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. Nebraska Weekend Guide
Big Ten rival Nebraska comes to Champaign-Urbana this weekend, marking one of the first huge weekends of Illini football this season. The Fighting Illini are ready to take the field and live up to the competition, and with it being a night game, be sure to check out our plans for plenty to do before kickoff, with options for after the final whistle as well!
Before the game
With our first night home game of the season, that leaves a big chunk of the day to explore our Outside of Ordinary community. Of course, you'll be anxiously awaiting the big game all day, so how about trying to do fun things that will keep you busy and entertained! A wonderful way to spend some of your day is exploring campus! If you've never been here, or maybe don't know the Quad that well, a self-guided Quad Tour gets you a great look at the historic University of Illinois campus. It's also a great way to enjoy scenic areas of the campus, such as Campustown. Along Green Street is a number of shops and bars, as well as restaurants and bookstores. Outside of campus and Champaign-Urbana, the Illini/Cornhuskers game just so happens to fall on one of the biggest weekends in Monticello! Every year, Monticellobration brings people from all over Champaign County and the state to Monticello's vibrant downtown district for games, activities, food, music and more! Railroad Days at the Monticello Railway Museum coincides with the event, so be sure to stop by for a ride on a historic steam locomotive, as well as motorcars that would have transported maintenance workers to their job on the rails. As always, be sure to peek at our Calendar of Events for other things happening in our area on Game Day!
After the game
After the game, you might be thinking the night is over. Think again! Memorial Stadium is very close to a number of restaurants that made our Champaign-Urbana Food Bucket List. With options for the whole family, as well as places to grab a local craft beer and some game day favorites, your night is just getting started. We're lucky to have such a vibrant nightlife scene here as well, so if you're up for a few drinks and a live show, you're in luck. Check out listings for great local clubs, look into their Saturday night lineups, and find a place to hear anything from electronic music to country and everything in between. Hopefully you're staying the night as well, because September is a great time for day trips in the greater Champaign County area. Stay at a local hotel and use our guide to plan a Sunday built for your interests, including amazing farms, shopping, and outdoor adventure.
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
It's a big week with Nebraska in town, so how about making a weekend out of it? We have a number of area hotels with availability for the game against the Corn Huskers 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
Courtyard - 3.8 miles from Memorial Stadium
HI Express Rantoul - 17 miles from Memorial Stadium
Hilton Garden Inn - 1.9 miles from Memorial Stadium
Home2 - 0.9 miles from Memorial Stadium
Quality Inn - 3.6 miles from Memorial Stadium
Red Roof Inn - 3.4 miles from Memorial Stadium
Illini Union - 1.7 miles from Memorial Stadium
Wingate - 4.3 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.