CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Saturday’s Illinois football game against Minnesota honors Dads Day and Military Appreciation Day. Continuing the proud 100+-year Illinois tradition of the Dads Association, which began in 1920, Saturday’s game focuses on the dads of all Fighting Illini players and fans. The game will also honor and recognize the brave servicemen and women who protect our freedom.
Here is a complete list of events in and around Memorial Stadium on Saturday:
Illini Walk Rappelling: An Army cadet will rappel from the Memorial Stadium colonnades to the ground level to deliver a game ball at 8:30 a.m.
Illini Walk: Saturday’s Illini Walk is scheduled for 8:40 a.m. Fighting Illini players will have their dads join them to walk through Grange Grove.
Pregame Military Tailgate: The Chez Veterans Center staff is hosting a pregame tailgate in Grange Grove, including a free VR gaming setup.
Coin Toss: Three members of different military branches will present a special coin to be used at the coin toss.
Army Swearing In: An Army swearing-in ceremony will take place on the field during the first timeout of the first quarter.
Napleton’s Veteran of the Game: Army Brigadier General Maurice (Moe) Barnett will be the Napleton’s Veteran of the Game. He will be recognized on the field during the game and present scholarships to two cadets.
King Dad: A “King Dad” will be crowned at halftime.
The game kicks off at 11 a.m. Tickets are still available at fightingillini.com.