CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced a full slate of marketing promotions for Illinois baseball home games at Illinois Field in 2025.
The 15th annual Bleacher Bum Barbecue, the premier promotion for Fighting Illini baseball, will be held Friday, April 25, when Illinois hosts Purdue at 6 p.m. CT. The event has been a staple on the Illini schedule, as the previous 10 of the previous 11 editions have drawn average crowds over 2,000 to Illinois Field, including an all-time high of 5,214 in 2009. The 2025 Bleach Bum Barbecue will also feature a post-game fireworks show.
For the 11th time, the Fighting Illini will wear special commemorative jerseys as part of Honor and Serve Day at Illinois Field. The event, which is designed to honor University of Illinois student veterans and all of America’s military heroes, including those serving the Champaign-Urbana community, will be held on Saturday, April 26, when Illinois hosts Purdue at 3 p.m. Full details and this year’s commemorative jerseys will be unveiled at a later date.
From May 9-11, Illinois will be hosting Warrior Weekend, dedicating the series vs. UCLA to former pitching coach Mark Allen, who passed away following his battle with cancer on Feb. 5, 2025.
Illinois Field will also feature several recurring promotions all season long. Food Truck Fridays return for a third season and will feature local food truck options during Friday home games. Tuesday home games will feature $2 draft beers. A kid’s zone will be open each Sunday with kid’s inflatables open beginning 30 minutes prior to first pitch.
There will also be happy hour drink specials from gate open to first pitch for all home games.
RIGHT FIELD PATIO RENTAL: The patio outside right field is available for rent this season. The space features two pads, which can be reserved separately or together. Fans are encouraged to bring their own chairs and tents, and a picnic table will be provided. Food and beverage packages also available. Contact Ally O’Herron (aoherron@illinois.edu) to reserve a spot.
ILLINOIS BASEBALL TAILGATE PACKAGE: Reserve your full-service tailgate for Illinois baseball with Revelxp today. It’s completely hassle free as Revelxp will set up the tailgate and have everything ready for you to show up and being tailgating. If you purchase a full-service tailgate, you will be able to tailgate just outside the facility at your tailgate starting three hours prior to game time until the conclusion of the second inning. If you have any questions, please contact Revelxp at 217-953-8282.
Baseball cards will be given away in four sets:
» Set 1 – April 4
» Set 2 – April 6
» Set 3 – April 12
» Set 4 – May 26
Notable dates:
» March 18 – Indiana State – St. Patrick’s Game
» April 4 – Maryland – B1G Home Opener / Card Set #1 / Pajama Game
» April 5 – Maryland – Mom’s Weekend
» April 6 – Maryland – Country Game / Card Set #2
» April 12 – Indiana – Card Set #3
» April 13 – Indiana – Bark In The Park / Youth League Day
» April 15 – SIUE – Jackie Robinson Day / Greek and Student Night
» April 25 – Purdue – Bleacher Bum BBQ
» April 26 – Purdue – Card Set #4 / Honor and Serve
» May 6 – Bradley – MVP
» May 9-11 – UCLA Weekend Warrior Weekend
» May 10 – UCLA – Senior Day
» May 11 – UCLA – Mother’s Day
All games will be held at Illinois Field. Game dates, times, giveaways and promotions are subject to change.
