This is the first part of a four part series outlining Illini student football traditions.

Rule number 1 is to wear orange. As a student sitting (or standing) in the student section, it is your responsibility to represent your school. I know what you’re thinking… “But my white Illinois shirt represents my school!” or “My blue shirt matches my shoes!” I don’t care. Illinois nation doesn’t care. The advantage of playing at Memorial Stadium is the home-field advantage. The “12th man” is what helps win games. When visitors come to Illinois we want them to have to wear sunglasses from all the orange. It’s the “sea of orange” that represents the pride that we have, and the school that we stand for. So, if you don’t already have one, buy an orange shirt, and wear it to the football game. Also remember that when it gets cold, your purple coat will stick out like a sore thumb, so try to get some orange winter-wear, if possible.

One of the greatest traditions in all of college football is the pre-game festivities. It is no longer just a three hour game, but an entire day celebration. The festivities in Champaign begin very early in the morning. The University of Illinois offers many locations for individuals to celebrate before and after the game. The tradition of tailgating is deeply rooted at the U of I. The people participating in tailgate celebrations range from young college coeds in the back of a pick-up to seasoned veterans with a decked out orange and blue motor home. You can find these celebrations in the parking lots surrounding the stadium, Assembly Hall, and lining Florida Ave. Local businesses also take part in the festivities offering entertainment, food, beverages, and souvenirs.

The Marching Illini performs a short parade as they march from the Band building (next to the Armory) to the stadium. They stop at the official tailgating bandstand, on Kirby, and perform a short concert for awaiting fans, before heading into the stadium.

As students, alumni, or simply just fans, I encourage you all to take part in this tradition of celebration. If you plan to host your own tailgate party, check out The Quad’s Tailgating guide for locations, rules, and regulations. Most people don’t know that by contacting the MI, you can have a small band perform for you at your tailgate party. See the benefits from reading this blog?!

Continue to monitor The Quad for the next part of this story and its complete coverage of Illinois football.

 The greatest tradition of college football is the tailgating that takes place before the game. In Champaign, the Illini pride is clear through the crowds of tents and parties surrounding the stadium. For those of you participating, or considering participating in these festivities, please use this guide as your reference. The tailgating rules and guidelines outlined below come directly from the official Memorial Stadium guide. Please refer to the guide link at the bottom of this article.

Groups can reserve tent space in the exclusive tent area on the east side of Assembly Hall along Fourth St. by registering with the group ticket sales office at
217-244-0016. Registered groups must purchase 100 tickets or more, (discounts are offered for large groups), and order tents, food and beverages through approved vendors.

 Individual tailgating is allowed all football parking lots but must adhere to the policies listed below:

Personal tailgating tents and awnings must be 10’x10’ or smaller, and must fit within the boundary of one designated parking space. Personal golf carts are prohibited from tailgating areas. No electrical power will be provided. Please dispose of hot used charcoal in the specified disposal containers located throughout the parking lots.

Fees: Many lots are pass only lots. There are some lots available for game day purchase. These lots are Lot 44, 46, and the lots in Research Park. Parking fees for these lots are $20 per automobile and $40 for an automobile with a pull behind. Recreational vehicle/motor homes may park in Lot 33 for $40. Buses may park on Pennsylvania Avenue for $50.

Hours: Parking lots are open to patrons starting at 7:00 a.m. and remain open until 10:00 p.m.* on game days. No overnight parking is allowed. *NOTE: This excludes any night games that Illinois might have in which parking lots will close 1 hour after the completion of the game.

Parking Lots are clearly marked as you approach Memorial Stadium. See the link for more information.

Priority Parking is offered to all I-Fund donors. For more information, please call (217) 333-6595.

• Prohibited Items… The following items or actions are not permitted in parking lots:
• Open fires
• Weapons, fireworks
• Saving parking places
• Disorderly conduct
• Advertising banners or displays
• Picketing or political campaigning
• Tethered blimps, balloons, and other oversized inflatables

Have fun. Be safe. Go Illini!

Memorial Stadium Guide