University of Illinois Tailgating
The University of Illinois is part of the Big 10 Conference and home to Memorial Stadium. The school retired its mascot in 2007, but the spirit of the Fighting Illini lives on at every home game. Pack up the kids and the RV and head to Champaign, Illinois.
Event information
University of Illinois tailgating at Memorial Stadium offers authentic Big Ten RV experiences, with Grange Grove serving as the premier tailgating destination opening at 7 AM on game days and featuring 20x20-foot reservable spaces through REVELxp starting at $50-100 per game. Located in Champaign, Illinois, the historic 60,000-seat stadium built in 1923 provides RV parking in Lot 33 for approximately $40-50, with overnight parking permitted from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. While on-campus RV spaces lack hookups, the Illinois prairie setting offers easy access to campgrounds within 30 miles, including Eagle Creek State Park and numerous recreation areas around Lake Shelbyville. The Champaign-Urbana area provides excellent RV rental options from Chicago and Springfield, putting you within 2-3 hours of Memorial Stadium while offering access to central Illinois's rich Lincoln heritage sites and outdoor recreation opportunities.
What Makes University of Illinois Tailgating Special?
University of Illinois tailgating embodies the essence of Big Ten football tradition, where orange and blue-clad Fighting Illini fans gather in Grange Grove to celebrate one of college football's most storied programs. Despite retiring the Chief Illiniwek mascot in 2007, the passionate fan base maintains unwavering loyalty and creates an electric atmosphere that honors both Illinois tradition and modern college football culture.
Grange Grove, introduced in 2015, transformed the tailgating experience by providing a centralized gathering space directly west of Memorial Stadium where fans can reserve spaces, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in the legendary Illini Walk. The tradition sees the team and Marching Illini parade through tailgating areas 2.5 hours before kickoff, creating an intimate connection between players and fans that defines the Illinois experience.
Memorial Stadium's location in the heart of campus creates a unique college town atmosphere where game day takes over the entire Champaign-Urbana community. The stadium's intimate 60,000-seat capacity ensures every tailgating setup contributes to the collective energy that makes Illinois football weekends feel like family reunions for alumni returning from across the Midwest.
To maximize your Fighting Illini experience, explore Champaign RV rentals for the closest proximity to campus and local flavor, or discover Springfield RV rentals to combine game day with Illinois's rich Lincoln heritage sites.
Tickets
How Much Does Illinois Tailgating Cost?
Illinois game experiences involve several cost components, with pricing remaining affordable compared to other Big Ten venues due to the program's rebuilding phase.
RV Parking: Lot 33 costs approximately $40-50 per game, with advance purchase available through the university parking department or $50 on game day.
Grange Grove Reservations: 20x20-foot tailgating spaces range from $50 to $100 per game through REVELxp, depending on location within the grove and opponent.
Game Tickets: Prices remain accessible, typically ranging from $25 to $60 for single games, with rivalry matchups against Big Ten opponents commanding premium pricing.
Additional Costs:
- Friday overnight parking (usually included in weekend package)
- Food and beverages for tailgating
- Stadium concessions (cashless transactions only)
- Transportation and supplies for your Illinois adventure
Money-Saving Tips:
- Purchase parking passes in advance for guaranteed spots and better pricing
- Book Grange Grove spaces early for prime locations near stadium access
- Arrive Friday evening to maximize tailgating value with overnight parking
- Consider season packages for multiple games if planning extended Illinois visits
How Do I Rent an RV Near Champaign for Illinois Games?
The central Illinois region offers excellent RV rental options that provide easy access to Memorial Stadium while showcasing the Prairie State's agricultural beauty and historical significance.
Champaign provides the most convenient access to campus and authentic college town experiences. Located directly adjacent to the university, Champaign offers everything from compact Class B campervans perfect for navigating campus areas to spacious Class A motorhomes ideal for large tailgating groups and extended families.
Springfield offers Abraham Lincoln historical attractions about 90 minutes south, providing opportunities to combine Fighting Illini football with visits to Lincoln's home, tomb, and presidential library while enjoying Illinois State Fair facilities.
Chicago presents urban amenities about 2.5 hours northeast, offering the largest RV selection and airline access for out-of-state fans planning comprehensive Midwest adventures.
Explore University of Illinois Tailgating RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is situated perfectly in between Chicago; St. Louis, Missouri; Indianapolis, Indiana. Several major interstate highways pass through the city, which means you won’t have a hard time reaching the campus on game day, but you’ll need to think about where to park. A few local street closures usually take place beginning the day before the game.
Parking areas
While RVs are restricted to a single lot, there is the option to park early on Friday evening to camp overnight. Head to Lot 33 the day before the game or be there early in the morning on game day. The cost to park usually runs about $40 if you buy the parking in advance, or fans might pay $50 on game day. The lot closes by late evening on the day of the game, or one hour after the game ends if it takes place at night.
Public Transportation
To get to and from the stadium, use the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) service, which offers a special weekend route for Fighting Illini Fans. The Tran-Sport 280 route boards passengers from various locations and begins two hours before kickoff. Once the game starts, the final trip to the stadium begins 15 minutes after that time. The final shuttles for the return trips arrive 30 minutes after the game ends. The cost to ride route 280 has been about $2 in the past, which is an outstanding deal.
Where to stay
Onsite
Lot 33 serves as the University of Illinois's designated RV parking area, accommodating oversized vehicles and providing overnight camping opportunities for extended game day experiences. RV parking costs approximately $40-50 per game and can be purchased in advance or on game day.
Lot 33 Features:
- No electrical or water hookups available
- Overnight parking permitted from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon
- Generator use is allowed within reasonable noise limits
- Walking distance to Memorial Stadium and Grange Grove
- First-come, first-served space allocation within the lot
- Campus shuttle access is available during game day operations
Important RV Guidelines:
- Saturday overnight parking is typically not available (Friday-Saturday only)
- Dry camping conditions require self-sufficient RV setups
- University parking attendants provide guidance for large rigs
- No re-entry once departing campus parking areas
Nearby
If campus RV parking reaches capacity, Eagle Creek State Park provides an excellent nearby option with 146 RV sites featuring electric hookups, restrooms, and shower facilities on beautiful Lake Shelbyville. Located about 30 miles southeast of campus, this Illinois state park offers full amenities unavailable at Memorial Stadium while maintaining reasonable game day access.
Getting around
Getting to the stadium is as easy as hopping on the Tran-Sport shuttle, but there are alternative options on campus for fans with mobility issues. An ADA shuttle is offered for those who park in the ADA shuttle lot, but there is also a golf cart shuttle service for everyone else. The golf cart shuttle picks up passengers from several lots, including the RV parking lot, beginning two hours before kick-off.
What to pack
Clothing
Central Illinois weather requires strategic packing for highly variable conditions, from warm September afternoons to potentially frigid November games with early-season snow possibilities. Memorial Stadium's open-air design means fans experience all weather conditions throughout the game.
Pack layers including moisture-wicking base layers, warm fleece or down jackets, and waterproof shells for sudden prairie weather changes. Illinois's signature orange and blue create vibrant displays against autumn foliage, so pack plenty of Fighting Illini gear while preparing for temperature swings that can exceed 30 degrees within a single game day.
Gear
Illinois's passionate tailgating culture encourages creative displays of Fighting Illini pride through banners, flags, and elaborate food setups that showcase Midwest hospitality. Portable grills, folding tables, and comfortable seating help create the welcoming atmosphere that defines Illinois tailgating traditions.
Memorial Stadium's clear bag policy restricts items to clutch-size purses or clear bags meeting specific dimensions, requiring careful planning for stadium entry while leaving tailgating supplies secured in your RV.
Health & Safety
Illinois's prairie location can produce rapidly changing weather conditions, especially during late-season games when lake-effect systems move through central Illinois. Pack extra warm clothing, hand/foot warmers, and waterproof gear for unexpected weather developments.
Game day involves extensive walking between parking areas, Grange Grove, and stadium entrances across campus terrain. Comfortable, supportive footwear becomes essential for navigating varied surfaces and enjoying extended outdoor activities in potentially challenging weather conditions.
Where to eat
Cooking
Illinois tailgating celebrates both traditional Midwest comfort foods and unique local specialties like the famous horseshoe sandwich that originated in nearby Springfield. Grilling classic bratwursts, burgers, and corn-on-the-cob creates authentic Illinois experiences while accommodating various dietary preferences.
Gas grilling is permitted in designated tailgating areas, with Grange Grove providing specified cooking zones for reserved spaces. Local grocery stores, including Hy-Vee and County Market, offer excellent selections of Illinois-produced foods perfect for showcasing regional flavors at your tailgating setup.
Restaurants
Champaign-Urbana's college town dining scene extends throughout campus neighborhoods, offering everything from budget-friendly pizza joints to upscale establishments serving farm-to-table cuisine that celebrates Illinois agricultural products. Green Street and campus town provide classic college dining experiences with affordable options perfect for large groups.
Downtown Champaign's historic district features locally-owned restaurants showcasing regional specialties, craft breweries, and family-owned establishments that embody the community spirit that makes Illinois special for visiting fans and alumni.
Vendors
Grange Grove features various food vendors offering game day favorites from local barbecue to international cuisine, providing convenient options for fans preferring to purchase rather than prepare their tailgating meals. Memorial Stadium concessions include traditional favorites alongside regional specialties, with all transactions processed through cashless systems.
Safety
Security
The University of Illinois maintains comprehensive security protocols ensuring safe experiences for all Memorial Stadium visitors. Vehicle inspections occur at parking area entrances, while pedestrian screening includes metal detectors and bag checks for stadium entry.
The clear bag policy expedites security processes while maintaining safety standards. Leave valuable items and prohibited materials secured in your RV, bringing only essential items in approved clear bags for the quickest stadium access.
Weather
Central Illinois prairie weather can change dramatically within hours, particularly during late-season games when arctic fronts move through the region. October and November games may feature everything from warm sunshine to snow squalls, requiring flexible clothing options and quick access to shelter.
Illinois's flat topography intensifies wind effects, making layered clothing essential even during moderate temperature conditions. RV camping provides a crucial climate-controlled refuge when prairie weather turns severe.
Medical
Memorial Stadium provides on-site medical staff in two first-aid locations on opposite sides of the facility, with trained Illini Emergency Medical Services technicians throughout the venue. University staff understand common game day medical needs and coordinate with local emergency services when necessary.
Champaign-Urbana medical facilities, including Carle Foundation Hospital and OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center, are located within miles of campus, while numerous pharmacies provide easy access to over-the-counter medications and health supplies.
