Game Day

WELCOME Illini FANS!

Whether you're here to cheer on the Illini football team at the historic Memorial Stadium, rally behind the Fighting Illini Basketball at the State Farm Center, or heading to a wrestling or volleyball match, gymnastics meet, baseball or soccer game, or one of the many Illini sports, we're happy to have you here!

We are your one-stop information destination for game day. Know where to stay, where to eat, and where to park so you can enjoy your time in the greater Champaign County area! For any additional information on our area, contact us at 1-800-369-6151.

Enjoy your Big Ten experience in Champaign County!

Illinois Football Weekend Guide

Before & After the game

Make it a weekend when you come in for Illini Football! There's always something happening in the greater Champaign County area to enjoy. Here are a few ideas for the matchup against Northwestern.

It's Thanksgiving weekend, so not only is there a home game but there's also a ton of seasonal events kicking off this weekend. Firstly, the Riggs Christmas Market is going to be a favorite all winter long, and the opening weekend will be a great way to cap off the game after the final whistle blows. If you're feeling the holiday spirit, then you'll also want to head to downtown Champaign Saturday night for the Parade of Lights. Looking for less of a structured event but still craving a taste of the holidays? Check out Winter Nights at Prairie Farm, a holiday light display with plenty to explore across this area favorite.

Keep an eye on our Calendar of Events for more seasonal activities and things to do! Be sure to check out other seasonal favorites as well for before and after Illini Football:

Festivals are back! Check out concerts, street fairs, and more on our greater Champaign County area Events Calendar!
Fall is a perfect time to explore our agricultural stops. Pick apples and pumpkins at Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch; head to Amish Country and check out The Great Pumpkin Patch to choose from over 200 varieties of cucurbits and visit Aikman Wildlife; do the 10-acre Corn Maze at Hardy's Reindeer Ranch, or sample local flavors and award-winning goat cheese at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery.
Get inspired by the fall foliage at our various forest preserves. Bring a kayak and head to Homer Lake, snap some pics at the scenic Lake of the Woods, or camp under the stars at Illinois' only International Dark Sky Park at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve.

Looking for more inspiration for things to do? Check out our digital Experience Guide, and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.

HOTEL AVAILABILITY

For this weekend's matchup against Northwestern, make Game Day an entire weekend. Finding a hotel room is easy!

We have 4,500 hotel rooms in Champaign County, many of which are very close to Memorial Stadium. Give them a call or book directly online. Need assistance? Give us a call at 800-369-6151.

MASK GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR SPACES AT MEMORIAL STADIUM

In the outdoor environment, fans are not required to wear face coverings or masks, although the CDC does recommend mask-wearing in large gatherings.

In compliance with current University of Illinois policy, all faculty, staff, students, and visitors are required to wear masks indoors at all Campus buildings; this policy includes fans at Memorial Stadium. Fans at Illinois football home games are required to wear masks or facial coverings, which cover both their nose and mouth, in indoor locations, unless actively eating or drinking. These locations include but are not limited to inside the East and West Great Halls, elevators and elevator lobbies, first-aid rooms, premium seating hallways, and club spaces, and restrooms.

Parking

Know where the best places to park are before heading over to the game. Find your facilities here.

Clear Bag Policy

If it's been awhile since you've attended an Illini basketball game, you might want to brush up on the relatively new Clear Bag Policy. In short, any bag larger than a 4.5" by 7" clutch must be clear, and not exceed 12" x 6" x 12".

CATERING

Looking to feed a group of people before heading to the game? Check out the wide variety of offerings to make sure you don’t go hungry before the game!

THINGS TO DO

Been a while since you explored the greater Champaign County area? Check out events happening throughout the time you’re here and request an Experience Guide to learn more about our Outside of Ordinary community!

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Don't want to deal with parking at the game? Rely on our public transportation to get you to the game. CUMTD has several options to get you close to the action.

GETTING HERE

Champaign County is conveniently located at the intersection of I-74, I-57 and I-72 so no matter where you're coming from, it's easy to get here. We also have Amtrak for a reliable ride or Fly Champaign-Urbana if you're coming from farther away. Click here for more information.