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Gies Memorial Stadium - home of Illinois in Champaign, IL
NCAA FBS

Gies Memorial StadiumChampaign, Illinois

Illinois

👥
Capacity
60,670
🏆
Conference
Big Ten
📅
Opened
1923
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

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📖About Gies Memorial Stadium

Gies Memorial Stadium holds 60,670 and features the iconic "Columns" entrance—200 replica columns honoring Illinois students who died in WWI. Named after a $150M gift from Larry and Beth Gies in 2020, it's home to Red Grange's legacy and four national championships. The stadium includes Zuppke Field, named for legendary coach Bob Zuppke.

🏛️History

Origins

Opened October 18, 1923 with a 24-7 win over Chicago. Built at a cost of $1.7 million as a WWI memorial. The 200 columns flanking the east entrance each represent an Illinois graduate killed in the war. Zuppke Field was named in 1974.

Major Renovations

1967AstroTurf installed (one of first major college venues)
2008West side renovated with premium seating and club areas
2020Named Gies Memorial Stadium after $150M gift; Block I plaza built
2024New HD video boards and enhanced sound system

Notable Moments

Oct 18, 1924Red Grange's famous 6-TD game vs Michigan—"The Galloping Ghost" debut
Nov 10, 2007Illinois upset #1 Ohio State 28-21; students stormed field
Oct 26, 2024Illinois beat Michigan 21-7—first home win vs Michigan since 2009

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Sections 228-232 offer midfield views with chairbacks. The 1923 Club (west side) has all-inclusive hospitality. Lower bowl sections 106-110 are closest to the action. Student section is Block I (sections 129-133).

Parking Tips

Grange Grove tailgate area opens 5 hours before kickoff. Lots 31 and 44 are closest to stadium. Memorial Stadium parking garage has limited spots. Free shuttle from Lot E-14. Street parking in campus neighborhoods fills early.

Game Day

Illini Walk brings the team through Grange Grove 2.5 hours before kickoff. Chief Illiniwek was retired in 2007, but "Three-in-One" and War Chant traditions continue. Block I section leads student cheers. Post-game, hit Green Street for restaurants and bars. Clear bag policy enforced.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Murphy's Pub

$$

Iconic campus pub known for its burgers and deep Illini tradition.

📍 1.2 miles604 E Green St

💡 Order the "Murphy Burger" – a campus staple.

Kam's

$

Famous (or infamous) college bar. Essential part of the UIUC experience.

📍 1 mile102 E Daniel St

💡 Known for being loud and crowded. Truly a student favorite.

Brothers Bar & Grill

$

Large, reliable sports bar on Green Street with plenty of TVs.

📍 1.2 miles613 E Green St

💡 Good spot for pre-game wings and catching early kickoffs.

🍽️Restaurants

Papa Del's Pizza

$$

Legendary deep-dish pizza. Often cited as some of the best in the Big Ten.

📍 1.5 miles1201 S Neil St

💡 Deep dish takes time—order ahead if possible or expect a wait.

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House

$$

Highly acclaimed BBQ joint with an incredible selection of craft beers.

📍 2 miles320 N Chestnut St

💡 The burnt ends are world-class but sell out fast.

Maize Mexican Grill

$

Authentic and popular Mexican spot right in the heart of campus.

📍 1 mile60 E Green St

💡 Excellent and affordable tacos.

🏨Hotels

I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center

$$$$

Upscale hotel located directly on the south end of campus near the stadium.

📍 0.3 miles1900 S 1st St

💡 The most convenient and luxurious stay near the stadium.

Hyatt Place Champaign-Urbana

$$$

Modern hotel located in downtown Champaign near restaurants and bars.

📍 1.8 miles217 N Neil St

💡 Great for groups who want to explore downtown post-game.

🎭Attractions

State Farm Center

$

The unique, dome-shaped home of Fighting Illini Basketball, located right next door.

📍 0.1 miles1800 S 1st St

💡 Watch for the "I" logo on the roof.

Spurlock Museum of World Cultures

$

On-campus museum showcasing diverse cultural artifacts.

📍 1 mile600 S Gregory St

💡 A great educational stop on a non-gameday.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Lot E-14

$20
Lot📍 0.4 miles

💡 Large public lot with a convenient shuttle to the gates.

🅿️

Research Park Lots

$20
Lot📍 0.6 miles

💡 Good overflow parking area south of the stadium.

🏢

Maryland Avenue Garage

$30
Garage📍 0.3 miles

💡 Fills up very fast; arrive early.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Gies Memorial Stadium? Share it with us.

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Stadium Rankings

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#22 Oldest Stadium
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🔥Rivals

→

Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium

Missouri

Arch Rivalry

Columbia, MO

→

Ryan Field

Northwestern

Battle for the Land of Lincoln

Evanston, IL

→

Ohio Stadium

Ohio State

Battle for the Illibuck

Columbus, OH

→

Ross–Ade Stadium

Purdue

Battle for the Purdue Cannon

West Lafayette, IN

Stadiums Near Gies Memorial Stadium

→

O’Brien Field

Eastern Illinois Panthers

Charleston, Illinois43 mi
→

Hancock Stadium

Illinois State Redbirds

Normal, Illinois49 mi
→

Memorial Stadium

Indiana State Sycamores

Terre Haute, Indiana63 mi
→

Ross–Ade Stadium

Purdue

West Lafayette, IN73 mi
→

Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium

Indiana

Bloomington, IN111 mi
→

Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl

Butler Bulldogs

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.