CHICAGO, Ill. – Ahead of the annual Big Ten Media Days in Chicago on July 24-25, the Fighting Illini got a jump on the festivities in the Windy City Sunday night. Illinois head coach Lovie Smith, Director of Athletics Josh Whitman and Illini players Christian DiLauro, Jaylen Dunlap and Malik Turner all took in the Cubs-Cardinals Sunday Night Baseball matchup at Wrigley Field.
Smith, who spent nine seasons as coach of the Chicago Bears, was on the field prior to the game to present the lineup card. Smith also spent some time catching up with Cubs manager Joe Maddon, who was manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2014 when Smith was coaching the Buccaneers.
Following the on-field presentation, the Illini contingent moved to one of the famed Wrigley Rooftops for an I FUND event during the game.
Prior to the game, Illini fans gathered at Schoolyard Tavern for a 2017 Fighting Illini Kickoff Party, hosted by Ryan Baker.
On Monday, the Illini will make the rounds at Big Ten Media Day. Coach Smith will take the podium at 12:30 pm CT live on BTN and will be on the set of BTN Live at 2:45 pm CT. The trio of Fighting Illini players will join BTN Live at 4:30 pm CT.
Checkout some photos from Sunday in Chicago.
