CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Rededication of Memorial Stadium this weekend includes a number of events, ceremonies, and festivities. Ticket holders are encouraged to be in their seats by 2 p.m. to catch a special pregame presentation with Illini legends, a flyover, and an air raid siren sounder with former Illini great Howard Griffith.
Here is a snapshot of events this weekend:
Giveaway: The first 10,000 fans inside Memorial Stadium will receive a free rally towel.
Game Program: Saturday’s game program will be a recreation of the original 1924 game program artwork. Game programs are available for free in the east and west halls of Memorial Stadium while supplies last (limit one per fan).
Throwback Uniforms: Illinois players will wear 1920s-themed uniforms, with the helmets, jerseys, and pants all designed to resemble those worn by Red Grange and early teams.
Illini Hour: From 90 minutes to 30 minutes before kickoff, all hot dogs, non-alcoholic beverages (excluding souvenir cups), and Carbliss and Nutrl seltzers are just $3, and 24-ounce domestic beers are $7. This week’s Illini Hour will run from 1-2 p.m.
Game Ball Presentation: Prior to kickoff, a special game-ball presentation featuring some of Illinois’ most legendary players will take place from the south end zone out to the 50-yard line. The initial handoff will be by athletic director and former Illini football player Josh Whitman.
Flyover: The United States Navy is scheduled to conduct a flyover following the national anthem.
Air Raid Siren: A former Illini great will sound the Illini air raid siren right before kickoff. This week’s sounder is Illini legend Howard Griffith, who set the NCAA record with eight touchdowns at Memorial Stadium.
Halftime: All former football players in attendance will line the field at halftime and be honored by the Fighting Illini fans.
Marching Illini Performance: A halftime performance by the Marching Illini will involve family members of former Athletic Director George Huff, Head Football Coach Robert Zuppke, and Red Grange.
Freaky Fast 77 Yard Dash: Between the third and fourth quarters, an Illinois student will race Red Grange at Memorial Stadium. The student racing the modern-day version of Red will have a chance to win free Jimmy John’s for a year. Fans can interact and take photos with Red Grange inside Grange Grove on game days beginning three hours prior to kickoff.
100th Anniversary Museum: There is a free pop-up museum celebrating the history of Memorial Stadium inside of the Great West Hall. The museum features imagery and artifacts from the greatest moments in Memorial Stadium history.