Full Promotional Schedule
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) announced a full slate of marketing promotions for home games at Illinois Field in 2016. The eighth annual Bleacher Bum Barbecue (April 22), Honor and Serve Day (May 1) and Kid Captain and birthday party opportunities at every game highlight the list of Fighting Illini baseball promotions.
The seventh-annual Bleacher Bum Barbecue, the premier promotion for Fighting Illini baseball, will be held Friday, April 22, when Illinois hosts Ohio State at 6 p.m. at Illinois Field. The event has been a staple on the Illini schedule, as the previous seven editions have drawn average crowds over 3,000 to Illinois Field, including an all-time high of 5,214 in 2009. This year's event will feature free BBQ for the first 500 fans, courtesy of Hickory River, along with interactive activities. More details will be released in the coming weeks.
For the fifth year in a row, the Fighting Illini will wear special commemorative jerseys as part of Honor and Serve Day at Illinois Field. The event, which is designed to honor University of Illinois student veterans and all of America's military heroes along with serving the Champaign-Urbana community, will be held on Sunday, May 1, when Illinois hosts Minnesota at 1 p.m. Full details and this year's commemorative jerseys will be unveiled in the coming months.
Other exciting promotions to put on the calendar include:
» Opening Day (March 25)
» Bunny at the Ball Park (March 26)
» International Night - part of International Week (April 5)
» Country Day (April 19)
» As-Seen-On-TV-Night (April 23)
» Super Hero Day (April 24)
» Kids Day (April 30)
» Star Wars Day (May 4)
» Spring Cleaning Day (May 20)
» I FUND Day (May 21)
The following concession deals also will be offered throughout the season:
» Thirsty Tuesday (half-priced sodas at every Tuesday game)
» Family Fridays (hot dog, chips and a drink for $6 at every Friday game)
» Sunday Deal ($2 nachos at every Sunday game)
Baseball cards will be given away at the four Big Ten series, and select players will sign autographs after every Friday home games. Complete details on each event can be found on the Illinois Marketing and Promotions Schedule.
Kids are able to celebrate their birthday at any home game this season. The party deal includes:
» Personalized cupcakes
» Hot dogs
» Sodas
» Popcorn
» Illini prizes
» Birthday card signed by the team
» Birthday message announced at the game
All games will be held at Illinois Field
~Game dates, times and promotions are subject to change
