Illini sporting events are favorites of Champaign-Urbana families — and here’s why
There’s no reason you can’t be a passionate Illini sports fan after having kids. In fact, you might even find that you enjoy Illini games with a different perspective once kids are in tow.
But your enjoyment rests — in part — on what you know before you even arrive. So how to do it? Here are a few tips:
1. Most events are free to attend. Yes, free. The majority of sporting events (link to full calendar) at the University of Illinois have no admission charge – zero, zip, nada. The ones that do have an admission charge are: volleyball, women’s basketball, and the two biggies – men’s basketball and football. But if you sign up your kids for the kids club…
2. Look out for special promotions. For little kids, the game action is often secondary to all the other fun stuff going on. Some Illini games have special elements such as autographs, special halftime shows, special food deals – or even free food! We sometimes call these out in our Weekend Planner, but you can look at all of them in this nifty page on the Fighting Illini website promotions page.
3. Don’t dismiss the “less popular” sports, especially for kids. We love men’s basketball and football, but we’ve found that our kids love to get close to the action and feel much more a part of the atmosphere when we go to events that don’t draw the same kinds of crowds. Women’s basketball is a great way to introduce kids to State Farm Center and the basketball energy; there’s cheerleaders, pep band, etc. Volleyball is a fantastic atmosphere. And the sports that are outside have plenty of room for kids to run around. Don’t all the athletes deserve our support?
4. Go to special events — even if you’re not going to the game. During football season, there’s Grange Grove (and tailgates of course) that will get your family involved in game day — whether or not you have tickets. There are free activities at each game, such as inflatable games, face painting and much more. No ticket is necessary. The homecoming parade and pep rally is always fun. We’ll post these special events on our events calendar as we hear about them!
5. Pay attention to camps, clinics, or other such events. Some sports offer free clinics, although registration may be required; some may have fees. Home matches or meets sometimes include Kids Clinics as well. In the summer, the athletic department offers camps for kids of all ages, including some parent-child camps.
6. Lap tickets. Yes it’s true: everyone needs a ticket to get into football and men’s basketball games regardless of age. But infants and toddlers ages 2 and under are allowed to enter Memorial Stadium or the State Farm Center at a discounted ticket price. For a few dollars, fans can purchase a lap ticket on the day of the game, but the infant or toddler must sit in the lap of an adult during the game. Lap tickets may not be purchased for use in the suites or club areas and cannot be used at postseason events. A game ticket must be presented in order to purchase a lap seat.
7. Bring a stroller to a game at State Farm Center, Huff Hall or Memorial Stadium at your own risk. Strollers are not allowed in those buildings; but many people have told us they leave their strollers outside. There are clear policies against strollers at those venues, but not defined for other places.
8. Be sure to know the rules regarding what you can bring into Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center. There’s a Clear Bag Policy, and we’ve put together a comprehensive post that explains how fans can best handle the situation.
9. Reminder: Beer is sold in general seating areas at Memorial Stadium, State Farm Center, Illinois Field, Eichelberger Field and Damirjian Park. You can check out the details here. Fans are expected to behave and know their limits, but understand that you have the right to alert facility personnel if you feel someone’s behavior is out of line.
10. Sign up your kids for the Fighting Illini Kids Club. The All-American package includes, among others things, two tickets to a select football game, free admission to all volleyball matches, two tickets to a select men’s basketball game and free admission to all regular season women’s basketball games.
Upcoming Illini Sporting Events
Friday, January 10, 2025
Fighting Illini Wrestling Vs. Ohio State
Huff Hall, Time: 7:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Wrestling team takes on Ohio State on Friday, January 10 at 7pm. All Fighting Illini Wrestling meets are free to attend.
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Fighting Illini Open | Indoor Track & Field
UIUC Armory Building, Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Catch the Fighting Illini Track & Field indoor home opener, at the UI Armory, on Saturday, January 11! Field events begin at 11 AM, and running events begin at 1 PM. Enjoy live entertainment from DJ Ceasar all day long with free admission! For more information, see the schedule online.
Illini Swimming and Diving vs. Purdue
UIUC ARC, Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
The Illini welcome Purdue to this meet on Saturday, January 11, 11:00 a.m. Illini Swimming and Diving meets are free to attend.
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Fighting Illini Wrestling Vs. Northwestern
Huff Hall, Time: 1:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Wrestling team takes on Northwestern on Sunday, January 12 at 1pm. All Fighting Illini Wrestling meets are free to attend.
Friday, January 17, 2025
Fighting Illini Invite | Men's Tennis vs. Columbia & Boise State
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: All Day
The Illini welcome Columbia & Boise State to the Fighting Illini Invite happening Friday, January 17 through Sunday, January 19. Illini Tennis meets are free to attend.
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Fighting Illini Invite | Men's Tennis vs. Columbia & Boise State
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: All Day
The Illini welcome Columbia & Boise State to the Fighting Illini Invite happening Friday, January 17 through Sunday, January 19. Illini Tennis meets are free to attend.
Fighting Illini Women's Gymnastics vs. Nebraska
Huff Hall, Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The Illini welcome Nebraska to this meet on Saturday, January 18 at 1pm. Illini Women's Gymnastics meets are free to attend.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Fighting Illini Invite | Men's Tennis vs. Columbia & Boise State
UIUC ARC, Time: All Day
The Illini welcome Columbia & Boise State to the Fighting Illini Invite happening Friday, January 17 through Sunday, January 19. Illini Tennis meets are free to attend.
Friday, January 24, 2025
Indoor Track & Field Fighting Illini Challenge and Combined Events
UIUC Armory Building, Time: All Day
Come cheer on the University of Illinois men's and women's track and field teams during the Illini Challenge! Held indoors at the UI Armory. This Fighting Illini event is FREE and appropriate for all ages! For more information, see the schedule online.
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Indoor Track & Field Fighting Illini Challenge and Combined Events
UIUC Armory Building, Time: All Day
Come cheer on the University of Illinois men's and women's track and field teams during the Illini Challenge! Held indoors at the UI Armory. This Fighting Illini event is FREE and appropriate for all ages! For more information, see the schedule online.
Sunday, January 26, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Northwestern
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: All Day
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Northwestern at Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, January 26th. Time is TBD. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass…
Friday, January 31, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Georgia Tech
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 3:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Georgia Tech at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, January 31st at 3pm. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass…
Fighting Illini Men's Gymnastics vs. Nebraska
Huff Hall, Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Illini welcome Nebraska to this meet on Friday, January 31 at 6pm. Illini Men's Gymnastics meets are free to attend.
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Illini Swimming and Diving vs. Eastern Illinois | Senior Day
UIUC ARC, Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
The Illini welcome Eastern Illinois to this meet on Saturday, February 1, 11:00 a.m. It is also Senior Day. Illini Swimming and Diving meets are free to attend.
Fighting Illini Wrestling Vs. Purdue
Huff Hall, Time: 2:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Wrestling team takes on Purdue on Saturday, February 1 at 2pm. All Fighting Illini Wrestling meets are free to attend.
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Colorado
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 11:00 am
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Colorado at Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, February 2nd at 11am. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area…
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Fighting Illini Men's Tennis vs. Clemson & Notre Dame
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: All Day
The Fighting Illini Men's Tennis team takes on Clemson & Notre Dame at Atkins Tennis Center on Wednesday, February 5th. Times are TBA, click here for more details. Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public…
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Basketball vs. Northwestern | National Girls and Women In Sports Day
State Farm Center, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Basketball team takes on Northwestern at State Farm Center on Thursday, Feburary 6 at 6pm. For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, click here. National Girls & Women in Sports Day - Fighting Illini Women's Basketball invites local club, middle school and high school basketball teams…
Friday, February 7, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Gymnastics vs. Ohio State
Huff Hall, Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The Illini welcome Ohio State to this meet on Friday, February 7 at 7pm. Illini Women's Gymnastics meets are free to attend.
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Gymnastics vs. Missouri
Huff Hall, Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The Illini welcome Missouri to this meet on Sunday, February 9 at 1pm. Illini Women's Gymnastics meets are free to attend.
Friday, February 14, 2025
Illinois Wheelchair Basketball Tournament
Activities and Recreation Center (ARC), Time: All Day
Illinois Wheelchair Basketball will be hosting a wheelchair basketball tournament on Friday and Saturday, February 14-15, 2025, at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC). Admission to all games is free. The full schedule will be posted on their website soon. About Illinois Wheelchair Basketball Illinois Wheelchair Basketball is the oldest…
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Iowa State
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 4:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Iowa State at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, February 14th at 4pm. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass…
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Illinois Wheelchair Basketball Tournament
Activities and Recreation Center (ARC), Time: All Day
Illinois Wheelchair Basketball will be hosting a wheelchair basketball tournament on Friday and Saturday, February 14-15, 2025, at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC). Admission to all games is free. The full schedule will be posted on their website soon. About Illinois Wheelchair Basketball Illinois Wheelchair Basketball is the oldest…
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Baylor
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 3:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Baylor at Atkins Tennis Center on Saturday, February 15th at 3pm. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area…
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Fighting Illini Wrestling Vs. Penn State
Huff Hall, Time: 1:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Wrestling team takes on Penn State on Sunday, February 16 at 1pm. All Fighting Illini Wrestling meets are free to attend.
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Gymnastics vs. Washington
Huff Hall, Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The Illini welcome Washington to this meet on Sunday, February 22 at 1pm. Illini Women's Gymnastics meets are free to attend.
Fighting Illini Men's Tennis vs. Michigan
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 6:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Men's Tennis team takes on Michigan at Atkins Tennis Center on Saturday, February 22nd at 6pm. Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area to the…
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Western Michigan
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 12:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Western Michigan at Atkins Tennis Center on Saturday, March 1st at 12pm. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass…
Fighting Illini Men's Gymnastics vs. Army & Greenville
Huff Hall, Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The Illini welcome Army & Greenville to this meet on Saturday, March 1 at 1pm. Illini Men's Gymnastics meets are free to attend.
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Basketball vs. Michigan | Illinois Watches Women's Sports Day & Senior Day
State Farm Center, Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Basketball team takes on Michigan at State Farm Center on Sunday, March 2 at 2pm. ● Doors open at 1pm ● Parking: Free in all State Farm Center Lots ● State Farm Guide available here. Check out the full schedule and get your tickets here. Illinois…
Friday, March 7, 2025
Fighting Illini Men's Tennis vs. Nebraska
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 6:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Men's Tennis team takes on Nebraska at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, March 7th at 6pm. Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area to the…
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Fighting Illini Men's Gymnastics vs. Penn State
Huff Hall, Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The Illini welcome Penn State to this meet on Saturday, March 8 at 1pm. Illini Men's Gymnastics meets are free to attend.
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Fighting Illini Men's Tennis vs. Wisconsin
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 12:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Men's Tennis team takes on Wisconsin at Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, March 9th at 12pm. Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area to the…
Friday, March 14, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Iowa
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: All Day
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Iowa at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, March 14th. Time is TBD. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass…
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Nebraska
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 12:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Nebraska at Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, March 16th at 12pm. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area…
Fighting Illini Women's Gymnastics vs. Northern Illinois
Huff Hall, Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The Illini welcome Northern Illinois to this meet on Sunday, March 16 at 1pm. Illini Women's Gymnastics meets are free to attend.
Friday, March 21, 2025
Fighting Illini Men's Tennis vs. UCLA
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 6:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Men's Tennis team takes on UCLA at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, March 21st at 6pm. Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area to the…
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Oregon
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 1:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Oregon at Atkins Tennis Center on Saturday, March 22nd at 1pm. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area…
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Fighting Illini Men's Tennis vs. USC
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 12:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Men's Tennis team takes on USC at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, March 23rd at 12pm. Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area to the…
Monday, March 24, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Washington
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 3:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Washington at Atkins Tennis Center on Monday, March 24th at 3pm. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area…
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Penn State
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 12:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Penn State at Atkins Tennis Center on Saturday, April 5th at 12pm. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass…
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Fighting Illini Women's Tennis vs. Ohio State
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 12:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Women's Tennis team takes on Ohio State at Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, April 6th at 12pm. Matchday Information Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass…
Friday, April 11, 2025
Fighting Illini Men's Tennis vs. Ohio State
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 6:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Men's Tennis team takes on Ohio State at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, April 11th at 16pm. Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area to…
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Fighting Illini Men's Tennis vs. Penn State
Atkins Tennis Center, Time: 6:00 pm
The Fighting Illini Men's Tennis team takes on Penn State at Atkins Tennis Center on Saturday, April 12th at 6pm. Parking Reserved "Permit Only" and accessible parking is located in the paved lot on the south side of Atkins Tennis Center. Public parking is located in the grass area to…