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Stadium: Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium was built in 1923 as a memorial to Illinois men and women who gave their lives for their country during World War I. Their names appear on 200 columns that support the east and west sides of the stadium. In May of 2002, the University Alumni Association began a campaign to fund a veterans' memorial project which recognizes the 1,087 who have lost their lives in battle in World War II, the Second Nicaraguan Campaign, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon and Desert Storm. Donations of approximately $1.7 million by more than 200,000 students, alumni and other friends of the University made the construction of Memorial Stadium possible. The Athletic Association (now known as the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics) later allocated $509,805 to the project for the construction of the south stands and other stadium additions. The drive was needed to add spaces for the over 30,000 fans who were turned away from games.
Seating Chart:
Memorial Stadium Seating Chart
Team Schedule:
Sep 1 Missouri 3:30pm
Sep 8 Western Illinois 7:00pm
Sep 15 @Syracuse 12:00pm
Sep 22 @Indiana TBA
Sep 29 Penn St. TBA
Oct 6 Wisconsin TBA
Oct 13 @Iowa TBA
Oct 20 Michigan 8:00pm
Oct 27 Ball St. 12:00pm
Nov 3 @Minnesota 8:00pm
Nov 10 @Ohio St. TBA
Nov 17 Northwestern TBA
Season Preview:
With 18 returning starters and enough talented newcomers ready to add their input, Illinois believes it's ready to compete for the program's first winning season (and bowl berth) since 2001. The Illini will quickly know where they stand as they face Missouri in St. Louis on Sept. 1. Considering Illinois went three years without a single gamebreaking threat on its roster, Illini fans should be giddy about the troika of junior RB Rashard Mendenhall, sophomore QB Juice Williams and freshman WR Arrelious "Rejus" Benn. They're an explosive combination that should be long on thrills and could be long on chills, as Mendenhall has been prone to fumbles and Williams' interceptions and accuracy are a concern. Illinois lost just two of the top 16 tacklers from a unit that made steady improvement as 2006 bumped along. The Illini don't just have experience. In senior LB J Leman (152 tackles), sophomore CB Vontae Davis, senior DE Chris Norwell and others, they boast lots of big-play potential that could expedite Illinois' process back to a bowl. PK Jason Reda missed almost all of spring ball with a groin injury, but his expected return gives the Illini a four-year veteran at this crucial spot. At punter, however, incumbent Kyle Yelton's inconsistent freshman year has given walk-ons Jared Bosch and Anthony Santella a legitimate chance to take his job. Illinois hopes to be more explosive in the return game. Highly touted freshman Arrelious Benn could be a part of this improvement, though the Illini have several candidates in mind.
Official Site:
fightingillini.cstv.com