University News
Alumni Association Hosting Tailgates for Visits to Illinois, Northwestern
August 1, 2025
MACOMB, IL - - Are you ready for some football? The Western Illinois University Alumni Association and WIU Athletics will host pregame tailgates before the Fighting Leathernecks take on Big Ten opponents University of Illinois Friday, Aug. 29 and Northwestern University Friday, Sept. 5 in Western's first two games of the season. All alumni and friends are invited to attend.
"We are excited to host two great tailgates with our partners in WIU Athletics as we kickoff our 2025 football season," said Associate Alumni Director Carrie Van Vleet. "We look forward to seeing hundreds of alumni and friends come out to support Fighting Leathernecks!''
The week one tailgate, in Champaign, will be from 4-6 p.m., Friday, Aug. 29, at the big tent east of the State Farm Center (1800 S. 1st St., Champaign, IL)/south of Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The following options are available: tailgate, food, cash bar and game ticket - $55; tailgate, food and cash bar only (no game ticket) - $30; and game ticket only - $25. Seats are located in section 109.
The week two tailgate, in Evanston, will be from 3-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Double Clutch Brewing Co. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The following options are available: tailgate, food, cash bar and game ticket - $109; tailgate, food and cash bar only (no game ticket) - $30; and game ticket only - $79. Seats are located in the north end zone.
"I am excited for the football season to get here and so appreciative of the Alumni Association for arranging these tailgate and pregame gatherings for the Illinois and Northwestern game," WIU Athletic Director Paul Bubb said. "I am anxious to join in the festivities and meet so many of our loyal Leatherneck alumni and friends."
To register for one or both of the tailgates, visit wiu.com/alumni. For more information, contact the WIU Alumni Association at A-Association@wiu.edu or call (309) 298-1914.
Posted By: Aaron Viner (AP-Viner@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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