April 17, 2009

URBANA, Ill. - It's time to fire up the grills and pull out the lawn chairs as the Illinois softball team gears up for the sixth annual World's Largest Softball Tailgate, set for Saturday, April 18 at Eichelberger Field, preceding the Illini's matchup against the No. 8/5 Michigan Wolverines at 5 p.m. Parking lots open at 10 a.m. and St. Louis Cardinals' emcee Todd Thomas will be on hand to get the fun rolling.

The tailgate features plenty of festivities for the whole family. In addition to games and inflatables, prizes will be given out for the most spirited tailgate and best food. At noon, fans can catch other Illini athletes such as football's Brit Miller, women's basketball's Jenna Smith, wrestling's Mike Poeta and soccer's Emily Zurrer, among others, in a home run derby.

The festivities continue inside the stadium, as the first 200 fans receive a free Tailgate t-shirt. Illini head football coach Ron Zook will join in the action, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

For more information and a video about the Tailgate tradition, visit the World's Largest Softball Tailgate link on the softball page.