Ohio State game (Oct. 11th): 11:00am CT, FOX

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#1      

BuckFan12

B
BuckFan12
Buckeye fan here (I come in peace) I’ve made it a goal to try to make it to every Big 10 stadium. When the schedule came out I thought there was a serious chance our matchup with you guys would be a top 5 or 10 showdown. You guys finished the season strong and I believe you’ll come into that game undefeated.

Wanted to show my respect first but here’s the real reason I’m here. Do you guys have any tips for a great gameday experience in Champaign? Food spots on campus, cool places to see on campus, where to park, fun traditions, things to do when I get to Memorial stadium? Anything would help!
 
#3      
Mr. Tibbs
BuckFan12 said:
Buckeye fan here (I come in peace) I’ve made it a goal to try to make it to every Big 10 stadium. When the schedule came out I thought there was a serious chance our matchup with you guys would be a top 5 or 10 showdown. You guys finished the season strong and I believe you’ll come into that game undefeated.

Wanted to show my respect first but here’s the real reason I’m here. Do you guys have any tips for a great gameday experience in Champaign? Food spots on campus, cool places to see on campus, where to park, fun traditions, things to do when I get to Memorial stadium? Anything would help!
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are you driving in ?
staying in town ?
how many nights will you be in ?
 
#4      
BuckFan12
Rebounding Dog said:
I am sure you will get some good recommendations!
Should be a great game… hope you enjoy your trip!
My GF is a Buckeye fan… we get along great! For what it’s worth😀
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October 11th should make for a tense date for you guys haha.

But I Hope So! Im a Midwest kid born and raised so I love Big Ten Football. I always look forward to experiencing the different cultures and traditions at each University.

I don’t think I’ve been this nervous going into an Illinois matchup since the rematch vs Juice in 08. Altmeyer is the real deal though so I’m hoping for a classic.
 
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#6      
IlliniKat91
BuckFan12 said:
Buckeye fan here (I come in peace) I’ve made it a goal to try to make it to every Big 10 stadium. When the schedule came out I thought there was a serious chance our matchup with you guys would be a top 5 or 10 showdown. You guys finished the season strong and I believe you’ll come into that game undefeated.

Wanted to show my respect first but here’s the real reason I’m here. Do you guys have any tips for a great gameday experience in Champaign? Food spots on campus, cool places to see on campus, where to park, fun traditions, things to do when I get to Memorial stadium? Anything would help!
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Welcome!

If you're a fan of great German style beer, you can't go wrong with a stop at Riggs in Urbana at some point during your weekend in Champaign. I'd add Triptych in Savoy (just south of Urbana-Champaign), too.

For food, we've always enjoyed Guido's, Maize, and Big Grove in downtown Champaign. If you're interested in Champaign's take on deep dish, Papa Del's is great. It does get crowded there though, so plan ahead.

I hope y'all enjoy Champaign as much as my husband and I enjoyed Columbus when we visited this summer. That man is still talking about Jackie O's, so I have a feeling we'll be back, and I may need to ask you to return the favor on recommendations.
 
#7      
Rebounding Dog
BuckFan12 said:
October 11th should make for a tense date for you guys haha.

But I Hope So! Im a Midwest kid born and raised so I love Big Ten Football. I always look forward to experiencing the different cultures and traditions at each University.

I don’t think I’ve been this nervous going into an Illinois matchup since the rematch vs Juice in 08. Altmeyer is the real deal though so I’m hoping for a classic.
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You are bringing that NFL defense our way…. we are a bit nervous! I hope we do see 2 unbeaten teams that weekend! 2025 looks good for football!
 
#8      
Shief
IlliniKat91 said:
Welcome!

If you're a fan of great German style beer, you can't go wrong with a stop at Riggs in Urbana at some point during your weekend in Champaign. I'd add Triptych in Savoy (just south of Urbana-Champaign), too.

For food, we've always enjoyed Guido's, Maize, and Big Grove in downtown Champaign. If you're interested in Champaign's take on deep dish, Papa Del's is great. It does get crowded there though, so plan ahead.

I hope y'all enjoy Champaign as much as my husband and I enjoyed Columbus when we visited this summer. That man is still talking about Jackie O's, so I have a feeling we'll be back, and I may need to ask you to return the favor on recommendations.
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Yes to Riggs for the local beer.

Kat touched on many food options but I will add a few. Black Dog BBQ as a local favorite. The Champaign location is temporarily shut down but the one in Urbana should still open. If you want a higher end steak place, Hamilton Walker's in downtown Champaign would be a good choice. If you are willing to go to one of the surrounding farm towns, like 5 miles south of Urbana, the Philo Tavern in Philo has good prime rib and twice baked potatoes on Saturday night and should still be serving fried chicken on Friday.
 
#9      
BuckFan12
IlliniKat91 said:
Welcome!

If you're a fan of great German style beer, you can't go wrong with a stop at Riggs in Urbana at some point during your weekend in Champaign. I'd add Triptych in Savoy (just south of Urbana-Champaign), too.

For food, we've always enjoyed Guido's, Maize, and Big Grove in downtown Champaign. If you're interested in Champaign's take on deep dish, Papa Del's is great. It does get crowded there though, so plan ahead.

I hope y'all enjoy Champaign as much as my husband and I enjoyed Columbus when we visited this summer. That man is still talking about Jackie O's, so I have a feeling we'll be back, and I may need to ask you to return the favor on recommendations.
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Thanks, that’s very helpful. And yes next time you go let me know and I can shoot you some recommendations.
 
#11      
BuckFan12
Mr. Tibbs said:
are you driving in ?
staying in town ?
how many nights will you be in ?
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Driving in Friday morning and staying about 30 minutes outside of town. Heading back Sunday morning so I was thinking Friday of doing more Champaign/Urbana city touring and then Saturday trying to spend as much time on campus as possible. Hoping for a night game but knowing Fox I have a feeling it will be Big Noon.
 
#12      
kyillinifan
If you don't have parking tickets I would check out the Illini ticket office for other options for parking. A game like this one getting out will be a mad house. Might as well stick around for an hour or so. Have a safe trip. I am coming in from Louisville,Kentucky.
 
#13      
Mr. Tibbs
hooraybeer said:
i would say that murphys pub on green st is a (the?) classic illini bar left on campus
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My then 47 year old dad took me down for a testing day in the spring/summer before frosh year in 1979 .

no cell phones then so we agreed to meet at Alma Mater statue at 11:30 when i’d be done .

he walks up to me & says, “hey, I found a joint down the street where we can get a burger & a beer , and my stool is already warmed up”. it was Murphys

rest in peace Pops. 2-1-20 . aged 88.
 
#14      
BuckFan12
kyillinifan said:
If you don't have parking tickets I would check out the Illini ticket office for other options for parking. A game like this one getting out will be a mad house. Might as well stick around for an hour or so. Have a safe trip. I am coming in from Louisville,Kentucky.
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Have a safe trip as well. I was actually curious if there are any places like a 20-30 minute walk from the stadium that will be a little less busy? Maybe like more north campus or just off campus?
 
#15      
Illini2010-11
BuckFan12 said:
Buckeye fan here (I come in peace) I’ve made it a goal to try to make it to every Big 10 stadium. When the schedule came out I thought there was a serious chance our matchup with you guys would be a top 5 or 10 showdown. You guys finished the season strong and I believe you’ll come into that game undefeated.

Wanted to show my respect first but here’s the real reason I’m here. Do you guys have any tips for a great gameday experience in Champaign? Food spots on campus, cool places to see on campus, where to park, fun traditions, things to do when I get to Memorial stadium? Anything would help!
Click to expand...
Welcome!

Parking will probably be very tricky, given it is a sell out. The best parking passes are obviously closest to stadium, but looking at StubHub, they are currently selling for over $400. I believe all prepaid parking passes through the DIA have sold out (more info here: https://fightingillini.com/sports/2023/6/1/football-parking-information.aspx?path=football). I think lots 46, 47, and 49 (and maybe Research Parking Lots) have day of game parking available, but it will likely be extremely limited. Before I had parking passes, I used to park at some of the parking garages on campus, but I believe they have tightened up access there. There may be some others who have other non-official parking secrets that I am not aware of.

Obviously Uber from a hotel is an option, but I think you are staying 30+ minutes away from campus. I will say, it is a welcome change for parking to be so hard to come by (from an Illini perspective).

Best of luck in your planning, and hopefully both teams will be undefeated when the matchup takes place.
 
#16      
redwingillini11
As far as campus bars, Legends is my personal favorite. Among the students, it’s not a hype bar, more so for the graduate / engineering students. But I think it’s a perfectly enjoyable bar for pre/post-game drinks. It will be full but not overwhelmingly packed, with a decent mix of home and away fans. Murphy’s is no doubt more iconic, but I think Legends is more comfortable.
 
#17      
IlliniKat91
Illini2010-11 said:
Welcome!

Parking will probably be very tricky, given it is a sell out. The best parking passes are obviously closest to stadium, but looking at StubHub, they are currently selling for over $400. I believe all prepaid parking passes through the DIA have sold out (more info here: https://fightingillini.com/sports/2023/6/1/football-parking-information.aspx?path=football). I think lots 46, 47, and 49 (and maybe Research Parking Lots) have day of game parking available, but it will likely be extremely limited. Before I had parking passes, I used to park at some of the parking garages on campus, but I believe they have tightened up access there. There may be some others who have other non-official parking secrets that I am not aware of.

Obviously Uber from a hotel is an option, but I think you are staying 30+ minutes away from campus. I will say, it is a welcome change for parking to be so hard to come by (from an Illini perspective).

Best of luck in your planning, and hopefully both teams will be undefeated when the matchup takes place.
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@BuckFan12 In the Urbana part of campus, you can park on the street near the Lincoln/Kirby intersection for free. Or at least you could the last time I went down to a game. It's a bit of a hike down Kirby, but it's a direct shot to the stadium. Again, I'd recommend showing up early to get good parking on Saturday though.
 
#18      
BretMyBeachHouse
Mr. Tibbs said:
My then 47 year old dad took me down for a testing day in the spring/summer before frosh year in 1979 .

no cell phones then so we agreed to meet at Alma Mater statue at 11:30 when i’d be done .

he walks up to me & says, “hey, I found a joint down the street where we can get a burger & a beer , and my stool is already warmed up”. it was Murphys

rest in peace Pops. 2-1-20 . aged 88.
Click to expand...
So the "real" Murphy's where you had to squeeze past people waiting for a beer near the front door to get to the seats in back.

Still a great place but a different vibe.
 
#19      
Mr. Tibbs
BuckFan12 said:
Do you guys have any tips for a great gameday experience in Champaign? Food spots on campus, cool places to see on campus, where to park, fun traditions, things to do when I get to Memorial stadium? Anything would help!
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Papa Dels Pizza is on campus (at least walking distance - it’s very close ) and has what many consider the best chicago style thick crust pizza in the state.

Downtown Champaign is a mile or so northwest of campus town and has many modern type american restaurants .

Kams is still on campus - it’s moved to a new location about 5 years ago . it used to be right in the heart of campus and was the quintessential sticky floor , beer smelling undergrad party bar . The owner made so much dough over the years from operations and from selling his prime real estate to the Univ , that he moved 4 blocks west into a modern brand new location . it’s the joint you need to stop in and get a beer .
 
#20      
Mr. Tibbs
BretMyBeachHouse said:
So the "real" Murphy's where you had to squeeze past people waiting for a beer near the front door to get to the seats in back.

Still a great place but a different vibe.
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I was on the rugby club as a frosh . most of those dudes were grad students 22-26 years old .more than a few times a couple guys got drunk and got naked , hang out in the entrance area and would tease girls walking in or out .

funny stuff for me as a 18 year old to witness
 
#21      
blackdog
BuckFan12 said:
Driving in Friday morning and staying about 30 minutes outside of town. Heading back Sunday morning so I was thinking Friday of doing more Champaign/Urbana city touring and then Saturday trying to spend as much time on campus as possible. Hoping for a night game but knowing Fox I have a feeling it will be Big Noon.
Click to expand...

Downtown Champaign is great on a Friday night but gets a little sketchy if you are out past midnight. Watson's and Seven Saints are other options to throw in amongst the other suggestions. Esquire is the classic townie spot to get a drink. Hounds Court (formerly Blind Pig)is also a classic spot with the fairy lights in the alley if isn't too cold.

Saturday on campus Murphys, Legends, and Brothers are all the old school spots that are left. Stay away from Red Lion and Illini Inn (man that hurts me to say, used to be a classic).

If you leave CU without going to Blackdog you have done something wrong.
 
#22      
BretMyBeachHouse
Mr. Tibbs said:
I was on the rugby club as a frosh . most of those dudes were grad students 22-26 years old .more than a few times a couple guys got drunk and got naked , hang out in the entrance area and would tease girls walking in or out .

funny stuff for me as a 18 year old to witness
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Applying today's standards to the 80s there would be about 100 felonies a night at that entrance.
 
#25      
illinoistradition
IlliniKat91 said:
@BuckFan12 In the Urbana part of campus, you can park on the street near the Lincoln/Kirby intersection for free. Or at least you could the last time I went down to a game. It's a bit of a hike down Kirby, but it's a direct shot to the stadium. Again, I'd recommend showing up early to get good parking on Saturday though.
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I was going to recommend that for parking too. Another spot is in the neighborhood by the Hilton Garden Inn. It is a bit of a walk as well, but parking on the street there is a possibility and it's free (unless people have started to charge).
 
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