FIGHTING ILLINI PARTNER WITH DICK BUTKUS ON CO-BRANDED COLLECTION
Hall of Famer to Sign Autographs at Grange Grove Friday from 3-4 pm
Hall of Famer to Sign Autographs at Grange Grove Friday from 3-4 pm
Champaign, Ill. – The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has partnered with legendary Illini linebacker Dick Butkus, IMG College Licensing, and Original Retro Brand on a collection of co-branded t-shirts celebrating the induction of the inaugural Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame class.
Butkus will become the first honoree when the class is officially inducted this Saturday, September 30, on the University of Illinois campus.
"Through our collaborative partnership with IMG College Licensing and Original Retro Brand, we are able to offer fans a unique product collection that celebrates one of the greatest players in Illini history," said Marty Kaufmann, Illinois' Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Business Development. "Dick Butkus is one of the most iconic players to ever play the game at both the college and NFL levels, and we know our fans will be proud to celebrate his Illini roots."
Prior to Friday's home game against Nebraska, Butkus will be signing autographs from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the Gameday Spirit location in Grange Grove, outside Memorial Stadium, for fans who purchase a Butkus-themed shirt. Fans will have a chance to have the shirt or a photo card signed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as time permits. Children accompanying an adult who purchased a shirt will also be able to receive an autograph.
The Original Retro Brand collection of vintage-inspired apparel features four different t-shirts, including one inspired by Butkus's retired Illinois No. 50 jersey. A replica of the Butkus jersey will be added to the collection in the coming weeks. This is the first wide-ranging licensed merchandise program, outside of jerseys, the University of Illinois and Butkus have partnered on together.
"We are excited about a legend like Dick Butkus being a part of a collection that connects with University of Illinois fans on an emotional level," said Nicole Armentrout, IMG College Licensing's Vice President, Marketing. "His iconic status as a player and the launch of the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame, provide the perfect opportunity to offer fans an item as distinct as Butkus himself."
The Butkus-themed Illinois shirts are available at several local retailers, including Gameday Spirit Fan Stores, and will soon be available at the Fightingillini.com online store. Shirts will also be available for sale at Memorial Stadium merchandise locations during games.
