(Photo By Flickr User Phillip Kalantzis Cope)
The University of Illinois Men's basketball program will host the first-ever #ILLINIALLIN event on Sunday, October 26th, from 1pm-3:30pm at the Ubben Basketball Practice Facility in Champaign-Urbana,IL. This showcase will allow a limited number of UI students and fans an exclusive look at the team as it prepares for the upcoming 2014-2015 season.
In previous years, the Illini held an Orange and Blue intrasquad scrimmage at State Farm Center. With the building unavailable this season due to renovation, head coach John Groce is opening the doors to allow a select group of faithful Illini unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the program.
#ILLINIALLIN will feature complimentary food and drinks, courtside or balcony viewing for the team scrimmage, interaction with players and coaches including an autograph session, plus an Illini-themed gift. Since demand will be high, Illinois Athletics is asking students and fans to share why they should be selected to be a part of this VIP experience.
There are two ways for fans to communicate their interest:
1) By completing a self-nomination ballot online at FightingIllini.com
2) By tweeting to @IlliniHoops using the hashtag #ILLINIALLIN
According to FightingIllini.com, fans are encouraged to be creative with their message, including the uploading of photos and videos showing why they are among the most passionate Illini fans around. UI student and general public season ticket holders will be given priority in the selection process. Participants who are selected to attend #ILLINIALLIN will be notified by email and given further instructions regarding the event.
Just in case if you cannot make it there live & in person, the team scrimmage during #ILLINIALLIN also will be streamed live via FightingIllini.com along with post event videos, photos and interviews with coaches, student-athletes, and fans.
The first exhibition action of the campaign will be on Friday, November 7th as the Illini host Quincy University(IL) at 7pm. Illinois basketball tickets can be purchased online at FightingIllini.com or by calling 1-866-ILLINI-1.
