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Gies Memorial Stadium Tickets
- Location
- Champaign, IL
Plan your visit
Upcoming Events at Gies Memorial Stadium
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October 2026
1 eventNovember 2026
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Headliners Coming to Gies Memorial Stadium
Illinois Fighting Illini
Saturday, October 24, 2026 · Friday, November 6, 2026 · Saturday, November 21, 2026
Welcome to Gies Memorial Stadium, the home of the Illinois Fighting Illini football team. Located in Champaign, Illinois, this NCAA Division I stadium has hosted marquee events and is a cornerstone of campus life. Whether you’re planning a campus visit, a game-day experience, or a quick weekend trip, we’ve got you covered with seating specifics, parking guidance, transit options, and hand-picked hotel and restaurant recommendations to keep things smooth and stress-free.
From comfortable seating areas to convenient parking and easy access to Champaign-Urbana’s dining and lodging, Gies Memorial Stadium is more than just a game venue—it’s a centerpiece of a vibrant college town. Secure your seats with a trusted partner, navigate game-day logistics like a local, and enjoy your stay in the Champaign area with our insider tips and vetted partner recommendations.
Getting there
Inside the venue
Gies Memorial Stadium offers a selection of functional and flexible event spaces that are ideal for meetings, receptions, private gatherings, and spaces for larger outdoor events. The stadium’s interior spaces include enclosed rooms well-suited for corporate meetings, team retreats, classrooms, workshops, and VIP hospitality functions. The stadium includes Zuppke Field, named for legendary coach Bob Zuppke. [2] [4]
Venue history
Gies Memorial Stadium was opened on 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. Named after a $100M gift from Larry and Beth Gies in 2025. [4]
References
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Capacity: 60,670 (2011–present).
- Address: 1402 S 1st St, Champaign, IL 61820.
- Venue type: NCAA Division I football stadium; home to Illinois Fighting Illini football.
- Renaming: Renamed to Gies Memorial Stadium on September 9, 2025 after a $100M donation; not demolished.
- Notable events: Hosted Farm Aid in 1985; Chicago Bears used the stadium in 2002 during Soldier Field renovations.
- Seating chart notes: East Main Stand ~18,000; East Balcony ~10,000; West Main ~13,000 + ~5,000 balcony; South End Zone ~9,800; North Bleachers ~5,000; 2,200 end-zone seats were removed in 2011.
- Parking: Multiple lots around the stadium (E-14, 31, grass western lots); parking maps exist; typical game-day parking is cashless and may require passes.
- Transit: Served by the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD).
- Nearby hotels: Within ~0.5 miles are I Hotel & Conference Center, Homewood Suites Champaign-Urbana, Hilton Garden Inn Champaign/Urbana, and other hotels on or near Neil Street.
- Recent developments: Official renaming confirmed by major outlets and university sources in 2025.
