The Fighting Illini will face the Washington Huskies for Chicago Homecoming at historic Soldier Field on Sept. 14, 2013. Illini fans and alumni can enjoy a full day of tailgating at “Illini Fest” before the 5 p.m. kickoff.
As one of the pioneers of the Homecoming tradition in college athletics, the University of Illinois will add a wrinkle to the century-old tradition this year. In addition to its traditional on-campus homecoming Oct. 26 vs. Michigan State, Illinois will host a “Chicago Homecoming” this fall for the thousands of UI alumni in Chicagoland when the Fighting Illini face the Washington Huskies at historic Soldier Field on Sept. 14.
Tickets for the Chicago Homecoming game are on sale now for as low as $30 at the Illinois Athletic Ticket office, by calling 1-866-ILLINI-1 or online. There are three price levels for the game: $80 for sideline seats, $50 for 200-level end-zone seats, and $30 for 400 level corner seats. Order forms for the game have been mailed to I Fund donors and season ticket holders. All Illinois student season ticket holders will receive a free ticket to the Chicago Homecoming game.
The Illini will host “Chicago Homecoming” at Soldier Field on September 14, 2013 when they face the Washington Huskies.
As part of the Chicago Homecoming festivities, there will be tailgating opportunities and a special Chicago-style Street Fest area located just outside Soldier Field for fans and alumni to enjoy a day full of activities at the historic home of the Chicago Bears. More details on pregame activities available for fans attending the game will be forthcoming.
“The Fighting Illini football game at Soldier Field in September will be an outstanding opportunity for our fans and alumni to experience a game at one of the nation’s iconic football venues,” Director of Athletics Mike Thomas said. “We’ll bring as much tradition and Illini game-day atmosphere as possible to the Windy City as we celebrate a Chicago Homecoming. I have no doubt this will be a very memorable day for fans of all ages.”
Illini fans are asked to purchase their Chicago Homecoming tickets directly from the Illinois Ticket Office. Tickets purchased through the Illinois Ticket Office will have exclusive access to the best seats in Soldier Field. Priority deadline to order tickets through Illinois Athletics is April 30.
In addition to the Chicago Homecoming game, 2013 Illinois football home season tickets are on sale now for as low as $99. Current season ticket holders at all price levels must renew by April 9 to remain in their current seat location or have a chance to improve their seats. Season ticket holders may improve their ticket location by joining the I FUND or increasing their annual giving to the I FUND.
THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND …
The following weekend, the Marching Illini are special guests at the Chicagoland Marching Band Festival at Wheeling High School, on Saturday, September 21, 2013.