CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — It’s been a long offseason for Illinois football, and several changes have been made to Memorial Stadium since the end of the 2024 season.
Here’s a look at the changes that have been made:
1. FamILLy Huddle presented by Papa John’s
In 2025, Illini football fans will have access to Zuppke Field at Memorial Stadium following all home games. After the field is cleared of players and personnel, fans will be able to access the field from sections 123-125 in the southwest corner of the stadium and sections 107-109 in the southeast corner. Fans must clear the field once the Marching Illini begins their exit march.
Papa John’s will also offer 40% off pizza using the code “Illini40” after all Illini football wins this season.
2. Concessions Enhancements
Illinois announced a lot of exciting concessions enhancements for this upcoming season.
The full list of enhancements can be seen here.
3. Illini Hour returns
Illini Hour is returning to Memorial Stadium in 2025 with upgrades including all concessions stands excluding food trucks. From 90 to 30 minutes before kickoff, all hot dogs and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding souvenir cups) will be $3, hard seltzers will be $5, and 24-ounce domestic beers will be $7.
4. Interactive Wayfinding
Finding you way around the stadium on gameday will be a lot easier this year. Memorial Stadium’s new wayfinding tool will help you out from parking lots to concessions, to restrooms to seat locations. Use map.fightingillini.com or the Fighting Illini app.
5. Northeast Patio
In the northeast end zone, a new premier group space provides fans with an exciting blend of great food and a unique vantage point to capture all of the on-field action. The patio looks to provide a perfect mix of community, comfort, and Illini spirit! Tickets are sold out for the first six home games of 2025, but remain available for the Northwestern game.
6. Sustainability
The U of I’s football program is engaged in sustainability efforts, primarily through its “Be Orange, Go Green” program. The initiative, which is a partnership between the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, encourages fans to actively recycle using the bins provided around Memorial Stadium and tailgating areas during home games. The DIA has a goal of dramatically reducing the amount of landfill waster accumulated during game day.
7. ICON On-Field Experience
The ICON Pregame Party is returning at Memorial Stadium for a second consecutive season. ICON members at The Quad level and above ($1,000+) will be invited to the field level in the south end zone during pregame warmups.
