The following is the publication of AU of I Athletics Department
Champaign, sick. – In the next two seasons, all 60,670 fans who fight for Illini football games in the Memorial Stadium will organize essential upgrades of their playing experience. As part of the ongoing improvements to the historical house of the University of Illinois, Illinois will invest more than $ 9 million in a new wireless internet system for the 2025 season. Planning for numerous other upgrades, including all new video materials, a new sound system, and LED lighting for 2026.
“The upcoming Memorial Stadium projects are an important step for our commitment to providing one of the best college football experiences in the nation,” said Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. “We are grateful for the enthusiasm and loyalty, which was shown year after year by our fans, and the environment that we create together in the Memorial Stadium is of crucial importance for our success. In the past five years, DIA has made a committed investment in the Memorial Stadium. Internet for the use, convenience and enjoyment of our fans as well as new and improved video balances, sound and LED lighting.”
The new wireless internet is to be installed on Friday, August 29, in the Memorial Stadium Concours for the start of the season against Western Illinois, which should facilitate smooth ticketing, concessions and retail transactions. Access in the session shell, in the Students section and in Grange Grove will be pursuing on Saturday, September 27th, for the return game against USC in good time. The system with high density is designed in such a way that you can meet the high traffic requirements during the events and ensure that fans are connected, share their experiences on social media and can access real time in real time.
Illinois is to update all Memorial Stadium Videoards for the 2026 season. The main video board of the stadium over the South End Zone and both in the East and West Ribbon Boards and a new board that is installed via the Student section of the North End Zone. A total of 19 new video displays are presented in the entire Memorial Stadium.
The new sound system and the LED lighting of the Memorial Stadium are to be completed for the 2026 season. The sound system will contain a main loudspeaker over the New South Videoard and over more than 20 new loudspeakers throughout the stadium. The LED lighting system offers fans, athletes and on television an improved experience.
A number of other stadium improvement projects should be completed in the next two years. The stadium has new and repaired concrete levels that lead over the length of the west side of the stadium, a new southeast and other improvements to the southern height of the stadium.
The Fighting Illini starts the 2025 season on Friday, August 29 against Western Illinois in the Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is planned for 6:30 p.m. CT.