PLEASE NOTE: This event has already occurred.
Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/11/2026
6:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Gies Memorial Stadium
Categories
Illinois Athletics will host a 9/11 Memorial Climb at Gies Memorial Stadium on Friday, September 11, 2026, commemorating 25 years since the September 11, 2001 attacks and honoring the lives lost, the heroes who responded, and the enduring spirit of service and sacrifice.
The southeast and southwest gates of the stadium will open at 6:30 a.m. The climb will begin at approximately 7:46 a.m., to coincide with the timing of events on that fateful morning. Like the brave first responders in New York City, participants will climb the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. At the same time, the new videoboard will show video and news footage captured from that morning.
Following the climb, attendees will join for a brief program featuring remarks from Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti, who was the general manager of WCBS-TV New York at the time of the attack. Joining Petitti will be Chancellor Charles Isbell, Director of Athletics Josh Whitman, and other local dignitaries and first responders.
The event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend, whether choosing to participate or watch from the stands.
Please remember that events may be canceled or rescheduled last minute due to unpredictable weather or other factors. We encourage you to reach out to event organizers before heading out to an event to verify it is still happening.
