CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Grange Grove was a hit with Fighting Illini fans during its debut season in 2015. With some exciting additions planned for this season, the FREE, high-energy tailgating area directly west of Memorial Stadium will continue to be THE place for Illinois football tailgating on game days.
Some new elements to Grange Grove are highlighted below, including a beer garden, and it will continue to be a free space for fans to set up their own tailgate in a prime location on a first-come, first-serve basis. More information about Grange Grove for 2016 can be found in ourGuide to Grange Grove.
The Fighting Illini, led by head coachLovie Smith, open the 2016 season on Saturday, Sept. 3, against Murray State (2:30 p.m. CT on BTN). Season tickets still remain. Order your seats today by calling 1-866-ILLINI-1 or by clicking HERE.
GAMEDAY SPIRIT TEAM STORE
Fans are encouraged to visit the new Team Store in the middle of Grange Grove, operated by Gameday Spirit Fan Store. With 900 square feet of indoor and outdoor shopping space, Illini fans will be able to enjoy a covered shopping experience all season long. The store features the latest Nike team sideline gear along with apparel and gifts for the whole family.
The Gameday Spirit team store opens this Saturday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. and will be open each gameday of the season.
Make sure to visit the space on gameday for a special gameday merchandise deal, available only on site. The gameday offer will change each week, so be sure to stop by before all home football games!
BEER GARDEN
A new feature of Grange Grove this year will be a covered beer garden. Illini fans can purchase $5 Coors Light inside the tent, so there will be no need to bring your own cooler!
All drinks purchased in the beer garden must remain inside the tent, and no outside drinks will be permitted inside the tent. The tent is open to Illini fans of all ages, but wristbands and ID checks will be required in order to purchase a beverage.
The beer garden will open three hours prior to kickoff and last call is 30 minutes before kickoff. The tent will close at kickoff.
FOOD TRUCKS
Fans can visit a variety of different local food trucks lining First Street (right outside of Grange Grove) on gamedays. Champaign-Urbana favorites Cracked, Good 2 Go, Caribbean Grill, Kona Ice, and The Dinner Bell will all be available this Fighting Illini Football season.
FREE CONCERTS
Entertainment in Grange Grove will start three hours before kickoff each week, including inflatables, face painting, live music, and more. Jerrod Niemann (September 10) and Parmalee (October 29) headline the freelive music series, with the local group 90's Daughter opening the series this week before the Illini take on Murray State.
Some new elements to Grange Grove are highlighted below, including a beer garden, and it will continue to be a free space for fans to set up their own tailgate in a prime location on a first-come, first-serve basis. More information about Grange Grove for 2016 can be found in ourGuide to Grange Grove.
The Fighting Illini, led by head coachLovie Smith, open the 2016 season on Saturday, Sept. 3, against Murray State (2:30 p.m. CT on BTN). Season tickets still remain. Order your seats today by calling 1-866-ILLINI-1 or by clicking HERE.
GAMEDAY SPIRIT TEAM STORE
Fans are encouraged to visit the new Team Store in the middle of Grange Grove, operated by Gameday Spirit Fan Store. With 900 square feet of indoor and outdoor shopping space, Illini fans will be able to enjoy a covered shopping experience all season long. The store features the latest Nike team sideline gear along with apparel and gifts for the whole family.
The Gameday Spirit team store opens this Saturday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. and will be open each gameday of the season.
Make sure to visit the space on gameday for a special gameday merchandise deal, available only on site. The gameday offer will change each week, so be sure to stop by before all home football games!
BEER GARDEN
A new feature of Grange Grove this year will be a covered beer garden. Illini fans can purchase $5 Coors Light inside the tent, so there will be no need to bring your own cooler!
All drinks purchased in the beer garden must remain inside the tent, and no outside drinks will be permitted inside the tent. The tent is open to Illini fans of all ages, but wristbands and ID checks will be required in order to purchase a beverage.
The beer garden will open three hours prior to kickoff and last call is 30 minutes before kickoff. The tent will close at kickoff.
FOOD TRUCKS
Fans can visit a variety of different local food trucks lining First Street (right outside of Grange Grove) on gamedays. Champaign-Urbana favorites Cracked, Good 2 Go, Caribbean Grill, Kona Ice, and The Dinner Bell will all be available this Fighting Illini Football season.
FREE CONCERTS
Entertainment in Grange Grove will start three hours before kickoff each week, including inflatables, face painting, live music, and more. Jerrod Niemann (September 10) and Parmalee (October 29) headline the freelive music series, with the local group 90's Daughter opening the series this week before the Illini take on Murray State.
