Coach Bret Bielema and Family Launch Second Annual Initiative to Honor Military Heroes
July 24, 2026 | Football
News
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema and his wife, Jen, have launched their second annual Military Appreciation initiative to give back to those who serve and protect. The Bielema family has pledged to personally match tickets purchased by Fighting Illini fans to bring veterans, active-duty military, and their families to Gies Memorial Stadium for games on Sept. 12 against Duke (9/11 Remembrance Game) and Oct. 24 against Oregon (Military Appreciation Game).
The initiative is aimed at filling the stands with heroes from across the state and beyond for the Fighting Illini's annual Military Appreciation games. The matched tickets will be donated directly to service members and organizations that support them. Ticket recipients can pick either the Duke or Oregon game (pending availability).
"We are grateful for the opportunity to say thank you once again and give back to the military communities," said Bielema. "We are excited to give our military a chance to enjoy a day of celebration, recognition, and Illini Football as a way to honor those who sacrifice so much for our freedom and safety."
Fans are invited to participate by purchasing specially designated $20 tickets through the campaign. For each ticket purchased, Coach Bielema will match it — doubling the impact and the number of honored guests who will get to experience game day at Gies Memorial Stadium.
Additional details, including how fans can contribute and how organizations can request donated tickets, are available here.
Tickets for the Military Appreciation initiative will be distributed by Vet Tix. Those interested in obtaining tickets through the program can register by visiting www.vettix.org and creating an account.
