Sept. 25, 2009

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics is calling for an "Orange Out" at Memorial Stadium for the Oct. 3 Penn State football game. The "Orange Out" is being sponsored by The News-Gazette, WHMS, and WDWS.

Coca-Cola is providing orange metallic shakers for the first 60,000 fans in Memorial Stadium. Nearly all Illinois fans already wear their orange to Memorial Stadium, but everyone is asked to do so for this game.

The contest featuring Ron Zook's Fighting Illini and Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions is set for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff. The game has been sold out since Sept. 9.

"Our fans have always provided an amazing atmosphere for home games and an `Orange Out' will only take that to the next level," Zook said. "We have been a part of some of these games at other stadiums and it energizes a crowd and presents problems for the visiting team. The team looks forward to playing in front of a sold-out crowd that's all wearing orange next week."

While the Penn State game and the Oct. 10 Michigan State game are sold out, tickets remain available for games with Michigan (Oct. 31), Northwestern (Nov. 14), and Fresno State (Dec. 5). Only limiting seating is available for Michigan and Northwestern before Illinois must open the first five obstructed rows. Tickets are available at FightingIllini.com or at 1-866-ILLINI-1.