Chambana Sun

Fighting Illini Athletics has released the promotional schedule for the 2025 football season, with several themed events and special offers planned for fans attending games at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

The season opens on Friday, August 29, when Illinois faces Western Illinois at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. The FamILLy Fun Zone will be available at every home game throughout the season in Grange Grove, offering activities such as bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists, equipment try-ons, giveaways, posters, and tailgating.

For the opening game against Western Illinois, University of Illinois students are invited to participate in Student Night. The residence hall with the highest attendance will win exclusive access to Memorial Stadium for two hours on a later date. Greek Recruitment efforts will include a free pregame tailgate hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Affairs and student leaders from various councils. After gates open, Greek life organizations will provide recruitment information inside the stadium.

On Saturday, September 13, Illinois plays Western Michigan at 6 p.m., with multiple promotions highlighting food and agriculture. The College of ACES Meat Science Lab will offer meat packages for tailgaters that include complimentary tongs with each purchase; details about these packages will be available in mid-August. The College of ACES Sustainable Student Farm will also run a farm stand selling fresh produce before the game.

Fans can explore agricultural exhibits and interactive activities organized by the College of ACES, Illinois Extension, and 4H in Grange Grove before kickoff. FamILLy Day is scheduled in partnership with New Student & Family Experiences; while tailgate passes are sold out, tickets remain available for families wishing to attend.

Teachers will be recognized as part of Extra Yard for Teachers through the College Football Playoff Foundation’s national initiative supporting educators. Free tickets are being offered to teachers interested in attending this game. High school bands from across Illinois are invited to perform alongside the Marching Illini during Band Day festivities.

Youth Sports Day encourages participation from young athletes across all sports disciplines; a special ticket package includes a Fighting Illini youth jersey while supplies last.

Homecoming takes place on Saturday, September 27 against Southern California (USC), concluding a week-long series of alumni-focused events including races and parades celebrating over 400,000 living alumni associated with Illinois. Former student-athletes are also invited back as part of Varsity I Weekend.

On October 11 against Ohio State (time TBA), fans are encouraged to wear orange for “Hail To The Orange Out!” Orange rally towels sponsored by Toyota will be distributed as giveaways. This weekend also marks recognition of inductees into the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 during an on-field ceremony and an induction event at State Farm Center that is open to all fans without charge.

The November 1 matchup versus Rutgers features Dads Day traditions dating back to 1920—highlighted by honoring fathers and crowning King Dad during halftime—and Foundation Weekend programming thanking donors and supporters from across university colleges and units through tailgates and luncheons.

Military Appreciation Day is set for November 15 against Maryland. This event pays tribute to service members past and present while acknowledging ties between the university community and military service. Coach Bret Bielema’s family continues its commitment through “Coach B's Tickets for Troops,” matching fan purchases of specially designated $20 tickets so more veterans can attend via VetTix distribution; registration details can be found at vettix.org.

The regular season concludes November 29 when Northwestern visits Memorial Stadium for Senior Day—celebrating departing seniors—and competition for the Land of Lincoln Trophy.

A four-game mini plan is available for $175 covering games against Western Illinois (Aug. 29), Ohio State (Oct. 11), Rutgers (Nov. 1), and Northwestern (Nov. 29).

"We’re excited about providing memorable experiences throughout our home schedule," said organizers regarding this year’s slate of promotions.