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 vs. Rutgers Weekend Guide - Dads Weekend edition
If you're even the most casual Illini Football fan, you have to be pretty jazzed right now. Coming off of a win at Purdue and an upset against Wisconsin, it's time to get in full Bowl Game mode and secure a win against Rutgers! With Dad in town, make the most of this weekend with a fun time at the game and plenty to do before and after!
Before the game
The game against Rutgers starts at 2:30pm, which gives you a good amount of time to do things before the game! From 9am-9pm on Saturday, and 9am-5:30pm on Sunday, the Rantoul National Aviation Center is hosting Punkin' Chunkin', an international championship centered around launching this festive squash cultivar as far as possible. Any students or parents from in town that weekend can get $10 off a weekend pass using the code "DADS19" when purchasing tickets online. Some of these trebuchets can launch full size refrigerators, so you can only imagine the amazing things you'll see! It's also a great time to show Dad what it's like to be a college student! With a number of ways to embrace the Illini lifestyle, make sure to check out our Top Ten Things to Do in Champaign County for College Parents list if you need some ideas of how to spend Dads Weekend the right way.
After the game
With a Dads Weekend Illini Football win in the bag, it's time to get on with the rest of your weekend! We're lucky to have quite a bit of places to grab local, post-game bites to eat, so be sure to fuel up for the rest of the day at one of our amazing local restaurants, food trucks, and area favorites! If Dad is a beer drinker, he'll be thrilled to see our incredible beer scene. With a number of local breweries, tap houses, and bars brewing craft beer, you can do a little beer tour with dad, or take him to your favorite campus bar! There are some great bands at Rose Bowl Tavern and Blackbird Saturday night, so if Dad loves music, it might be a great stop to make as you celebrate the weekend! You can also catch another high profile, Big Ten matchup for Illini Volleyball against Michigan State at 7pm. If you're short on Illini gear, be sure to stop and pick up some orange and see if Dad will buy you some new threads before heading out of town for the weekend!
In terms of where to stay, where to park, what's happening around town on Game Day, and other important information, follow our handy guide below!
HOTEL AVAILABILITY
Dads Weekend is truly Outside of Ordinary, so don't rush back home! We're willing to be that a weekend in Champaign-Urbana is just what you need! We have a number of area hotels with availability for the game against the Badgers this Saturday, 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.
Comfort Suites - 3.6 miles from Memorial Stadium
Fairfield - 3.8 miles from Memorial Stadium
I Hotel - 0.5 miles from Memorial Stadium
Quality Inn - 3.6 miles from Memorial Stadium
Red Roof Inn - 3.4 miles from Memorial Stadium
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 Football 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 bring in food for your tailgate? Check out the wide variety of offerings to make sure you don’t go hungry before the game!
THINGS TO DO
Been awhile since you explored the greater Champaign County area? Check out events happening throughout the time you’re here and request a Visitors 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.