Tell me about a road trip to Champaign

[StormHawk42]

Because if I see one more new Stanley thread, I might lose it.

Anyway, yes the Illini suck but still trying to make an away game this year and that’s the one that fits. Looks like tickets are pretty cheap, so my question is where are the bad seats? Looks like the horseshoe is really far away from the field.

And what is the tailgating situation?

I presume it will be half Hawk fans there anyway so I won’t bother to ask about specific Hawk areas.

 

[HawkBlocked]

Bump. I have the same questions as OP.

 

[ROCKY MOUNTAIN HAWK]

The towns suck.

 

[INXS83]

Because if I see one more new Stanley thread, I might lose it.

Anyway, yes the Illini suck but still trying to make an away game this year and that’s the one that fits. Looks like tickets are pretty cheap, so my question is where are the bad seats? Looks like the horseshoe is really far away from the field.

And what is the tailgating situation?

I presume it will be half Hawk fans there anyway so I won’t bother to ask about specific Hawk areas.

Lots of flat, fertile soil in that part of Illinois. Downtown Champaign looks a little trashy.

If you want a good steak, I suggest you get on I-74 and head east to the Indiana border. GPS will say Covington, IN. Just off the Interstate is the Beef House. My cousins hubby built the grill there You can grill your own steaks if you want.

 

[anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba]

I wouldn't do it. The stadium is old and ugly and will be half full of lifeless bodies. Go to Purdue instead. Much bigger game, much better atmosphere this year.

 

[CelticHawk]

I had a great time when I went. Tons of space for tailgating. The stadium was fine. Fans were cool. I would do it again. It's just that the games are not exciting given how bad the Illini program. That was the only downside.

 

[IaHawks03]

Buy the cheapest ticket to get in, then sit anywhere from the goal line to the 20 yard line. There won't be more than 20,000 Illini fans at the game

 

[sashashome]

I would buy tickets on gameday. Usually can get them dirt cheap and fairly close to mid field in lower level. Otherwise expect more hawk fans. Also expect the wind to howl. I have never been there when it has not.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

Use to be fun. It’s just dead now.

 

[kwik44]

Sat 45 yard line 25 rows up, 30 bucks/piece.

I like it because it's not congested. Easy road trip that dad n I like to do every other year. Town sucks but tailgating is wide open. Stadium is old but wish we had the space they do for an old stadium. Good trip.

 

[CelticHawk]

Use to be fun. It’s just dead now.

I think it's because IL sucks so bad. No juice to this game what so ever

 

[CJ Beat Hard]

2 years ago I made the trip. Did not tailgate as weather was complete shit. The stadium was empty as can be. I bought the cheapest tickets off stubhub (I think I paid $6 after taxes) and were supposed to be an upper corner but just sat wherever I wanted. We chose 12 rows up from the 50 yard line. Great seats for a great price

 

[StormHawk42]

I had a great time when I went. Tons of space for tailgating. The stadium was fine. Fans were cool. I would do it again. It's just that the games are not exciting given how bad the Illini program. That was the only downside.

Do they have a nice big open lot for tailgating or is it smaller lots?

 

[CelticHawk]

Do they have a nice big open lot for tailgating or is it smaller lots?

Huge open lot. It's the parking lot between the football stadium and the basketball arena. And the nice thing is, they suck so bad their fans don't show up. So you can take over as many spots as you want.

It's set up kinda like KC, if you have ever been there. Huge open parking lots.

 

[StormHawk42]

Huge open lot. It's the parking lot between the football stadium and the basketball arena. And the nice thing is, they suck so bad their fans don't show up. So you can take over as many spots as you want.

It's set up kinda like KC, if you have ever been there. Huge open parking lots.

That actually explains it very well. Love KC’s set up. Thanks.

 

[JRingo]

This is a lot like occupied Germany after WWII. Although the fans still hate us, they are far more accommodating than they used to be. Coming from Iowa, it's a long trip. Nothing to see, but the land is so flat that no one can sneak up on you. If you come from northern Illinois, I like Route 47 with a stop at McDonald's in Gibson City.

 

[StormHawk42]

Should mention that the reason this game fits is that it goes with a more detailed road trip we are taking for Thanksgiving week. Figured we were heading that way so may as well stop.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Buy the cheapest ticket to get in, then sit anywhere from the goal line to the 20 yard line. There won't be more than 20,000 Illini fans at the game

That's my plan.

Edit- expect it will be cold so I'm expecting to sit anywhere with Hawk fans. 50 yardline upper deck sounds good too.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

Papa Dels has good pizza if you like deep dish

 

[HawkIDrummer]

Iowa Nice Guy said it best, "Isn't it time we started calling Champaign something more appropriate...like Schlitz?"

Definitely in the bottom tier of B1G college towns.

 

[ctghawk]

Illinois’ stadium is the worst one I’ve ever been to.

 

[HawkIDrummer]

Illinois’ stadium is the worst one I’ve ever been to.

Even after the remodel. The original design with the track between the stands and field is a buzz kill.

 

[NorthernHawkeye]

One of the best memories of at Illinois.

And the stadium was packed.

 

[Wadzinator]

Illinois’ stadium is the worst one I’ve e

Illinois’ stadium is the worst one I’ve ever been to.

Ever been to Ryan field holy shit that place is old and rusty west Lafayette needs a renovation too I didn't mind memorial stadium went 2 years ago sat in shoe

 

[Wadzinator]

Illinois’ stadium is the worst one I’ve ever been to.

Ever been to Ryan field holy shit that place is old and rusty Ross aide needs a renovation too I didn't mind memorial stadium memorial stadium in Lincoln is by far the nicest stadium I've ever been to the atmosphere at kinnick is second to none

 

[HawkCapt1912]

Mid 80s. Mushrooms . Place is a dump.

 

[Kinnick.At.Night]

Most oddball stadium in the conference. With zero intimacy or appeal. The stands are pushed way too far back from the action. It could be made infinitely better by digging down the field and adding seating closer to the field.

 

[HaydenHawk8]

Cheaper option than Kinnick!

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

My friend and I took our daughters (no pics) 4 or 5 years ago. We had a blast. It was really cold and with a couple 15 year olds, didn't really plan to tailgate. We got there much earlier than expected and had this "crap, what do we do now" moment. Some Illinois fans invited us to join them. They fed us, gave us beers, we played hammerschlaggen...it was great. We were in the upper deck and the stadium was kinda dumpy...not much for food options, bathrooms were out of order, but we had plenty of room.

I wish I'd have gotten the names of the people who took us under their wing. I'd invite them to an Iowa game and do up a nice tailgate for them.

In general, the Illinois fans that were there were friendly. Virtually none of the vitriol you get in Madison and Minny.

Overall, I'd go again.

 

[StormHawk42]

So am I right in thinking I should avoid the horseshoe?

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

So am I right in thinking I should avoid the horseshoe?

Yes. Absolutely no reason to sit there. The stadium will be half full