Illinois Announces Multi-Phase Plan for Memorial Stadium Enhancements

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Illinois Announces Multi-Phase Plan for Memorial Stadium Enhancements

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Over the next two seasons, all 60,670 fans attending Fighting Illini football games at Memorial Stadium will see major upgrades to their gameday experience. As part of ongoing enhancements to the University of Illinois' historic, 101-year-old home, Illinois will invest more than $9 million in a new wireless internet system for the 2025 season, with planning underway for numerous other upgrades, including all new videoboards, a new sound system, and LED lighting for 2026.

"The upcoming Memorial Stadium projects are a key step in 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 demonstrated year in and year out by our fans, and the environment we create together at Memorial Stadium is pivotal to our success. Over the last five years, DIA has made a dedicated investment in Memorial Stadium, one of the state's most historic and storied venues, including over $20 million in current and completed infrastructure upgrades. Over the next two seasons, we are excited to continue those efforts by adding wireless internet for the use, convenience, and enjoyment of our fans, along with new and enhanced videoboards, sound, and LED lighting."

The new wireless internet is scheduled to be installed in the Memorial Stadium concourses for the season opener against Western Illinois on Friday, Aug. 29, which should facilitate smoother ticketing, concessions, and retail operations. Access in the seating bowl, student section, and Grange Grove is scheduled to follow in time for the Homecoming game against USC on Saturday, Sept. 27. The high-density system is being designed to handle the high traffic demands during events, ensuring that fans can stay connected, share their experiences on social media, and access real-time information seamlessly.

Illinois is scheduled to upgrade all Memorial Stadium videoboards for the 2026 season. The stadium's main videoboard above the south end zone and both the east and west ribbon boards will be enhanced, along with a new board that will be installed above the north end zone student section. In all, a total of 19 new video displays will be featured throughout Memorial Stadium.

Memorial Stadium's new sound system and LED lighting are planned to be completed for the 2026 season. The sound system will feature a main speaker above the new south videoboard and 20+ new speakers throughout the stadium. The LED lighting system will provide an upgraded experience for fans, student-athletes, and those watching on television. 

A number of other stadium enhancement projects are scheduled to be completed over the next two years. The stadium will feature new and repaired concrete steps that run the length of the stadium's west side, a new southeast entrance, and other upgrades to the stadium's south elevation.

The Fighting Illini kick off the 2025 season on Friday, Aug. 29 against Western Illinois at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.

Jakucionis and Riley Selected Back-to-Back in First Round of 2025 NBA Draft

 

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– History was made for Fighting Illini Basketball on Wednesday night, as freshmen Kasparas Jakucionis (Vilnius, Lithuania) and Will Riley (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) became the first-ever one-and-done players for the Illinois program.

The Illini stars were selected back-to-back in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, with Jakucionis taken at No. 20 overall by the Miami Heat and Riley going to the Washington Wizards the very next pick at No. 21 as part of a trade with Utah.

Illinois stands as one of just three programs with multiple first-round picks in this year's draft, along with Duke (3) and Rutgers (2).

This marks the first time in 20 years, and just the third time in school history, that Illinois has had two first-round picks in the same draft, joining 1989 (Nick Anderson and Kenny Battle) and 2005 (Deron Wiliams and Luther Head).

Illinois has now had four players selected in the NBA Draft during Head Coach Brad Underwood's tenure, with Jakucionis and Riley following Ayo Dosunmu in the second round in 2021 (Chicago Bulls) and Terrence Shannon Jr. in last year's first round (Minnesota Timberwolves).

Illinois' total of three first-round picks over the last two drafts leads the Big Ten and ranks second nationally behind Duke (4) and tied with Baylor and UConn.

Jakucionis led the Illini in scoring and assists, averaging 15.2 ppg and 4.7 apg, and was third on the team in rebounding at 5.7 rpg. He equaled the most points ever scored by an Illini freshman, totaling 494 during his 33 starts, and set UI rookie season records shooting 84.5% from the free throw line and tallying eight 20-point games. Jakucionis was a Big Ten All-Freshman Team selection, first-team NABC All-Great Lakes District, second-team All-Big Ten by AP, third-team All-Big Ten by the league coaches and media, and he was most recently named Illinois Freshman of the Year.

Riley, meanwhile, averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists while playing in all 35 games. He registered double figures in 13 of the final 15 games, averaging 15.9 ppg over that stretch with five 20-point performances. Riley burst onto the scene by scoring 31 points vs. Eastern Illinois to set the Illini freshman debut scoring record. His instant offense for much of the season came from off the bench, culminating in his selection as Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year by the league coaches.

Jakucionis and Riley helped lead Illinois to a 22-win season, NCAA Tournament Second Round appearance, and final ranking of 17^th in kenpom.

University of Illinois Athletics Press Release

Images Copyright Alan Look, All Rights Reserved

Echoes on the Brick: Lincoln’s Lost Words at Rosie’s

 On the sun-washed east side of Rosie's Pub in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, time folds quietly into color. There, painted across brick and mortar, stands Abraham Lincoln—not as the towering president of textbooks, but as a man mid-sentence, eyes lit with the fire of conviction.

The mural, a vivid tribute to Lincoln’s “Lost Speech,” captures more than a moment—it captures a mystery. It’s said that on May 29, 1856, Lincoln gave an address so stirring at Major’s Hall that reporters, mesmerized, forgot to take notes. The words vanished into the air, leaving behind only the legend of their power.

Locals pass by the mural every day, some slowing their steps to gaze upward. In the swirls of patriotic blues and historic reds, they imagine Lincoln’s voice echoing against the walls, as if the mural is whispering what history lost. Tourists snap photos, unaware that beneath their feet, the old foundations of Major’s Hall still sleep.

On warm evenings, when the breeze cuts down Main Street just right, some say you can almost hear the rustle of a crowd, the hush before he spoke, and the fire of freedom kindling once more in the heart of the city.

Freedom Sings USA Retreat Brings Healing Through Song in Heyworth, Illinois

 

 

Freedom Sings USA Retreat Brings Healing Through Song in Heyworth, Illinois

On June 17 and 18, 2025, the small town of Heyworth, Illinois became a stage for healing, connection, and patriotism as Freedom Sings USA hosted a moving two-day retreat. The event brought together U.S. military veterans and accomplished Nashville songwriters to collaborate on powerful original songs inspired by each veteran’s personal story of service, sacrifice, and resilience.

Veterans Austin Whiskers, Gary Simpkins, Del Saam, Cherish Masters, Mark Buchholz, and Carl Johnston opened their hearts and memories to the songwriting team, allowing deeply emotional and authentic music to emerge. These stories were then turned into songs by a lineup of renowned hitmakers including Don Goodman, Bill DiLuigi, Bill Whyte, Steve Dean, and Bobby Tomberlin—artists with credits spanning country music charts and decades of storytelling excellence.

Joe Hermes, a rising talent in the country and southern rock scene, added an electric presence with his heartfelt performances, while Mrs. Zook, a cherished local guest, shared a story of another veteran. Bob Guy served as the event’s steady and passionate MC, ensuring each moment flowed with care and purpose. Behind the scenes, Sue Lichty and Cindy Rustemeyer worked tirelessly to bring the weekend to life, providing a safe and welcoming space for veterans and musicians alike.

Food and space were supplied by the Sons of the American Legion #624.

The songs created during the retreat were performed live to a deeply moved audience, celebrating the strength, courage, and spirit of each veteran. The event was more than a retreat—it was a testament to the power of music to heal invisible wounds and to unite people across generations and backgrounds.

📸 To view a full photo gallery of the Freedom Sings USA Heyworth Retreat, visit:
👉 www.alanlook.com

Ty Rodgers’ Absence Leaves a Leadership and Defensive Void for the Fighting Illini

 

The Illinois men’s basketball program is facing an early setback this offseason with the news that veteran guard-forward Ty Rodgers will be out indefinitely due to a knee injury sustained during a workout session. The injury, which requires surgery, is expected to keep him sidelined for a significant portion of the upcoming season, if not all of it.

Rodgers’ absence goes far beyond stats. A staple of the Illini rotation, he has been a consistent and hardworking presence on the court since his freshman year. In his second season, Rodgers started every game, bringing a gritty, physical edge to the team. He averaged over six points, grabbed more than five rebounds per game, and added a couple of assists each night. What made Rodgers so valuable was his ability to contribute in ways that didn’t always show up in the box score—defensive intensity, second-chance rebounds, and his commitment to doing the little things right.

Known for his high motor and toughness, Rodgers had developed into one of the team’s most reliable rebounders, especially on the offensive glass. Even without being a perimeter shooter, his presence in the paint and ability to attack the rim gave Illinois a unique matchup option. His versatility allowed him to shift between positions, defend multiple roles, and help facilitate the offense.

Off the court, Rodgers emerged as a trusted voice in the locker room. Coaches and teammates often pointed to his maturity, effort, and team-first attitude. Whether it was leading scout team reps, mentoring younger players, or bringing vocal energy from the bench, his leadership set a tone for the entire roster.

With Rodgers out indefinitely, the Illini will need to explore options to fill both his on-court production and the leadership role he provided. Whether that comes from internal development or a late addition from the transfer portal, replacing a player with Rodgers’ all-around impact won’t be easy.

As the team prepares for a new season, the absence of Ty Rodgers looms large—not just in the rotation, but in the heartbeat of Illinois basketball.

Black Swallowtail Butterfly on Pink Thistle Bloom: A Late Spring Spectacle in Central Illinois

As late spring unfolds across central Illinois, the landscape comes alive with bursts of color and movement. Among the rolling fields and prairie patches, pollinators begin their seasonal dance, flitting from bloom to bloom in search of nourishment. One such visitor is the striking black swallowtail butterfly, its delicate wings outlined in bold black with elegant yellow spots shimmering under the midday sun.

Against the backdrop of wildflowers swaying in the prairie breeze, a pink thistle bloom stands prominently, its spiky crown offering a rich source of nectar. This resilient native plant, often dismissed as a mere weed, plays a vital role in sustaining local butterfly populations, providing crucial nutrients for species like the black swallowtail.

The butterfly hovers momentarily, its movement graceful yet deliberate. It lands softly on the thistle bloom, proboscis unfurling as it draws sweet nectar from the depths of the petals. The contrast of black wings against pink thistle blossoms is mesmerizing—a perfect harmony of nature’s design. This moment, fleeting yet profound, captures the delicate balance of Illinois’ ecosystem, where pollinators and native plants thrive symbiotically.

Nearby, a farmer pauses along the edge of his field, admiring the sight before him. He’s familiar with these butterflies, often spotting them fluttering over wild Queen Anne’s lace or resting on parsley plants in his garden. To him, they represent more than a seasonal visitor; they embody the quiet resilience of nature’s cycles.

With a final, unhurried sip of nectar, the black swallowtail lifts off, its wings catching the sunlight in one final display of brilliance. It drifts into the air, carried by the soft breeze, disappearing beyond the tall prairie grass. The pink thistle bloom sways gently, its job well done—a silent testament to the intricate beauty found in the heartland’s landscapes.

 

Luke Altmeyer Returning as Illinois Football’s Starting Quarterback: What It Means for the Fighting Illini in 2025

 

In a move that has energized fans and bolstered offseason expectations, Luke Altmeyer is returning as the starting quarterback for the Fighting Illini for the 2025 season. After a 2024 campaign filled with growth, leadership, and flashes of brilliance, Altmeyer’s decision to return gives head coach Bret Bielema a seasoned signal-caller to lead the Illinois football offense. For a program focused on climbing the Big Ten ranks, continuity at quarterback could be the key to unlocking another level of success.

Altmeyer’s return brings stability and experience to an offense that showed promise last season. With a full offseason to build chemistry and refine his command of the playbook, Illinois football fans have reason to believe Luke Altmeyer could elevate the Illini offense to new heights in 2025. His dual-threat capabilities, combined with an improved offensive line and maturing receiver corps, make him a pivotal figure in the team’s outlook for the season.

From a recruiting and national perception standpoint, Luke Altmeyer’s return to Illinois football adds credibility to the program’s development pipeline. As transfer portal turnover and NIL reshuffle rosters across the country, Illinois retaining its starting quarterback reinforces a narrative of stability and loyalty — attributes that can help attract future talent and fan support alike. The 2025 season will be a defining chapter not only for Altmeyer’s college career but for the trajectory of the Fighting Illini program.