Chambana Sun

The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced several changes to the concessions experience at Memorial Stadium for the upcoming football season. The updates come as season tickets have sold out for the first time in over two decades, with record attendance expected.

Among the new features are expanded brand partnerships. Yuengling will be available at all beer-selling locations, and Papa John's will provide pizza on both sides of the stadium.

Discounts and deals will be more widely accessible. The Illini Hour deal and season ticket holder discounts can now be used at all concessions except food trucks, increasing options for fans before kickoff.

A new souvenir Yeti cup featuring Illinois branding will be sold for $47.99, which includes a non-alcoholic beverage.

Beer sales have been extended to most main concession stands throughout the stadium. This allows fans to buy drinks along with meals and snacks in one stop.

Grab n' go markets called Illini Markets have increased to seven locations across Memorial Stadium, offering quick access to refreshments and food items like Jersey Mike's Subs.

Smith Burger, a fan favorite from last year, is adding another location in the Great West Hall and expanding its beer offerings at all outlets within the stadium.

To speed up service in the east main stands, four new beer and water tankers have been installed near seating entrances so fans can get drinks quickly without missing game action.

The east balcony concessions area has been renovated with two additional points of sale and improved food preparation areas to help reduce wait times due to higher attendance.

A Big Grove Batched Cocktail Tent is being introduced in the south end zone horseshoe area, providing specialty cocktails and beer as a new drink option for that section.

Student section upgrades include a Jarling's Custard Cup stand added to the north end zone area known as Block I. Pretzels will also be offered at all student section beer locations this season.

For premium seating areas such as suites and clubs, enhancements continue after last year's introduction of an all-inclusive food and beverage feature—a first among college football programs. New offerings include:

- Two main Colonnades Club concession stands operated by local businesses Smith Burger Company and Big Grove Tavern.

- Action stations on each end of Colonnades Club where fans can customize their meals.

- Outdoor terraces in 77 Club equipped with new seating spaces and outdoor grilling stations serving kabobs.

- Suite owners able to request specific beverages or foods for an extra fee.

- Premium liquor packages available for suite upgrades.

- Complimentary refreshment stations on upper floors serving coffee, tea, and hot chocolate for premium seat holders.

"With season tickets sold out for the first time in at least 20 years, record crowds are anticipated, and fans throughout Memorial Stadium will notice upgrades to enhance the quality, variety, and convenience of concessions available within steps of their seats," according to the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announcement.