Limited Tickets Remain for Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Gala
August 31, 2026 | General, Hall of Fame
News
CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics will host the 2026 Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and 10th-Anniversary Gala, presented by the University of Illinois Foundation, on Friday, Sept. 11. Some of the greatest names in Fighting Illini Athletics are expected to be in attendance on the floor of State Farm Center for the evening's festivities.
This year's 10th-anniversary ceremony is a ticketed event for all attendees that includes a plated dinner at a tabled seat, open bar, and program that will induct the 2026 class and also welcome back what is approaching 30 Illinois Athletics Hall of Famers from the previous nine classes.
A limited number of tickets remain and can be purchased online at FightingIllini.com. Tickets are $150, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Formal attire is required; black tie is encouraged.
If the event reaches a sellout, interested parties can join a waitlist via the same link. Those that express interest will be contacted as soon as tickets to the gala are able to be confirmed.
Unlike previous Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, there will not be open seating in the stands for the general public at this year's formal event. Fans will not be allowed in State Farm Center without a confirmed seat.
The gala and induction will be hosted by Mike Hall of Big Ten Network, with more than 450 guests expected in attendance.
The eight-member 2026 induction class features golfer D.A. Points; basketball greats James Augustine, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tauja Catchings; football stars Howard Griffith and Brandon Lloyd, soccer's Ella Masar, and volleyball Olympian Jordyn Poulter.
In addition, past inductees expected to attend include: Deron Williams, Perdita Felicien, Rashard Mendenhall, Kenny Battle, Jonelle (Polk) McCloud, Kevin Hardy, Mike Durkin, Charlton Ehizuelen, Lindsey (Nimmo) Bristow, Darrin Fletcher, Darrick Brownlow, Melissa Fernandez, Nicole (Evans) Cazley, Kurt Kittner, Moe Gardner, Jenna Hall, Mannie Jackson, Eddie Johnson, Deon Thomas, Justin Spring, Kendall Gill, Gia Lews-Smallwood, Craig Virgin, Dee Brown, Kiwane Garris, Nick Anderson, Theresa Grentz, and Tara Hurless (names are subject to change and could include further additions).
Along with the University of Illinois Foundation, other event sponsors include Busey Bank, State Farm Insurance, Christie Clinic, Cozad Asset Management and the University of Illinois Alumni Association.
Many of the Hall of Famers will also attend the Illinois vs. Duke football game at Gies Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept.12.
