Illini sporting events 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:
Chambanamoms thanks Illinois Athletics for presenting this article.
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 nearly all 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 our 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 (be sure to check for updated 2023-24 ticket prices)
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. Home matches or meets sometimes include Kids Clinics as well. 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, Illinois Field, Eichelberger Field and Damirjian Park. 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 29, 2024
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Minnesota
Eichelberger Field, Time: 5:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Minnesota on Friday, March 29 at 5pm. Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Penn State | Food Truck Friday
Illinois Field, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Penn State on Friday, March 29 at 6pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Fighting Illini Men's Tennis vs. Michigan State | Pack Atkins | Post-Match Egg Hunt
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Men's Tennis team takes on Michigan State at Atkins Tennis Center on Saturday, March 30th at 12pm. Matchday Information Giveaway: Free cooler tote bags for the first 150 fans The egg hunt will take place in between the men's match and the women's match. It will begin at the…read more…
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Minnesota | Military Appreciation Game
Eichelberger Field, Time: 1:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Minnesota on Saturday, March 30 at 1pm. Come dressed in your best military camo! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Penn State | Baseball Movie Day
Illinois Field, Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Penn State on Saturday, March 30 at 3pm Baseball Movie Day Grab your own Field of Dreams schedule poster Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Northwestern | Pack Atkins | Pre Match Egg Hunt
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Northwestern at Atkins Tennis Center on Saturday, March 30th at 4pm. Pack Atkins & Pre Match Egg Hunt The egg hunt will take place in between the men's match and the women's match. It will begin at the conclusion of the men's match (approximately…read more…
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Fighting Illini Men's Tennis vs. Michigan | Kid's Clinic and Scout Day
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Men's Tennis team takes on Michigan at Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, March 31st at 12pm. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area…read more…
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Minnesota | La Casa Spanish Heritage Game | Postgame Easter Egg Hunt
Eichelberger Field, Time: 12:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Minnesota on Sunday, March 31 at 12pm. Postgame Easter egg hunt on the field! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Penn State | Postgame Easter Egg Hunt
Illinois Field, Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Penn State on Sunday, March 31 at 1pm Postgame Easter egg hunt on the field! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Indiana State | Double Header | Bark in the Park
Eichelberger Field, Time: 4:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Indiana State in a double header on Wednesday, April 3 at 4pm and 6:30pm. Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Friday, April 5, 2024
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Minnesota
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Minnesota at Atkins Tennis Center on April, 5th at 3pm. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area to…read more…
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Illinois State | MLB The Show Night
Illinois Field, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Illinois State on Tuesday, April 9 at 6pm. MLB The Show Night Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Northwestern
Eichelberger Field, Time: 5:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Northwestern on Wednesday, April 10 at 5pm. Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Friday, April 12, 2024
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Indiana | Mom's Weekend
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Indiana at Atkins Tennis Center on April, 12th at 3pm. Mom's Weekend Giveaway: Limited number of Illinois Tennis visors Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public…read more…
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Purdue | Strike Out Cancer Weekend | Pink Game
Eichelberger Field, Time: 5:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Purdue on Friday, April 12 at 5pm. Giveaway: Pink hats Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Northern Illinois | Food Truck Friday
Illinois Field, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Northern Illinois on Friday, April 12 at 6pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Saturday, April 13, 2024
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 Demirjian Park. This Fighting Illini event is FREE and appropriate for all ages! For more information, see the schedule online.
Fighting Illini Men's Tennis vs. Northwestern | Mom's Weekend & Kid's Clinic
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Men's Tennis team takes on Northwestern at Atkins Tennis Center on Saturday, April 13th at 12pm. Mom's Weekend and Kid's Clinic Free to participate for all children 8th grade and under: Sign Up Here Giveaway: Limited number of Illinois Tennis glasses Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is…read more…
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Purdue | Strike Out Cancer Weekend
Eichelberger Field, Time: 1:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Purdue on Saturday, April 13 at 1pm. Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Northern Illinois | Youth Baseball Day
Illinois Field, Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Northern Illinois on Saturday, April 13 at 3pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Purdue | Strike Out Cancer Weekend
Eichelberger Field, Time: 12:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Purdue on Sunday, April 14 at 12pm. Giveaway: Gold Ribbon T-shirt Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Purdue | Senior Day
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Purdue at Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, 14th at 12pm. Senior Day Giveaway: Limited number of Illinois Tennis waist bags Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center.…read more…
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Northern Illinois | Jackie Robinson Day
Illinois Field, Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Northern Illinois on Sunday, April 14 at 1pm. Commemorative Baseball Giveaway to The First 150 Fans! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. SIUE
Illinois Field, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on SIUE on Tuesday, April 16 at 6pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Friday, April 19, 2024
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Northwestern | Food Truck Friday
Illinois Field, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Northwestern on Friday, April 19 at 6pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Fighting Illini Men's Tennis vs. Purdue
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Men's Tennis team takes on Purdue at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, April 19th at 6pm. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area…read more…
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Illini Football - Orange and Blue Spring Game
Memorial Stadium, Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Visit https://fightingillini.com for more info about tailgating, parking, and the fan experience.
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Northwestern | 9 Innings of Winning
Illinois Field, Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Northwestern on Saturday, April 20 at 3pm. Prize Raffled Off Every Inning! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Fighting Illini Men's Tennis vs. Indiana | Senior Day
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Men's Tennis team takes on Indiana at Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, April 21st at 12pm. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area…read more…
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Northwestern
Illinois Field, Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Northwestern on Sunday, April 21 at 1pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Western Illinois
Illinois Field, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Western Illinois on Tuesday, April 23 at 6pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Indiana State
Illinois Field, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Indiana State on Tuesday, April 30 at 6pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Friday, May 3, 2024
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Iowa
Eichelberger Field, Time: 5:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Iowa on Friday, May 3 at 5pm. Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Ohio State
Illinois Field, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Ohio State on Friday, May 3 at 6pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Fighting Illini Tune-Up
Demirjian Park, Time: All Day
Come cheer on the University of Illinois men’s and women’s track and field teams during the outdoor Fighting Illini Tune-Up held at Demirjian Park. This Fighting Illini event is FREE and appropriate for all ages! For more information, see the schedule online.
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Iowa
Eichelberger Field, Time: 1:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Iowa on Saturday, May 4 at 1pm. Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Ohio State
Illinois Field, Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Ohio State on Saturday, May 4 at 3pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Iowa
Eichelberger Field, Time: 12:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Iowa on Sunday, May 5 at 12pm. Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Ohio State
Illinois Field, Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Ohio State on Sunday, May 5 at 1pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Friday, May 10, 2024
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Iowa
Illinois Field, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Iowa on Friday, May 10 at 6pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Iowa
Illinois Field, Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Iowa on Saturday, May 11 at 3pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Fighting Illini Baseball vs. Iowa
Illinois Field, Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Men’s Baseball team as they take on Iowa on Sunday, May 12 at 1pm Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.