Patrick Embleton Executive Director of Personnel and Recruiting | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Patrick Embleton Executive Director of Personnel and Recruiting | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The University of Illinois is set to celebrate the Rededication of Memorial Stadium this weekend with a series of events and ceremonies. Fans are encouraged to arrive by 2 p.m. CT to witness a special pregame presentation, which includes Illini legends, a flyover, and air raid siren sounder Howard Griffith.
The first 10,000 fans at Memorial Stadium will receive a free rally towel sponsored by Toyota. Saturday's game program will recreate the original 1924 artwork and will be available for free in limited quantities.
Illinois players will wear uniforms inspired by the 1920s attire worn by Red Grange and his teammates. The popular Illini Hour returns with discounted food and beverages from 1-2 p.m. CT before the 2:30 p.m. kickoff.
A special game-ball presentation featuring legendary Illinois players will occur prior to kickoff, with athletic director Josh Whitman making the initial handoff. A United States Navy flyover is scheduled after the national anthem.
Howard Griffith will sound the Illini air raid siren right before kickoff to energize the crowd. During halftime, former football players in attendance will be honored on the field.
The Marching Illini's performance at halftime will include family members of Illinois' early athletic figures such as George Huff, Robert Zuppke, and Red Grange.
"The Galloping Ghost" returns for Year 2 of The Freaky Fast 77 Yard Dash presented by Jimmy John's between quarters three and four. An Illinois student racing against Red Grange has a chance to win free Jimmy John's for a year.
A pop-up museum celebrating Memorial Stadium's history has been installed inside Great West Hall featuring imagery and artifacts from its greatest moments.
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