November 5, 2026 | Football
News
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois hosts Nebraska on Friday at 7 p.m. CT for the program's first Hail to the Blue Out and also Dads Day, the 100+-year tradition at Illinois. Here are things to look for on Friday:
Wear Blue!
Fans are encouraged to wear blue for the Hail to the Blue Out.
Parachuters
Seven Air Force Wings of Blue parachuters are scheduled to jump down to Gies Memorial Stadium approximately 25 minutes before kickoff.
All Blue Uniforms
Illinois will wear blue helmets, blue uniforms, and blue pants for the Hail to the Blue Out.
Dads at Illini Walk
Illini player dads are scheduled to do the pregame Illini Walk with their sons in honor of Dads Day.
Student Rally Towels
Illinois will give out 7,500 light-up blue rally towels to the student section, sponsored by U of I Community Credit Union.
Siren Sounder
Former Illini women's basketball coach and Basketball Hall of Famer Theresa Grentz will be the honorary pregame air raid siren sounder.
Friday Parking Advisory
With the Friday night game at Gies Memorial Stadium, there are several updates to parking and tailgating policies to accommodate a weekday event. Click here for more information.
