Illinois Football Tickets

Illinois Football Tickets

It may not seem like it based on recent history, but the Illinois Fighting Illini is one of the most accomplished football programs in Big Ten history. Lately, it’s been a little easier to find cheap Illinois football tickets, but the Illini were once one of the Big Ten’s biggest heavyweights. More importantly, the Fighting Illini look to be on the rise, hoping to fight their way back to the top, which has made last-minute Illinois football tickets a hot commodity in the Prairie State.

The Zuppke Dynasty

Illinois rose to prominence as a football program under head coach Robert Zuppke. The German-born coach took over in 1913 and led the Illini to an undefeated record and a national championship in his second season. That championship was far from a fluke, as Zuppke would lead Illinois to three more national championships during his nearly 30-year tenure with the Fighting Illini.

A Ray of Light

Zuppke was followed at Illinois by Ray Eliot, who played under Zuppke and coached the Illini for 18 seasons. During that time, Eliot led Illinois to three conference titles, and the first two Rose Bowl wins in program history. The second Rose Bowl win following the 1951 season awarded the Fighting Illini their fifth national championship in program history and cemented Eliot’s legacy as one of the most important figures in Illinois history.

A Little Lovie

Success was sporadic for Illinois during the second half of the 20th century. Despite a few Big Ten titles, the Illini suffered through a lot of losing seasons, with those struggles carrying into the 2000s. However, head coach Lovie Smith has provided Illinois with hope for the future. He took over in 2016 and took a few steps backward before taking a big leap forward in 2019, creating optimism that the Fighting Illini will have brighter days ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Does Illinois Football Play?

The Fighting Illini play their home games on campus at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. The stadium opened in 1923 when it was dedicated to the University of Illinois students who lost their lives fighting in World War I. Memorial Stadium has received several renovations in recent years, including a massive “Illinois Renaissance” in 2008. Following the most recent renovation, Memorial Stadium has a capacity of over 60,000 fans.

When do Illinois tickets go on sale?

Cheap Illinois tickets to games played at Memorial Stadium are available months in advance, as are Illinois tickets for away games. In other words, there’s no rush to check Illinois’s schedule. Just grab tickets whenever you’ve got the itch.

Is it better to buy Illinois tickets in advance?

With Illinois tickets being available so far ahead of time, it’s easy to buy tickets whenever you want to – but there’s little need to plan ahead. You can often get cheap last-minute tickets to Illinois games by waiting to make your purchase until the very last minute. As game day gets closer and sellers drop their prices, fans reap the benefits.

What’s the best way to buy cheap Illinois tickets?

The best way to buy cheap Illinois tickets is always going to be from a secure online platform that connects fans and resellers. These ticket marketplaces often have some of the cheapest ticket prices and are the easiest way to shop for Illinois tickets. Can you buy Illinois tickets at the stadium? Sure – but you’ll likely be paying a higher price than you need to!  

Why should I choose Gametime over other ticket marketplaces?

Ticket marketplaces are the best place to find sports tickets. And when it comes to cheap Illinois tickets, Gametime is a no-brainer. Seats bought through us are affordable because we charge some of the lowest service fees anywhere. On top of that, we show you the view from the seats you’re shopping for thanks to our panoramic seat view photos. You’ll never have to buy seats blind with Gametime – you’ll know what your view at Memorial Stadium will be before you buy those cheap Illinois tickets. So the next time you’re in the market for cheap Illinois tickets, turn to Gametime.

How much are Illinois Football tickets?

Illinois ticket prices will differ depending on a number of factors. Generally speaking, the average ticket price for Illinois tickets is around $28 a ticket. But you can be looking at a few hundred dollars more, depending on the opponent, stage of play, and demand.