Illini Football: 2008 Season - Roster Information - History - Future Schedules
Illini Basketball: 2008/09 Season - Scholarship Chart - Depth Chart
NCAA Football: Preseason Rankings - Bowl Tie-Ins
Other UI Sports: Volleyball - Soccer

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Big Ten Pick 'em week 5:

Standings:

NOTE: Last week's bonus question was "what school playing this weekend would have the fewest yards of total offense. For picking a school that WASN'T PLAYING LAST WEEKEND
JRock'sIllini, phytynlini, MrHershey, jlkraft got a 15 point deduction.

Make your Week 5 Picks here:
Remember, Big Ten games have double points.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Big Ten Pick 'em week 4:

Standings:




Make your Week 4 Picks HERE:

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Eastern Illinois @ Illinois Pictures:

Pictures from the EIU @ Illinois game on September 6, 2008:

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
tailgating in the Research Park

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Marching Illini visiting various tailgate groups in the Research Park

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
New I-Hotel and Conference Center, which opened last month.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
I-Hotel... Houlihan's Restaurant is also located in the complex.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
The new look of Memorial Stadium from First and St. Mary's Road

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
People hawking goods in front of the new Hotel

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
There must have been a sale on these things at Wal-Mart... they are everywhere this year.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
The Assembly Hall

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Memorial Stadium ready for the game

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
View of the new west pavilion.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Loyalty Circle parking has been moved to the NW lot of Assembly Hall (where it belongs)

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
west side of Memorial Stadium, some of the construction equipment remains...

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
One of the 5 new "portal" entrances to Memorial Stadium. there is one at each corner of the stadium and 1 at midfield on the west side.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
again with the west side.


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Looking back at the ticket takers.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
once you get through the portals you are "in" the stadium, and can rattle about freely. Note to those who haven't gone to a game yet this year... once kickoff approaches the portals get REALLY backed up... if you want to see the pregame head for the doors about 45 minutes before kickoff.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Irwin Drive is now within the stadium. You still need a ticket to get into the north endzone though.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
west steps to Memorial Stadium

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Looking up at the colonnade and detailing of the west facade.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Center Section of the west side

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
The two middle doors are now the Luxury Seating entrance... through these doors there is a small lobby with elevator banks that will take you up to the Colonnades Club and the new press box/suites/77 club area.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Inside the west Great Hall. Banners of All-Americans adorn the columns. Giant posters front the wall on the right with the concession stands, murals have been painted on the outside walls.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
lighting was a pain, but I tried to get a few pics of the murals. For better pics I'd suggest looking at the photos on FightingIllini.com


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Butkus Mural. Grange and Butkus are all over the stadium

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
1983 Rose Bowl mural on the left.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Selected Illini head coaches, including White, Tepper, Turner, Zook, Mackovic, Elliot, Zuppke, and others.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
again, the banners are all for Illinois All-Americans.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
From the north end of the Great Hall looking South. The brick wall directly in front of you is for the elevator lobby.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
The North Ramp Tower in the West Great Hall. Notice the ramp on the left leads to the Colonnades (and ONLY the

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
skylight at the top of the NW Ramp Tower.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
at the top of the ramp leading to the west colonnades. Notice how there are parts of the stadium that are "ready" but not finished. Also, this ramp used to lead to the center of the west balcony, but is cut off because of the new press box tower. This means that there is no longer a direct route from the Colonnades to the Balcony.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
unpainted drywall.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
West Colonnades from North Looking south.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Looking over the west stadium terrace from the west colonnade. Notice the construction staging area is being cleaned up. Abbot Power Plant is in the background.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Looking Southwest. Next season a wall and grand entrance will be constructed, with a grange statue approximately where the tent and gravel walkway are located now.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Again with the colonnade.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
The name of one of the students, alumni, or faculty who died in the First World War. The 200 columns bear the names of 182 Illini that died in World War I (the team was renamed from "Illini" to "Fighting Illini" after the war). Memorials to those who died in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and other conflicts can be found in the rooms at the end of each colonnade.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Even though the colannade is a bit of a pain to get to now, one benefit of the renovation is that the elevator stack that used to run right through the middle of it has now been removed.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
again, more columns.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Leaving the colonnade on the south side.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
ramp down to the lower concourse level.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
SW Ramp Tower.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
is this door supposed to be open? this is part of the new Mechanical Mezannine level that was built below the Colonnade to provide support for the new structure.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Back in the West Great Hall.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Mural to the 2008 Rose Bowl Team.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Like I said, Grange and Butkus are everywhere.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
close up.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Robert Zuppke tribute.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
not sure what the point of this is... but go America!

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
ok, here is the story on this one:
This paintin is of an early Illinois football game (I want to say Illinois vs. Chicago, but I forget who the opponent is supposed to be). It was commissioned in the 1920's painted by a UI professor, and installed in a bank in downtown Champaign in the entrance lobby.

the bank, like many, failed in the late 20's and the Athletic Association bought it from the bank (there was a compaining painting, that appears to be lost, that was placed opposite it in the lobby, but that's another story). The painting was installed in Huff Hall (then known as the Men's Gymnasium) and overlooked Illinois basketball, wrestling, volleyball games for several decades (if you've been to volleyball game in the last several years you'd know it was hanging on the south side of the arena above the balcony).

This year it was taken down, restored, and moved the elevator lobby for the luxury seating at Memorial Stadium, where overzealous dicks in sweatervests prevent you from getting a clear shot of it unless you have paid several hundred dollars for your ticket.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
at the top of the ramp leading up to the West Balcony.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Looking back at folks making their way up to the West Balcony.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
the new West Balcony Concourse.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
and finally, a view of the new playing field, taken from the West Balcony Concourse.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
looking back at the student section (its at least an hour before kickoff at this point)

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
players, wearing the throwback uniforms, warming up.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
more players standing around warming up.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
the score board. I assume tickets are still available for Carrie Underwood.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
notice the curve of the new press box.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
people with disabilities no longer have to be stuck in the endzone, which is a big improvement. The TV cameras have been moved from baskets hanging in front of the endzone to the upper concourse level as well.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
this large mural is located at the center of the west balcony concourse. (the elevator shafts are located directly behind it)

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
J Leman, immortalized (or at least remembered for a few years until the paint starts to fade)

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Dick Butkus, again.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
a little help here?

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Dike Eddleman.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
plenty of room in the new WB concourse.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
TV monitors next to the concession stands, to the best of my knowledge these things aren't working yet, at least they weren't turned on when I walked through, and the ones in the east hall still had plastic over them.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
looking back over the playing field.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
view of the horseshoe.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
players waiting for the game.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
looking back to the north over the new North Endzone with Campustown in the background.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
again, if you look closely you can see there is still some work to do, even though the stadium is certainly ready for games.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
East Stands

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
looking up at the press box from the south side of the upper concourse.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
The SW ramp tower to the right, over looking the east side and the field of play.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
one final picture of the upper concourse.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
from the ramps looking down at the colonnades and the west terrace.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
folks treking up to their seats.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
some great views of the surrounding fields are available throughout the stadium.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
walking down the ramps.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
these windows used to look over the west stands, and are now filled in because of the new tower.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
view of the field and stands can be had as you walk down the ramps

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Eastern Illinois Panthers warm up before the game.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
looking up at the Colonnades Club (below the balcony) the West Balcony, and press box from the lower bowl.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Illinois stretching before the game.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
nothing new for fans in the horseshoe... (for the record, the restrooms in the west stands are fantastic).

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
on the concourse level in the horseshoe looking over the east stands.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
again, looking at the new west structure.... which 2 years ago was identicle to the east side, except for the tiny press box at midfield.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
people start to file into the rich seats in the colonnades club.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
another close up of the west pavilion.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
the scoreboard.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
the stadium could really use a new videoboard over the north stands.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
notice the "Zuppke Field" plaque at the middle of the north endzone. The Zuppke Wall was installed before IMPE was built, and was actually located about where IMPE stands now. It was moved to its old location (about the back of the north endzone structure) in the 1960's to make room for IMPE... and was moved a second time last year to be next to the field and allow for the construction of the North Endzone structure.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
West Side

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
East Side

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
new section numbers throughout the stadium, here in the

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
a very blurry, for some reason, picture of the east great hall. If you are straining to see what is new, don't bother... not much is.





Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
the concession stands have been rebuilt, and are larger, which is cool, but the East Great Hall has NONE of the decoration that the West Side has... presumably most of the East side renovations where struck from the project when it got too pricey. Since luxury seating, not us plebes in the regular stands, pay for renovations, I wouldn't hold my breath on seeing it done any time soon.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
as mentioned earlier, as of the EIU game the TV's weren't hooked up.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
back cover of the game program, with Red Grange.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
trumpets lining the ramps in the North East Tower as fans head to their seats.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
waiting to play.



Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
this picture is looking from the ramps heading up to the balcony (remember the openings that were blocked in on the west side?)

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
not much new on this side... still have the old scoreboards up in the rafters because the video board is out of view.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
looking over IMPE (I'm not calling it the "Arc", i don't care if its big enough that there is two of every type of weight machine in there)

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
the changing skyline of Champaign. The 24 Story 309 E. Green Building rises up behind whatever-the-hell Century21/University Inn/Presidential Towers is called these days. To the left of the building formerly known as Presidential Towers (the black octagon) you can see the 14 story Burnham Tower building.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
looking down at the east main stands as I walk up to my seat.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
students are slowely starting to show up, its about 35-40 minutes before kickoff now.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Illini going through pregame drills.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
stadium is starting to fill up.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
lookin back at the horsehoe, with Assembly Hall in the background.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
The East Balcony Concourse (this is what the west concourse used to look like too... scroll up and notice the difference)

and for the record, absolutely NOTHING has changed about the west concourse. Nada, Zip, Zilch, Squat.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
The West Side. In the press box (we need to find a new word for it, because the "press" occupies like 1/9th of that behemouth, but I digress...):
First Level: South and North Sections - Suites, Middle Section - 77 Club (indoor club seating)
Second Level: Suites
Third Level: South Section - Suites, Middle Section - Public Address, broadcasting, coaching boxes, replay official. North Section - Written Press.
Upper Level - Security.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Looking at North stands... notice the arched entrance to the "Activities and Recreation Center" (it's still IMPE to me damnit!)

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
closeup on the press box. A couple people sit in their plush seats. Notice the broadcast booth at the top middle. The broadcast booth includes a place for the commentators and spotters to work, along with a room to place a backdrop or green screen.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
north section.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
middle section.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
South Section.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
17 minutes before kickoff, which means the band is on the field (horray!)

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
the band. the best thing about Illinois Football from 2003-2007.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
American Flags on the posts above the stadium. There used to be 12 flags between the east and west side (enough for 11 Big Ten school flags and a general conference flag).

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Form Of: United States of America!

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Star and banners.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
ILLINI

William Tell before the start of the game:


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
band waiting for the team to enter.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
stadium is getting full, but it will take a while to fill up because of the traffic jam at the entrances.

Intro Video and Team Entrance:


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Team huddles up at midfield before the game.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Marching Band plays the national Anthem before the game (they did the anthem after the teams came out today, instead of before)

National Anthem Video:


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Kickoff.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
the top 10 players at 8 positions (Specialists, Defensive Backs, Linbackers, Defensive Linemen, Receivers, Running Backs, Offensive Linmen, and Quarterbacks) were honored throughout the game.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
legendary UI players stand in the endzone during a media timeout.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
UI on offense.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
More players heading on to the field.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
The only person to wear #50 in Memorial Stadium now or ever again, Dick Butkus.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
#47, J Leman, also appeared.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
5 of the 10 linebackers were able to appear.


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Kickoff after Illinois Touchdown.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
EIU backed up in their own territory.

Touchdown Illinois!
id

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Illinois preparing to kick the extra point after a touchdown, the large Block I flags run across the field.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
I think its supposed to say "Zook"... they need more practice.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
halftime.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
more halftime.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Block I doublefisting some odd-looking beer mugs.

CHUG!! CHUG!! CHUG!!

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
almost done.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
During the Three in One.

Three in One Clip:


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Playing "Alma Mater"


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
student section.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
the wave makes it through the stadium.

Video:


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
after the game, i thought these were cool, these are on one of the buildings in the research park...