CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – As the Fighting Illini football prepares for their season opener against Eastern Illinois in just 10 days, fans can look forward to a variety of new experiences at Memorial Stadium. In celebration of Memorial Stadium’s 100th anniversary, the University of Illinois has made multiple enhancements to elevate the fan experience. Here are 10 new features to watch for:

  1. Air Raid Siren: New for 2024, an Illini celebrity will sound the Illini air raid siren right before kickoff to energize the crowd. Former Illini basketball star and NBA Draft pick Terrence Shannon Jr. will be the first celebrity sounder for the home opener on August 29.
  2. All-Inclusive 77 Club and Suites: Memorial Stadium suite owners and 77 Club ticket holders will now enjoy an all-inclusive model with no additional charges for food and beverages on game days. Illinois is among the first collegiate venues to offer this premium amenity.
  3. ICON On-Field Experience: Joining the fan-favorite ICON Pregame Party from the State Farm Center, The Quad level ICON members ($1,000+) can now enjoy a field-level view in the south end zone during pregame warmups at Memorial Stadium.
  4. I FUND, Season Ticket Holder, and ICON Concessions Discount: Fans who purchased or renewed their season tickets by April 1 will receive a 10% concession discount at all home games. I FUND members get an additional 5% discount, totaling 15% savings, and ICON members will also receive a 15% discount.
  5. Illini Hour: The popular Illini Hour returns to Memorial Stadium in 2024. From 90 minutes to 30 minutes before kickoff, enjoy $3 hot dogs, non-alcoholic beverages (excluding souvenir cups), and select seltzers. 24-ounce domestic beers will be priced at $7.
  6. Local Food Vendors: Popular local eateries like Smith Burger, Big Grove, and Watsons will have stands throughout Memorial Stadium, offering fans a taste of local flavor on game days.
  7. Throwback Helmets: The Fighting Illini will don four different throwback helmets throughout the season, featuring designs from various eras including the 1920s Red Grange era, Dick Butkus’ era, the 70s and 80s, and the underlined Illinois helmets from 1989-2012.
  8. 100th Anniversary Museum: A free pop-up museum celebrating Memorial Stadium’s history will be installed inside the Great West Hall. This museum will feature images and artifacts showcasing the greatest moments in Memorial Stadium history.
  9. 100th Anniversary Commemorative Cups: Each game will feature a commemorative cup specific to that game’s era helmet. Fans are encouraged to collect all seven cups throughout the 100th anniversary season.
  10. $4 Hot Dogs: Hot dogs at Memorial Stadium concession stands have been reduced to $4 from $6, making for a more affordable fan experience.

For more details, visit the official Fighting Illini website.