Classes officially start this week at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. And what soon follows is arguably the best part of the fall semester. Crowds gather at Grange Grove, where all of the excitement kicks off right before a home football game. From apparel sales to food vendors to tailgating, there’s a little something for everyone. But I will be the first to admit, these events can be pretty overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the C-U scene. Check out this gameday guide for a seamless college football experience at Gies Memorial Stadium!
Something you may not even think about before going to a game is the clear bag policy. You have a cute outfit put together, with your favorite purse, only to arrive on-site and discover that only clear bags are permitted. Don’t make this mistake! Plenty of local stores, including Target, Gameday Spirit and Rally House, sell a variety of clear bags with fun accessories to add a little something extra to your gameday uniform. My very own clear bag is decked out with a tied decorative scarf, a block I patch, and a sparkly crossbody strap. I always get so many compliments on this bag, and even better, it meets all the criteria for admission to the stadium!Â
Another thing to keep in mind is that you can never be too early to a U of I gameday event. Trust me. With all of the non-stop traffic, it takes nearly twice as long to get from point A to point B. Getting across campus can be an absolute nightmare (if you don’t know this helpful trick). SO many students forget how walkable Gies Memorial Stadium is. It takes nearly half the time, and you can walk around and soak in all of the surrounding school spirit. Living off campus? No problem. The bus is another great option! Free transportation with an I-Card makes this hack so much easier (and affordable) than taking an Uber or Lyft.
Feeling hungry? Be prepared for long wait times at nearby restaurants (and plenty more traffic). It’s almost impossible to get a bite to eat at your favorite spot on campus. Most restaurants don’t accept reservations, only walk-ins, and most Illini fans have already spent hours at their table. The food scene inside the stadium can also get pretty hectic and expensive. Consider exploring the unique food trucks around Grange Grove, which surprisingly have fairly short lines.
My biggest piece of advice for U of I gameday is to have fun and make the most of your time! No matter how hot it might be outside or how crowded the stadium is, this is one of the most memorable experiences as a college student. I-L-L!
