University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Athletics - Athletics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.62

Athletics

Quick Stats

Athletic Association
  • NAA
  • NCAA
Athletic Division NCAA Division I-A
Athletic Conferences Football: Big Ten Conference
Basketball: Big Ten Conference
School Colors Orange and blue
School Nickname Illini
Men Playing Varsity Sports 305 - 2%
Women Playing Varsity Sports 203 - 1%
Students Receiving Athletic Financial Aid Football: 85
Basketball: 28
Baseball: 24
Cross Country/Track: 49
Other Sports: 169
Graduation Rates of Athletic Financial Aid Recipients Football: 60%
Basketball: 57%
Baseball: 44%
Cross Country/Track: 40%
Other Sports: 76%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Athletics at U of I are big, and people take sports very seriously. Whether they are spectators or participants in the game, nearly everyone on campus is interested in the outcome of the varsity sports teams. As far as basketball and football are concerned, you’ll find more students buzzing over those games than you will any other sport on campus. But this is a Division I school, so that’s expected. Intramural and club sports are also really big on campus, and they are a great way to meet people and have fun. The underwater hockey team, especially, is legendary for its crazy games. Even if you are not the best athlete you can surely find some sport that interests you through intramurals and clubs.

The gyms and playing fields are also big on campus, and some people say that they consider ARC one of their favorite hangouts. Of course, the real event here is football. People come to the games religiously, rain or snow. The Block I section is for the most dedicated fans. There, students dress in all orange and blue and hold signs to cheer on their team. The Illinettes also turn out for all the home games, and so it’s like a midday party. Even people who aren't that interested in football come out for the party atmosphere and school spirit. If you’re not a sports fan when you come to U of I, don’t be surprised if you graduate with a foam finger on your hand.

 

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Illinois Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Athletics at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

nandunu

Political Science and Government '15

N/A

I Don't Really Pay Attention.

But we have good years and bad years but we are a top ten school.

May 17, 2012

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Athletics at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

SaraToth

Kinesiology and Exercise Science '13

N/A

Athletic Pride and Loyalty

The athletics at the university are well-known and greatly supported. Despite many difficult seasons for each sport, the fan-base never diminishes and fans continue to support the fighting illini. Students are a major part in athletics as they show their support through Block-I loyalty during the football season and Orange Krush during basketball. Win or lose, both students and non-students show support in hopes that a winning season is soon to come. There are high amounts of school spirit on and off campus. Whether it's game day or not, individuals show their illini pride wearing orange and blue all over town.

May 10, 2012

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Athletics at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

rdimonte

Elementary Education '15

5.0
A+

Sports Are Great

The best part about coming to a Big Ten (Twelve) school is the sports. There is always something to do because of the great athletics. It is so fun because there is even a big student section at tennis games. Football and Baseball are the best though, in my opinion.

Apr 15, 2012

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User rating for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Athletics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 52 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

How popular are varsity sports on campus?

How popular are intramurals and club sports?

How would you describe the athletic facilities?

Facts

Men's Varsity Sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Tennis
  • Track and field
  • Wrestling
Women's Varsity Sports
  • Basketball
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming and diving
  • Tennis
  • Track and field
  • Volleyball
Intramurals
  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Broomball
  • Flag football
  • Ice hockey
  • Kickball
  • Racquetball
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Volleyball
Club Sports
  • Badminton
  • Baseball
  • Competitive Cheerleading
  • Dance team
  • Gymnastics
  • Hockey
  • Lacrosse
  • Martial arts
  • Powerlifting
  • Racquetball
  • Roller hockey
  • Rugby
  • Soccer
  • Softball (fast pitch)
  • Synchronized ice skating
  • Synchronized swimming
  • Table tennis
  • Trap and skeet
  • Triathlon
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Underwater hockey
  • Volleyball
  • Water polo
Athletic Fields & Facilities
  • Activities and Recreation Center (ARC)
  • Arboretum
  • ARC Pool
  • Armory
  • Assembly Hall
  • Atkins Tennis Center
  • Campus Recreation Center East (CRCE)
  • Complex Fields
  • Eichelberger Field
  • Freer Hall Pool
  • Golf Facilities
  • H.E. Kenney Gym
  • Huff Hall
  • Ice arena
  • Illini Grove
  • Illinois Field
  • Illinois Track & Soccer Stadium
  • Irwin Indoor Facility
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Outdoor Center Fields
  • Residence hall gyms
  • Ubben Basketball Complex

Most Popular Sports

There is a lot of interest in sports,especially football and basketball. The fate of these two teams is taken personally by students and community residents alike, and everyone goes to the games to support them and cheer them on, regardless of the weather.

Most Overlooked Teams

The women’s tennis team has done very well in the past, however, the women tend to get overshadowed by the men’s tennis team.

School Spirit

School spirit comes and goes in spurts. Everyone is very loyal during the first few weeks of the school year because they are all glad to be back and in good sprits. Then the winter wind starts blowing and none of us can figure out why we came to school here in the first place. When there is any work to be done, people are usually frustrated with being at college, but once the weekend starts, people don’t really seem to mind. On the whole, though, everyone is usually happy with their college decision, and everyone always turns out to support the football team, no matter what the weather. If that isn’t school spirit, then I don’t know what is. Illini or bust.

Getting Tickets

It is usually easy to get tickets for sporting events, as long as it is not a big game. There is generally a good turnout, especially at the football and basketball games. Money is not an issue either, as you can get a good price with your student ID.

Best Place to Take a Walk

Allerton Park, Arboretum, or Japan House Gardens

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Emily Thiersch
Hometown
Wilmette, Ill.

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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