2015 Illinois Soccer Promotions | Ball Kid Sign Up | Kid Captain Sign Up | Reserve a Birthday Party | Youth Clinic Registration | 100 Kids vs. Illinois Soccer Registration
Champaign, Ill. – The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced a full slate of marketing promotions for the 2015 Illini Soccer home season. The schedule is highlighted by the 10th annual SoccerFest, which will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27, when the Illini host Maryland at 1 p.m.
This year's premier promotion, SoccerFest will feature a Sunday Fan Zone prior to the game in addition to a post-game youth clinic that is free to participants. The Fan Zone will feature a bounce house, face painting station and a soccer challenge station for fans to test their soccer skills. The first 500 fans to arrive at Illinois Soccer Stadium on Sept. 27 will receive a free Illinois Soccer scarf. SoccerFest has a strong history at Illinois as it is known for consistently drawing crowds that rank among the top-10 in school history.
The program will open the season against Oakland on Aug. 21st, welcoming fans for World Cup Night at the Illinois Soccer Stadium. The Illini will welcome members of Chicago Red Stars Women's Professional Soccer team, including Illinois alum, Vanessa DiBernardo. Fans will be able to meet the Chicago Red Stars and get autographs before the game. Additionally, fans who wear soccer jerseys to the game will receive a free Illinois Soccer cup, and the Illini will sign autographs for fans following the game.
Held prior to all Sunday games this season, Illini fans are encouraged to arrive early for fun in the Fan Zone. There will be a face-painting and poster making station as well as games set up for fans including mini goals and cones for youth to use and a goal shoot-out challenge courtesy of Soccer Planet. The Fan Zone will be held in the northeast corner of the field.
In addition to hosting Nebraska in a nationally televised contest on Oct. 18, the Orange and Blue will once again host 100 Kids vs. Illinois Soccer. A popular event, the Illinois Soccer team will take on 100 children in a scrimmage following the game against Nebraska. The first 100 children to register for the event will receive a unique numbered t-shirt.
Kids also are encouraged to celebrate their birthday at any home game this season. The party deal includes hot dogs, sodas, popcorn, posters and programs along with personalized cupcakes, reserved seating, an Illinois wristband, a birthday card signed by the team and a birthday announcement on the video board. To reserve a birthday party, fans can fill out this order form and return it to the Illinois Marketing Office with payment at least one week before the selected home game.
Other promotions scheduled for this year include Hometown Heroes Night (Sept. 11), Student-Athlete Day (Sept. 24) and Senior Night (Oct. 24). Complete details on each event can be found on the Illinois Marketing and Promotions Schedule here.
Keep updated on the Illini and home game promotions all season via http://fightingillini.com/sports/2015/8/5/soccer_promotions.aspx and by following @IlliniSoccer on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at the team throughout the year.
