Chambana Sun

In October 1924, the United States was under the leadership of President Calvin Coolidge. Walter Johnson led the Washington Senators to a World Series victory, while Buster Keaton and Rudolph Valentino were prominent film stars. In Champaign-Urbana, Illinois Central Depot had been completed, and McKinley Memorial Hospital was under construction to serve University of Illinois students.

The university's stadium hosted its first game in November 1923, and by October 17-19, 1924, it was ready for its dedication weekend. Thousands of football fans arrived via 40 trains from Chicago, St. Louis, and other locations. University classes were canceled on Friday for the dedication ceremony led by University President David Kinley and athletics director George Huff.

“Dedication of the stadium is our eternal rejection of the philosophy of brute strength,” Kinley stated during his address. He emphasized that the stadium served as a memorial to university members who died in World War I. Following this, Lew Sarett delivered “Ode to the Stadium” after reading the names of 185 war dead honored with memorial columns.

Accommodation was scarce; Michigan Wolverines stayed at Urbana Country Club while Fighting Illini lodged at Champaign Country Club. With limited hotel space for approximately 50,000 visitors, local residents offered private rooms, sorority and fraternity houses provided cots, and some visitors sought lodging up to 75 miles away or slept in their vehicles.

To manage traffic control during this influx of visitors, more than 30 Chicago police officers assisted local administrators. The Chicago Tribune noted an abundance of motor cars in Champaign compared to Europe.

On October 18th, over 67,000 spectators gathered for what became a historic athletic event in Illinois. The stadium was adorned with Orange and Blue bunting as fans anticipated an exceptional display of collegiate football.

Inside the locker room, Coach Bob Zuppke motivated his team with confidence. Red Grange recalled Zuppke’s influence: “Zuppke had our team up very high... We felt that we wouldn’t be defeated.”

As Taps played before kickoff, Grange began dismantling Michigan's defense with remarkable runs resulting in four touchdowns within the first quarter alone. By halftime, he had amassed significant yardage across multiple plays.

A Tribune reporter described removing Grange early as akin to pulling Babe Ruth after home runs. Grange himself said he asked out due to exhaustion but recounted Zuppke’s critical yet encouraging feedback on his performance.

Grange's efforts included carrying for 409 yards over 21 attempts with five touchdowns—an extraordinary feat cementing his legacy in college football history.