Sporting Events

Sporting Events One amazing thing about the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is that there is never a lack of something to do. On my weekends, I enjoy going to  home football games. You may have heard that Lovie Smith is the new coach, which draws in a full stadium for game day. The games are filled with students, parents, and supporting fans, all reppin’ their orange and blue. An exciting thing about the football games actually happens before they start: tailgating. At the tailgates, Illini football fans gather in the field and have pre-game celebration. There are tailgates hosted by specific groups, tailgates hosted by families, and groups of friends. Nothing is better than music blasting at a tasty cookout with a fresh, cold snow cone from one of the food trucks. Another aspect that I particularly enjoy is the student section. The student section is always filled with exuberance and passion. They have choreographed chants to build the spirits of our team. Just standing with everyone makes you feel like you are really a part of something big. Students usually get a discount for tickets to attend the game. There is also an athlete section just beneath the student section (where I usually stay). Student athletes get into the games for free, but their section is not very big. Via Giphy This weekend the Illini are playing against Purdue. I dont know much about football, but I will definitely be there to support, cheering loud and proud! Chisom Class of 2020 I'm a Kinesiology major in the College of Applied Health Sciences. I'm a first-generation American; my twin and I were born in Oak Park, Illinois. The rest of my siblings were born in Nigeria. I'm a pole vaulter and sprinter on the Illini track team.