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:
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: volleyball, women’s basketball, and the two biggies — men’s basketball and football.
2. 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.
3. 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 energy; 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?
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 Gies Memorial Stadium or the State Farm Center at a discounted ticket price. For a few dollars, 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.
7. Bring a stroller to a game at State Farm Center, Huff Hall or Gies 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.
8. Be sure to know the rules regarding what you can bring into Gies 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.
9. Reminder: Beer is sold in general seating areas at Gies 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.
10. Sign up your kids for the Fighting Illini Kids Club. The All-American package includes, among others things, free admission to all volleyball matches, free admission to all regular season women’s basketball games, the chance to claim a free ticket to one of three Illinois football games and the chance to claim a free ticket to one of three Illinois basketball games.
11. Bark at the Park happens at every softball game. Bring your family’s furry friends and keep them on a leash while you’re at Illini softball games.
Upcoming Illini Sporting Events
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Illinois Wesleyan
Eichelberger Field, Time: 12:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday, October 10 at 12pm. Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Spoon River
Eichelberger Field, Time: 4:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Spoon River on Saturday, October 10 at 4pm. Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Illini Hockey and Skate with the Team After the Game
University of Illinois Ice Arena, Time: 5:00 pm
Cheer on the Illini Hockey team as they take on Iowa State University AND skate with the team after the game! Saturday, October 10 at 5 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Student $7 Child 12 & Under $5 Adult $12
Friday, October 16, 2026
Fighting Illini Softball vs. Danville
Eichelberger Field, Time: 6:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Softball team as they play Danville on Friday, October 16 at 6pm. Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Illini Volleyball Vs. Michigan
Huff Hall, Time: 1:00 pm
LET'S PACK HUFF HALL! Fighting Illini Volleyball hosts Michigan on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 1 PM for their Women Win in Orange match! Tickets to the match are ONLY $5 using this link! With their foam finger giveaway and Huff Hall covered in a sea of orange, you won't want…
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Illini Women's Soccer vs. Northwestern | Kick Cancer
Demirjian Park, Time: 6:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Soccer team as they take on Northwestern on Thursday, October 22 at 6pm. Kick Cancer - Help Illinois Soccer kick cancer as they help support cancer awareness. Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Grange Grove and Fighting Illini Football Walk
Memorial Stadium, Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Cheer on the Fighting Illini football team with family-friendly programming at Grange Grove, including live music, Kids Zone, and the Illini Walk.
Friday, October 30, 2026
Halloween Intrasquad - Illini Women's Gymnastics
Kenney Gym, Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Come out to Kenney Gym for the University of Illinois Women's Gymnastics Halloween Intrasquad! Admission is FREE! Also, make sure you wear a costume!
Illini Women's Soccer vs. Minnesota | Halloween Match
Demirjian Park, Time: 6:00 pm
Cheer on the Fighting Illini Women's Soccer team as they take on Minnesota on Friday, October 30 at 6pm. Halloween Match - Wear your best costume to Demirjian Park as Illinois Soccer celebrates Halloween! Games are free to attend. Check out the full schedule here.
Friday, November 6, 2026
Grange Grove and Fighting Illini Football Walk
Memorial Stadium, Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cheer on the Orange and Blue as the Fighting Illini Football team prepares for game day! The Illini welcome Nebraska this week. Grange Grove and Fighting Illini Walk Illini vs Nebraska Saturday, November 6 Kickoff 7pm Entertainment and Amenities Kid’s Club Kid’s Zone When bags and hot dogs can’t keep…
Illini Hockey vs. University of Cincinnati
University of Illinois Ice Arena, Time: 7:00 pm
Cheer on the Illini Hockey team as they take on University of Cincinnati. Friday, November 6 at 7pm. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Student $7 Child 12 & Under $5 Adult $12
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Illini Hockey vs. University of Cincinnati
University of Illinois Ice Arena, Time: 7:00 pm
Cheer on the Illini Hockey team as they take on University of Cincinnati. Saturday, November 7 at 7pm. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Student $7 Child 12 & Under $5 Adult $12
Friday, November 13, 2026
Illini Hockey vs. Oklahoma State University
University of Illinois Ice Arena, Time: 7:00 pm
Cheer on the Illini Hockey team as they take on Oklahoma State University. Friday, November 13 at 7pm. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Student $7 Child 12 & Under $5 Adult $12
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Illini Hockey vs. Oklahoma State University
University of Illinois Ice Arena, Time: 7:00 pm
Cheer on the Illini Hockey team as they take on Oklahoma State University. Saturday, November 14 at 7pm. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Student $7 Child 12 & Under $5 Adult $12
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Grange Grove and Fighting Illini Football Walk
Memorial Stadium, Time: 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Cheer on the Orange and Blue as the Fighting Illini Football team prepares for game day! The Illini welcome Iowa this week. Grange Grove and Fighting Illini Walk Illini vs Iowa Saturday, November 21 Entertainment and Amenities Kid’s Club Kid’s Zone When bags and hot dogs can’t keep your little…
Friday, January 22, 2027
Illini Hockey vs. Roosevelt University
University of Illinois Ice Arena, Time: 7:00 pm
Cheer on the Illini Hockey team as they take on Roosevelt University. Friday, January 22 at 7pm. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Student $7 Child 12 & Under $5 Adult $12
Friday, February 5, 2027
Illini Hockey vs. Purdue University
University of Illinois Ice Arena, Time: 7:00 pm
Cheer on the Illini Hockey team as they take on Purdue University. Friday, February 22 at 7pm. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Student $7 Child 12 & Under $5 Adult $12
Friday, February 12, 2027
Illini Hockey vs. Illinois State University
University of Illinois Ice Arena, Time: 7:00 pm
Cheer on the Illini Hockey team as they take on Illinois State University. Friday, February 12 at 7pm. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Student $7 Child 12 & Under $5 Adult $12
Saturday, February 13, 2027
Illini Hockey vs. Illinois State University
University of Illinois Ice Arena, Time: 7:00 pm
Cheer on the Illini Hockey team as they take on Illinois State University. Saturday, February 13 at 7pm. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Student $7 Child 12 & Under $5 Adult $12
Friday, February 19, 2027
Illini Hockey vs. McKendree University
University of Illinois Ice Arena, Time: 7:00 pm
Cheer on the Illini Hockey team as they take on McKendree University. Friday, February 19 at 7pm. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Student $7 Child 12 & Under $5 Adult $12
Saturday, February 20, 2027
Illini Hockey vs. McKendree University
University of Illinois Ice Arena, Time: 7:00 pm
Cheer on the Illini Hockey team as they take on McKendree University. Saturday, February 20 at 7pm. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Student $7 Child 12 & Under $5 Adult $12
