Making the trip to Illinois this fall and need some help

[TechDawg]

Hey guys, Louisiana Tech student here who is making the trip to Illinois this coming fall. I'll be driving up along with five fraternity brothers from Ruston on that Friday. I just wanted to stop by here and get some advice before making the trip.

Some of the things I was looking for are things like, where is the best place to tailgate? What section is the visitors section? Where to go out after the game? Are there open container laws? Any gameday traditions we should go see?


Any advice yall have would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks a ton!

[RHITIllini]

Originally Posted by TechDawg

Hey guys, Louisiana Tech student here who is making the trip to Illinois this coming fall. I'll be driving up along with five fraternity brothers from Ruston on that Friday. I just wanted to stop by here and get some advice before making the trip.

Some of the things I was looking for are things like, where is the best place to tailgate? What section is the visitors section? Where to go out after the game? Are there open container laws? Any gameday traditions we should go see?


Any advice yall have would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks a ton!

You might have to shop around a bit for parking passes closer to gameday, but lot E-14 usually has some good tailgating. it's caddy-corner to Memorial Stadium and right next to the Assembly Hall. There's good tailgating at the Assembly Hall lot too, but passes for that can be a little harder to come by.

The visitors section is usually in the southeast corner of the stadium just before the horseshoe (curved south section). Generally they sit visiting fans there, but with things like Stubhub and ebay, you could end up just about anywhere. But if you buy through the school, that's likely where you'll be seated.

No alcohol in the stadium, but you can tailgate in the parking lots without any problems. Probably wouldn't wander around too far with a drink though if you've been at it for a while.

As for traditions, if you're into bands, the UofI marching band warms up just outside of the horseshoe on Kirby between the two stadiums before the games.

[CaptainHindsight]

also you should contact your fraternity chapter here at illinois (if they are on campus). odds are they will have a pregame tailgate of some sort.

[NnannasBananas11]

Originally Posted by CaptainHindsight

also you should contact your fraternity chapter here at illinois (if they are on campus). odds are they will have a pregame tailgate of some sort.

Fraternities have "Block" before every home football game. They pair up with a sorority for the year and then go to the same bar every Saturday before the game.

[NnannasBananas11]

Also, there aren't as many gameday traditions as there are at say a Notre Dame game, but it is cool to see the team get off the bus and walk into the stadium, and I'd recommend stopping at the Red Grange statue on the west side of the stadium before you go inside.

As for after the game, the bar scene is located around Green St., a few blocks north of the stadium. The busiest bars will be Kams, Red Lion, and Joe's, but there are plenty to choose from and I'm sure I left out some fan favorites.

[mattcoldagelli]

Originally Posted by CaptainHindsight

also you should contact your fraternity chapter here at illinois (if they are on campus). odds are they will have a pregame tailgate of some sort.

You should probably do this. Our Greek system is pretty large.

[Dan]

This season, the visitor's section is now only in section 209 (and maybe 208). (Seat map)

[Kramer116]

Originally Posted by TechDawg

Hey guys, Louisiana Tech student here who is making the trip to Illinois this coming fall. I'll be driving up along with five fraternity brothers from Ruston on that Friday. I just wanted to stop by here and get some advice before making the trip.

Some of the things I was looking for are things like, where is the best place to tailgate? What section is the visitors section? Where to go out after the game? Are there open container laws? Any gameday traditions we should go see?


Any advice yall have would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks a ton!

I am pretty sure it is going to be an 11 AM game (sorry if wrong but too lazy to check now).

I would recommend leaving your car at the hotel you are staying at or wherever you are sleeping. Do not drive around if you are partying all day. The campus is easy enough to get around by cabbing or walking.

Second, if you are students, I would personally recommend going to a bar for "football block". I was never in a frat, but all my friends were in frats and sororities so I would just go party with them. If it is an 11 AM start, may as well get to the bar at 8 AM. Usually you can mingle around, and honestly the past few times I have visited (after I had graduated) I just went to the bars designated for the frat/sorority and ordered $1 drinks all day long. For example, at Joe's, it is usually at the way back bar.

Even if you don't do that, the bars usually fill up fairly early in the morning so you have a ton of students to party with (I prefer to do this than tailgate next to the stadium, just a personal preference).

I like Joe's, Brother's, Kam's, Illini Inn, Legends, Murphy's, Red Lion, but each will be way different. Firehaus is cool too.

Younger crowds typically at Red Lion (it really should just be called Station - the new set up is stupid imo). I like Joe's the best for football season now because of the big outdoor seating area. Illini Inn is small but fun to join the mug club (chug a beer and get a card). Brother's, Murphy's, Legends are all nicer inside and usually a bit older of a crowd. Kam's is a mix, and is a famous on campus bar, but beware of the smell sometimes. Firehaus is solid too.

All bars are within 3-4 blocks of each other from 4th to Wright St (East to West) and Green St to Daniel (North to South).

Food wise, I personally loved places like Geovantis (love their chicken fingers, solid Italian and if all bars are packed they have good deals in their basement bar. Used to really get the hook up when I knew the bartendars there). DP Dough is a calzone place, the Buffer Zone is a buffalo chicken calzone. Merry Anne's is a breakfast diner, get the Hangover Stack (self explanatory, or get when drunk). I am a big fan of Penn Station subs (their Italian is the best Italian I have had in a long time and it is not in Chicago unfortunately).

Those are a few things off the top of my head. Enjoy, get wasted.

I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND not walking around streets, sidewalks etc with open containers. I would know. $300+ tickets are no fun. Trust me.

[KJKobs]

Originally Posted by Kramer116

I am pretty sure it is going to be an 11 AM game (sorry if wrong but too lazy to check now).

The game vs. Louisiana Tech is a 7 PM kickoff or, as my friends and I call it, a 12-hour tailgate game

[Kramer116]

Originally Posted by KJKobs

The game vs. Louisiana Tech is a 7 PM kickoff or, as my friends and I call it, a 12-hour tailgate game

Whoops!

[mattcoldagelli]

Originally Posted by KJKobs

The game vs. Louisiana Tech is a 7 PM kickoff or, as my friends and I call it, a 12-hour tailgate game

Indeed. If we lose, things will get sort of ugly up and down Green Street. No pressure, guys. Steaks and cakes.

[AHSIllini32]

What a classic clip.

[TechDawg]

Block party with a sorority? Sounds like a good time. But like someone said, depending on the outcome of the game it may be a somewhat good idea to avoid the bar scene post game.

[U of I 89-05-10]

As someone who bleeds orange and blue but also goes to Iowa, I wouldn't go there with too high of expectations for the outside-the-stadium tailgating, as it's pretty tamed and mostly populated with adults. Memorial Stadium can be a lot of fun, because it's a beautiful facility, but I'd "pregame" or spend most of your time that day at the bars.

[mattcoldagelli]

Originally Posted by TechDawg

Block party with a sorority? Sounds like a good time. But like someone said, depending on the outcome of the game it may be a somewhat good idea to avoid the bar scene post game.

Fortunately, the entire day qualifies as pregame, so you're all set.

[256ILLINI]

Techdawg, if you're a southern frat star I think you'd be better off doing something that doesn't involve the fraternities at Illinois, just because they are so much different than they are in the southeast.

[Kramer116]

Originally Posted by TechDawg

Block party with a sorority? Sounds like a good time. But like someone said, depending on the outcome of the game it may be a somewhat good idea to avoid the bar scene post game.

Honestly, if you guys have the time, since the game starts so late do a mini bar crawl to the bars listed in this thread. If you find one that is really fun, camp out there for awhile.

Trust me, if we lose, there is no reason to avoid the bar scene post game. You won't have any issues unless you are straight talking !!!! to everyone.

Originally Posted by 256ILLINI

Techdawg, if you're a southern frat star I think you'd be better off doing something that doesn't involve the fraternities at Illinois, just because they are so much different than they are in the southeast.

Very, very different. But could be interesting to get a different perspective on it all.

[mattcoldagelli]

Originally Posted by 256ILLINI

Techdawg, if you're a southern frat star I think you'd be better off doing something that doesn't involve the fraternities at Illinois, just because they are so much different than they are in the southeast.

Very different. Still pretty great.

[256ILLINI]

Originally Posted by Kramer116

\


Very, very different. But could be interesting to get a different perspective on it all.

Possibly, but "getting a different perspective" doesn't sound like the funnest tailgate.

[Sure Shot]

Originally Posted by 256ILLINI

Possibly, but "getting a different perspective" doesn't sound like the funnest tailgate.

Well, unless "getting a different perspective" is a euphemism for downing 10-12 beers.

TechDawg, the frat thing sounds like a good idea, if it will work out, I don't really know how that stuff goes.

[oskeewowwow12]

I love seeing these threads because it means we are getting close to the season!

Considering the game is the only night game at home for the Illini this year, atttendance will be a little higher and hotels a little fuller since Chicago alumni will have time to make the trip down and tailgate. So, if you haven't already, I would definitely book a hotel as soon as possible. There are a couple of options right on Neil Street that are walking distance from the stadium.

As for tailgating, the previously mentioned E-14 lot would probably be your best bet to find a parking pass for. Otherwise, there are several lots that you can just pay when you get there. Last year I believe it was $20 per car if I'm remembering correctly.

You have several options for tickets. Plenty of choices available on StubHub and other internet sites, as well as many scalpers that will be selling right outside of the stadium. Or, you could go through your school to sit in the visitors section, which as Dan mentioned, moved up top this year.

The bar scene has been well covered..I definitely think you should check out all the ones mentioned in the thread to find the one you like the most. If you're into marching bands at all, make sure you get into the stadium a little early to watch the Marching Illini and stick around during halftime. The Big Ten is the premiere conference for marching bands and the Marching Illini are definitely in the top-half of that group. You may notice a "void" at halftime...the greatest tradition Illinois had, and one of the best in college sports, has been removed.

I think you'll find Illinois to be a welcoming fanbase to you, as long as you're not trying to start trouble. Every fan base has their idiots, but I don't think you'll find anything close to what you may have experienced with SEC fanbases down south. I'm looking forward to a great game- La Tech will definitely compete. Enjoy your visit!

[txillini]

Curious as to how the frats are so different. my only experience with southern ones was UT and they seemed similar enough.

If hotels are crazy high and the frat thing (??) can be overcome, just call the Illinois chapter and crash there. As long as you're not a total a$$ about the game, it will be fine. We road tripped and crashed at other sorority chapters a lot with no issues and I knows guys who did the same. Plus you can just walk and not worry about DUIs.

As to problems in the bars, I wouldn't worry. Illini fans are a pretty accepting bunch so as long as you don't get cocky if you guys win (distinct possibility!) or pissed off if we do, you should have a great time. Although drunks are always drunks and if you win, a change to a plain tshirt may not be a bad idea, especially given that there probably won't be a whole lot of LAT fans around.

[256ILLINI]

It's hard to explain unless you've lived through it, txillini.

Fraternities/sororities at schools like Ole Miss, Alabama, and Georgia really take themselves seriously. They basically think there is no social life outside of the greek system.

One of the worst parts is that if you tell someone you're not in a fraternity, they don't even consider the possibility that you had no desire to be in a frat, they'll probably say something about how you got rejected.

And then there is the racial issue, "old row" fraternities don't allow black people in. There are some black fraternities and I know a buddy who started up a very lame fraternity that had a mix of races, but for the most part, fraternities in the south are extremely segregated

Old row = fraternity that has been around for a long time

[mattcoldagelli]

Originally Posted by txillini

Curious as to how the frats are so different. my only experience with southern ones was UT and they seemed similar enough.

I would just say that it's different in the same way that we attend football games differently in the Midwest than they do in the South. Not necessarily better or worse, just preference and what you're used to.

Either way, they should definitely check it out if they have a chapter on campus. Odds are good that they'd be pretty pumped to host them.

[Sure Shot]

Originally Posted by 256ILLINI

Fraternities/sororities at schools like Ole Miss, Alabama, and Georgia really take themselves seriously. They basically think there is no social life outside of the greek system.

One of the worst parts is that if you tell someone you're not in a fraternity, they don't even consider the possibility that you had no desire to be in a frat, they'll probably say something about how you got rejected.

This is not very different than Illinois. Sadly, the segregation thing isn't either.