchase.
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Illini Baseball vs. Michigan - "Intentionally Bad Day"
Illinois Field, Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Due to unpredictable spring weather, Illinois Baseball games may be delayed or postponed without notice. Promotions are subject to change at any time. The Illinois baseball team will host Michigan. Admission to Illinois Baseball games is free and concessions are available for purchase. Intentionally Bad Day: Sloppy Joes with chips. $6
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Illini Women's Tennis vs. Michigan | Pack Atkins, Scout Day and Kids Clinic (Registration required for clinic)
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Come cheer on the University of Illinois women’s tennis team as they take on Michigan at 11am. Held at Atkins Tennis Center. This Fighting Illini event is FREE and appropriate for all ages. Pack Atkins, Scout Day and Kids Clinic Illini Tennis scout patches, Kids Clinic following the 11am match. …read more…
Illini Baseball: Bunny at the Ball Park
Illinois Field, Time: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Due to unpredictable spring weather, Illinois Baseball games may be delayed or postponed without notice. Promotions are subject to change at any time. The Illinois baseball team will host Michigan. Admission to Illinois Baseball games is free and concessions are available for purchase. BUNNY AT THE PARK Stick around for…read more…
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Northwestern
Eichelberger Field, Time: 5:00 pm
It's time for Spring Ball! Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they take on Northwestern on Wednesday, April 5, at 5:00pm! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Illinois Outdoor Track & Field Illini Challenge
Demirjian Park, Time: All Day
Come cheer on the University of Illinois men's and women's track and field teams during the outdoor Illini Classic! Held at the new Demirjian Park. This Fighting Illini event is FREE and appropriate for all ages! For more information, see the schedule online.
Friday, April 14, 2023
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Ohio State
Eichelberger Field, Time: 5:00 pm
It's time for Spring Ball! Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they take on Ohio State on Friday, April 14, at 5:00pm! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Illini Men's Tennis | Mom's Day
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 6:00 pm
Come cheer on the University of Illinois men’s tennis team as they take on Wisconsin. Held at Atkins Tennis Center. This Fighting Illini event is FREE and appropriate for all ages.
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Ohio State
Eichelberger Field, Time: 1:00 pm
It's time for Spring Ball! Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they take on Ohio State on Saturday, April 15, at 1:00pm! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Ohio State
Eichelberger Field, Time: 12:00 pm
It's time for Spring Ball! Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they take on Ohio State on Sunday, April 16, at 12:00pm! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Illini Men's Tennis | Senior Day
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 6:00 pm
Come cheer on the University of Illinois men’s tennis team as they take on Nebraska. Held at Atkins Tennis Center. This Fighting Illini event is FREE and appropriate for all ages.
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Illinois State
Eichelberger Field, Time: 5:00 pm
It's time for Spring Ball! Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they take on Illinois State on Tuesday, April 18, at 5:00pm! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Illini Football - Orange and Blue Spring Game
Memorial Stadium, Time: 7:30 pm
The Illinois football team will host the annual Orange and Blue Spring Game on Thursday, April 20 under the lights at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT live on Big Ten Network. The 2022 Orange and Blue Spring Game will be free to the public. More information…read more…
Friday, April 21, 2023
Illini Outdoor Track & Field Illini | Gary Wieneke Memorial
Demirjian Park, Time: All Day
Come cheer on the University of Illinois men's and women's track and field teams during the outdoor Illini Invitational! Held at the new Demirjian Park. This Fighting Illini event is FREE and appropriate for all ages! For more information, see the schedule online.
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Michigan State
Eichelberger Field, Time: 5:00 pm
It's time for Spring Ball! Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they take on Michigan State on Friday, April 21, at 5:00pm! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Illini Outdoor Track & Field Illini | Gary Wieneke Memorial
Demirjian Park, Time: All Day
Come cheer on the University of Illinois men's and women's track and field teams during the outdoor Illini Invitational! Held at the new Demirjian Park. This Fighting Illini event is FREE and appropriate for all ages! For more information, see the schedule online.
Illini Women's Tennis vs. Nebraska
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Come cheer on the University of Illinois women’s tennis team as they take on Nebraska at 11am. Held at Atkins Tennis Center. This Fighting Illini event is FREE and appropriate for all ages.
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Michigan State
Eichelberger Field, Time: 1:00 pm
It's time for Spring Ball! Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they take on Michigan State on Saturday, April 22, at 1:00pm! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Sunday, April 23, 2023
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Michigan State
Eichelberger Field, Time: 12:00 pm
It's time for Spring Ball! Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they take on Michigan State on Sunday, April 23, at 12:00pm! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Illini Women's Tennis vs. Iowa
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Come cheer on the University of Illinois women’s tennis team as they take on Iowa at 12pm. Held at Atkins Tennis Center. This Fighting Illini event is FREE and appropriate for all ages.
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Fighting Illini Softball vs. DePaul
Eichelberger Field, Time: 5:00 pm
It's time for Spring Ball! Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they take on DePaul on Tuesday, April 22, at 5:00pm! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Friday, May 5, 2023
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Maryland
Eichelberger Field, Time: 5:00 pm
It's time for Spring Ball! Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they take on Maryland on Friday, May 5, at 5:00pm! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Maryland
Eichelberger Field, Time: 1:00 pm
It's time for Spring Ball! Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they take on Maryland on Saturday, May 6, at 1:00pm! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Maryland
Eichelberger Field, Time: 12:00 pm
It's time for Spring Ball! Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they take on Maryland on Sunday, May 7, at 12:00pm! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.