(Photo by Anika Khandavalli/The Daily Illini)
This story first appeared in The Daily Illini.
Just ahead of the Illini’s football season, Illini Athletics announced its plans to improve and enhance concession options on gameday. The organization points out that for attendees, these upgrades will “enhance the quality, variety, and convenience of concessions available within steps of their seats.”
Additions include new Illini Markets, a grab-and-go convenience concept, in both the northwest part of the Great West Hall and the southeast corner of the Great East Hall. These two markets will bring the stadium to a total of seven Illini Market locations.
Smith Burger is also adding a new spot in the Great West Hall, along with including beer sales at all locations.
Students shouldn’t feel left out by these upgrades; Block I is also receiving some new offerings. Jarling’s Custard Cup is opening a stand in the student section and student section beer locations will also now offer pretzels.
Both the brewing company Yuengling and Papa John’s Pizza have started sponsorships with Illini Athletics and stadium-goers can expect to see both brands for purchase around the venue.
Not only is Illini Athletics adding new food options, but they plan to expand on concession facilities in preparation for expected larger-than-usual crowds. The main concession stand in the east balcony underwent renovations that added new points of sale, improved workspace and increased food storage. They hope these improvements will create a faster concession experience for fans.
According to Illini Athletics, season tickets sold out for the first time in 20 years and Memorial Stadium is expected to have record numbers of attendance. Only time will tell if these enhancements will stand the test of these new crowds.
Felicity Abbott is an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and an assistant arts & entertainment editor at The Daily Illini.