Champaign, Ill. – As part of an energetic atmosphere around Memorial Stadium, there will be a variety of elements inside Grange Grove for fans to enjoy. In addition to the different tailgate options, fans can also enjoy a family fun zone with inflatables, face painting, and activities for kids, including a football toss. No ticket will be required to enter Grange Grove, so fans parked in other tailgate lots may freely enter and exit. There will be a variety of food trucks and vendors located on First Street for fans to indulge in. All activities and vendors will be open starting three hours before kick-off on game day.

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Illini Walk
Along with the changes inside Grange Grove, fans also can anticipate a change in the route of the Fighting Illini Walk for 2015. Two and half hours before kickoff the Illinois Football team, led by the Marching Illini, the Fighting Illini Cheerleading squad and the Illinettes, will travel through Grange Grove from First Street to Memorial Stadium. The football team will exit the buses in the middle of First Street, allowing fans to line a pathway through Grange Grove and cheer the team on as they make their way into the stadium. Following the Fighting Illini Walk, the Marching Illini, Fighting Illini Cheerleaders and Illinettes will perform briefly for tailgaters and fans in front of the Red Grange statue.

Opening Night
Fighting Illini Football fans can first experience Grange Grove and the new Fighting Illini Walk at the 2015 season opener against Kent State on Friday, September 4, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. Grange Grove will open at 7 a.m., along with the rest of the lots surrounding Memorial Stadium, with scheduled activities starting at 5 p.m. and the Fighting Illini Walk at 5:30 p.m.

Buy Tickets
Season tickets for Fighting Illini Football are on sale now along with mini-plans and non-conference single game tickets. Order your seats today by calling 1-866-ILLINI-1 or at FIGHTINGILLINI.com.