PLEASE NOTE: This event has already occurred.
Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/12/2019
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
Memorial Stadium
Categories
Cheer on the Orange and Blue as the Fighting Illini Football team prepares for game day! The Illini welcome Michigan this week.
When: Saturday, October 12, kickoff time 11am. Grange Grove opens for tailgating at 7 a.m., and activities start three hours before kickoff. The Fighting Illini Walk is two and a half hours before kickoff. Grange Grove closes at 10 p.m. or an hour after the conclusion of the game (for night games).
Where: Grange Grove at Memorial Stadium.
How much: Free, no ticket is required to enter Grange Grove. Food and merchandise are available for purchase. You must purchase a ticket to enter the football game. Parking fees may apply.
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: The football team, cheerleaders, and Marching Illini all make an appearance and families are treated to free music and activities like inflatables, face painting, and more! The Fighting Illini Walk allows fans to line the pathway and cheer the team on as it makes its way into the stadium. Read our Mom Review of Grange Grove here.
Programming in the area, including live music and children’s areas, start approximately three hours before kickoff. The tailgating lot closes at 10pm or an hour after the conclusion of the game (for night games).
Details of the Illini Walk: Two and half hours before kickoff the Illinois Football team, led by the Marching Illini, the Fighting Illini Cheerleading squad and the Illinettes, will travel through Grange Grove from First Street to Memorial Stadium. The football team will exit the buses in the middle of First Street, allowing fans to line a pathway through Grange Grove and cheer the team on as they make their way into the stadium. Following the Fighting Illini Walk, the Marching Illini, Fighting Illini Cheerleaders and Illinettes will perform briefly for tailgaters and fans in front of the Red Grange statue.
Want more advice and taking your little ones to U of I sporting events? Check out Family-Friendly Guide to Illini Sports here.