Illini Football Season Ticket Renewals to Begin Jan. 20

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Following the winningest two-year run in program history, season ticket renewals for the Illinois football team's 2026 campaign will begin Tuesday, Jan. 20. The season ticket renewal deadline 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 Director of Athletics 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.

Illinois has produced its most success in decades under Bielema. 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.

*Season ticket deposits are non-refundable and do not guarantee access to purchase season tickets. 2025 season ticket holders do NOT need to place a deposit for 2026 season tickets.

Illinois Football 2026 Ticket Timeline

• January 20: Season Ticket Renewals Begin

• February 16: Printed Season Ticket Renewal Deadline

• March 10: Season Ticket Deposits Deadline

• April: New Season Tickets On Sale (pending availability)

• May: I FUND Parking Request Period Begins

• June: Mini Plan Tickets On Sale

• July: Single Game Tickets On Sale

• August: Season Tickets Delivered

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