CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — After celebrating its winningest two-year run in program history, season ticket renewals for the Illinois Fighting Illini football team’s 2026 campaign will begin on Tuesday, January 20. The deadline to renew is March 10.
“Our season ticket holders have been a driving force in the resurgence of Illinois Football under the leadership of Bret Bielema,” said athletic director Josh Whitman. “The capacity crowds, best tailgating in the Big Ten, and increased engagement and energy surrounding game days at Gies Memorial Stadium have affected every area of our program, most significantly in the recruitment and retention of student-athletes. By coupling a successful program on the field with enhancements to Gies Memorial Stadium’s video boards, lights, Wi-Fi, and sound system, we will continue building toward our championship aspirations. In the high-stakes, rapidly changing world of college football, needed investment is growing to sustain and surpass our recent on-field successes, making increased engagement and participation from our fans both necessary and much appreciated.”
Fans are encouraged to renew their season tickets soon, as Illinois sold out of season tickets by May 21 last season. The Illini recorded their fifth straight season of increased attendance under head coach Bret Bielema, averaging 58,350 fans per game in 2025. Illinois hosted over 400,000 fans in a single season at Gies Memorial Stadium for the first time since 1994, as sales have increased 65% since Bielema’s first season in Champaign.
Season ticket renewals remain the best value for Fighting Illini football at Gies Memorial Stadium. Prices begin at $115 for season tickets in the horseshoe or east balcony — the second-lowest season ticket entry point in the Big Ten — while sideline season tickets range from $255-529 dollars per seat.
The Illini have won 37 games during Bielema’s five seasons (2021-25), tied for its most wins over any five-year period since 1901-05. Illinois has a 19-7 record over the last two seasons, including a 12-2 record at Gies Memorial Stadium, setting the program’s records for overall wins and wins at Gies Memorial Stadium over any two-year span.
Illinois will host Big Ten games against Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon, and Purdue in 2026, as well as nonconference games against UAB (Sept. 5), Duke (Sept. 12), and Southern Illinois (Sept. 19). Dates for Big Ten games will be announced by the conference at a later date.
Following the renewal period, new season tickets will go on sale in April pending availability. Fans looking to purchase new season tickets for the 2026 campaign can now reserve their spot in line by placing a non-refundable $50 per seat deposit here. All deposits will be applied to the ticket cost when purchasing seats. Those who place a deposit by March 2, 2026 will have priority access to select seats from remaining inventory following the season ticket renewal period for existing ticket holders.
