Illinois Football Carry-In Policy

ITEMS PERMITTED: Binoculars (without case), cameras (lenses no longer than 4”), blankets, jackets, items related to a medical condition, seat cushions (not more than 16” wide), diaper bags (with child), food items in clear bags, sealed plastic bottles of water 20 ounces and smaller, and empty water bottles/tumblers.

ITEMS PROHIBITED (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO): Bags larger than 4.5” x 7.0” (including purses, and binocular cases), containers, strollers, laser pointers, umbrellas, banners, flags, signs, noisemakers, weapons, laptops, video recorders, monopods, tripods or any items deemed dangerous or inappropriate.

Patrons with approved clear bags will be directed to dedicated bag-check lines at each entrance. Patrons may be asked to remove items in the bag as part of the security screening process.

Accessible Services

Complete information related to Accessible Services at Memorial Stadium can be found on the Accessible Services page.

Emergencies    

Emergencies and Evacuation Procedures
In the event of an emergency, all Event Staff, Law Enforcement and Fire Personnel will assist guests in any necessary relocation or evacuation. Information will also be provided over the public address system.

Public Address Announcements
Public address announcements are not made under most instances; however, please visit the Guest Service kiosks located on the East and West concourses if you need to contact someone in the event of an extraordinary circumstance. 

Facility Information

Baby Changing Stations
Baby changing stations are located in men’s and women’s restrooms in the Horseshoe and in the Great East and West Halls.

Concessions | SEE CONCESSIONS MAP
Concession stands located throughout Memorial Stadium serve a wide variety of options. All selling points in Memorial Stadium are cashless. Concessions stands will begin closing at the end of the third quarter, with two stands on the east and west sides remaining open until there are 5 minutes left in the game. Additionally, concessions stands will stop selling alcohol at the start of the fourth quarter.

Entrances

Entrances open 90 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off time for the general public and two hours before kickoff for premium seating ticket holders.

New for the 2025 season, the University of Illinois Division of Public Safety and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) have added walk-through metal detection systems to all Memorial Stadium entrances. Fans visiting Memorial Stadium will have a similar entry experience to other major professional and collegiate sports venues around the United States. Fans will keep their belongings with them while passing through the upgraded metal detection system, and anyone who triggers an alarm will receive a secondary check with a handheld security wand.

There are 6 entrances at Memorial Stadium. For direct and efficient access to your seat, please enter the stadium through the entrance nearest your seat location, as noted on your ticket.

• SW Entrance – Kirby Avenue, West side of stadium
  • Permitted bag checks for the following: Diaper bags, Medical bags, Media equipment
• Grange Entrance
• Express Entrance – South side of Grange Grove on the east gate; No bags permitted
• NW Entrance – Irwin Drive, alongside ARC west side wall
• NE Entrance – Peabody Drive, between ARC and Irwin Indoor Practice Facility 
• Fourth Street Gate– No entrance, egress only
• SE Entrance – Kirby Avenue, East side of stadium

Press Box
The press box at Memorial Stadium is utilized by working personnel and is accessible by using the premium seating elevators on the West side of the stadium at Gates 16 and 18. Working press may submit requests for credentials to the Athletic Media Relations Department by reaching out to btmoore3@illinois.edu.

Nursing Mothers
Nursing mothers have access to a lactation pod located in the East Great Hall that serves one individual at a time. The pod features outlets and USB ports, a comfortable seating option, and shelf. Please see the East Guest Services kiosk to find out more information on how to access the pod.

Restrooms
Restrooms are located throughout Memorial Stadium. Restrooms will be closed on a rotating basis throughout the course of the game in order to provide additional cleaning.

Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited on all campus property at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, both indoors and outdoors, in university-owned vehicles and in privately-owned vehicles parked on campus property. This includes Memorial Stadium and the parking lots surrounding it.

Expressive Activity Policy

The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics adheres to the University policy related to Expressive Activity.

Fire Safety

Rules for Tailgating at DIA Sponsored Events

• All fires and hot coals must be contained within grills or other designated containers designed specifically for that purpose, must be attended at all times, and should be set up at least 25 feet away from pedestrian traffic, buildings, tents, and flammable materials.
• Fires built on the ground are prohibited.
• Never add flammable liquids to an active fire.
• All fires should be extinguished thoroughly with water before leaving them unattended.
• Place extinguished charcoal in designated containers and remove it from campus for disposal.  Do not dump charcoal on the ground or in dumpsters.
• Do not store warm grills in or under your vehicle.
• A fire extinguisher should be readily available at tailgates with an active fire or using hot coals. At least one person in attendance must be trained in use of the fire extinguisher.
• Campus is smoke-free, so there is no smoking allowed on university property.
• Report any accidents or injury immediately to University of Illinois Division of Public Safety 217-333-1216 (call 911 for an emergency).

Guest Services

Fan Text Message System
Should fans need assistance while inside the stadium, they will be able to contact event management staff by sending a text message to 69050, keyword ILLINI from their phone. Be sure to include the problem and the location of the incident, including the section number, row, and seat number (if applicable) in the message. Please note that standard message and data rates may apply.

Guest Service Kiosks
Guest Service Kiosks are located near Gate 15 on the east side of the stadium and near the middle of the Great West Hall on the west side of the stadium. These exist on gamedays to answer any questions, address concerns, and listen to any suggestions and/or feedback. There are additional Guest Service locations outside the stadium at the corner of First and Kirby, inside the Southeast entrance on the east side of the stadium, and near the Red Grange statue on the west side of the stadium.

Lost and Found
Lost and found inquiries can be made at the East and West Guest Service Kiosks. Once the kiosks have closed, inquiries can be directed to the Event Management Office, by phone at 217-333-FIND, or by email: diaeventmanagement@illinois.edu.

Merchandise
Fighting Illini merchandise is available for sale inside the Great East and West Halls. Merchandise is also available outside the stadium in the Grange Grove lot on the west side prior, during and after each game.

Programs
Game programs are available in both the Great East Hall and Great West Hall of Memorial Stadium.

Recycling
The University of Illinois's Fighting Illini football program is actively engaged in sustainability efforts, primarily through the "Be Orange, Go Green" program. This initiative, a partnership between the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, encourages fans to actively recycle using the bins provided around Memorial Stadium and tailgating areas during home games. DIA has a goal of dramatically reducing the amount of landfill waste accumulated during gameday.

Seat Back Cushions
Limited availability remains for seat back cushions for the 2025 season. For more information call 866-514-3435 or go online at IlliniSeats.com.

Medical Services

Ambulance services are on site during all home football games. Patrons needing an ambulance should seek the nearest Illinois Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) technician, police officer, usher, or event management staff member for assistance.

First Aid Rooms
First aid rooms at Memorial Stadium are located under section 105 on the east side, and in the southwest corner of the Great West Hall south of Gate 24. IEMS technicians wearing red shirts are located in the East and West Main Stands, East and West Balconies, and Horseshoe in vomitories marked with red railings. 

Parking

See parking information including maps, gameday purchase and pass lots. 

Premium Seating

Entrance
Premium seating patrons may enter through the premium seating lobby on the west side of Memorial Stadium (Gates 16 & 18). All suites and club areas open two (2) hours prior to kickoff and will close one (1) hour after the conclusion of the game. Upon entering the lobby, your tickets will be checked to ensure that you have an Illinois Premium Seating ticket for Memorial Stadium. The Illinois Premium Seating Customer Service Team will assist you in determining which elevator you will use to take you directly to your suite or club space.

During the game, if a guest wishes to exit the premium areas and re-enter, they must have their ticket scanned again upon exit and upon re-entry. This policy will be strictly enforced.

Premium Seating Opportunities
If you are interested in seats in the Colonnades Club, the 77 Club, or Memorial Stadium Suites please contact the Office of Illinois Premium Seating at 217-244-7722 or visit the premium seating website.

Permitted and Prohibited Items

Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited from being carried into and out of Memorial Stadium.

Banners & Signs
Banners and signs are not permitted in Memorial Stadium. Paint and spray paint is also not allowed inside the stadium. 

Cameras
Cameras are restricted in Memorial Stadium. Cameras with a stand or tripod and video cameras are not permitted. Personal snapshot pocket cameras are allowed in the stadium, however, in no instance may photography interfere with access ways, seat aisles, or other guests’ enjoyment of the game. Cameras are to come in without a bag unless they meet the CLEAR bag policy. NOTE: Secondary use of any pictures, audio description, film, tape or drawing of the game are the exclusive rights of the NCAA.

Clear Bag Policy | More Info
Fans will be able to carry the following styles and bag sizes into Memorial Stadium: Bags that are CLEAR plastic or vinyl and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”; CLEAR drawstring bag 12” x 12”; One-gallon CLEAR plastic storage bag; Small clutch no larger than 4.5” x 7”. Exceptions will be made for diaper bags (with child) and approved medical needs after proper inspection. All backpacks regardless of size are prohibited and any bags larger than 12” x 6” x 12”, clear or non-clear, will be strictly prohibited. Fans are encouraged to bring only necessary items into Memorial Stadium and all bags are subject to search and inspection.

Concealed-Carry
With the passage of the concealed weapons law in the state of Illinois, fans are reminded that concealed weapons are NOT permitted on the U of I campus and are prohibited at all collegiate sporting events.

Coolers and Containers
Coolers and containers are not permitted in Memorial Stadium. This includes cans, glass bottles, thermos bottles, wine skins, bota bags, and glass of any kind.

Food and Drink
Food items contained in the approved CLEAR bags may be carried into Memorial Stadium. Sealed plastic water bottles (20 oz. and smaller), as well as empty water bottles or tumblers, may also be carried into the stadium.

Full Face Coverings
For the safety of our patrons, full-face coverings cannot be worn by patrons in the venue. Religious garments, including full-face coverings, and KN95 or similar medical masks, are permitted.

Other Items
Other items prohibited from Memorial Stadium include fireworks, noisemakers (whistles or horns), strollers, baby carriers, tri-pods, umbrellas, video cameras, and weapons of any kind (including pocket knives). Storage facilities are NOT available for items left at entrances.

Personal Seat Backs and Seat Cushions
Personal seat backs and seat cushions should be no larger than 9” x 16”.

Pets
Pets are not permitted in Memorial Stadium, with the exception of registered service animals.

Prohibited Activities inside Grange Grove

Activities that are prohibited from Grange Grove include smoking of any kind, using rope, tape, or other obstructions to mark a tailgate spot, tailgating on sidewalks or walkways, including the center aisle of the south side, non-approved advertising and solicitation, picketing and political campaigning, disorderly conduct, as well any activities, performances, music, or sounds which may interfere with scheduled entertainment, vendors, and other tailgates. The DIA reserves the right to remove any tailgate and/or tailgater who violates this policy.

Political Activity

University policy states University property and services (e.g., space and equipment, campus mail, computers and e-mail, postage, photocopying and fax, vehicles, etc.) may not be used for political campaign activities. Therefore, political campaigns cannot distribute materials at Illinois football games. 

Sensory Trigger Warning

The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics acknowledges that some individuals may have sensory sensitivities and would like to caution fans about the potential for uncomfortable noise and visual stimulants during the event. The stimulants may include air horns, loud music, flashing lights, and/or fireworks. If you are experiencing sensory overload, we ask that you please seek a guest services representative to assist you in finding a safe and quiet environment.

Street Closures

To protect the safety and security of Memorial Stadium, two additional street closures will be enforced on gamedays starting in 2023. Fourth St. from Pennsylvania to Kirby will be closed to pregame traffic. Additionally, Kirby Ave. from First to Oak St will close three hours prior to kickoff. Read more HERE. 

Ticket Information

Gameday Ticket Sales
The Illinois Ticket Office, located in the main west lobby of State Farm Center, opens at 9 AM for games beginning prior to 3 PM, or at 12 PM for games that kick off after 3 PM.

Infants and Toddlers

Infants and toddlers, age two and under, are allowed to enter Memorial Stadium for free as long as they are sitting in laps of a ticketed patron.This policy applies to events held on the University of Illinois campus only and excludes any postseason events. 

Mobile Tickets

Illinois football tickets are delivered digitally and can be accessed through the Fighting Illini mobile app. Simply download the app and select the ticket icon in the bottom right corner. Select “Manage Account” and log in. Once logged in, you will find all of your active tickets for Illinois home events. Make sure to add your tickets to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay before arriving at the venue to ensure your can easily access the tickets at the gates. Tickets can be transferred to members of your party or to others when you aren't able to use them. Via the Fighting Illini app, select the tickets you wish to transfer and enter the cell phone number (or email address) of the person you wish to transfer them to. Your guest will receive a text message (or email) instructing them to accept their tickets.

Office Information
The Illinois Ticket Office is open weekdays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located on the west side of State Farm Center off of First St.

Re-Entry
Patrons are not permitted to re-enter Memorial Stadium once a ticket has been scanned. A new ticket is required for entry.

Ticket Replacement Policy

Tickets purchased in advance of game day that are lost, stolen, or destroyed can be replaced by visiting the Illinois Ticket Office. Once a ticket has been replaced, the barcode on the original ticket will become invalid. Replacement tickets can be obtained on gameday at the box office inside the main west lobby of State Farm Center.  

All tickets can also be accessed digitally through the Fighting Illini app. Illinois Athletics can only reprint or reissue tickets purchased via authorized sources, which includes Illinois Athletics and/or SeatGeek.” 

Tickets
Beginning January 1, 2024, the Illinois Ticket Office will be cashless. Tickets may be purchased in-person via check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express only. Tickets can also be purchased online at fightingillini.com or by calling 866-ILLINI-1.

Will Call

Will Call Tickets
Will call tickets are to be picked up at the State Farm Center Illinois Ticket Office. Will call opens at 9 AM for games beginning at 3 PM or earlier, or at 12 PM for games that kick off after 3 PM. To pick up tickets and/or credentials at will call, a valid photo ID that matches the name on the order must be presented at the time of pick up. Refunds are not issued for unclaimed tickets left at will call. Groups included are:

• Press Will Call
• University of Illinois Player Guest Tickets
• Visiting Player Guest Tickets
• Recruit Tickets