News

Illinois Athletics rolls out new gameday parking routes for 2026 football season

Memorial Stadium in Champaign Photo: Shutterstock


Champaign, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) – Illinois Athletics is introducing lot-specific traffic routes for the 2026 Fighting Illini football season to reduce congestion and improve access to gameday parking.

Starting approximately three and a half hours before kickoff, fans will be required to follow designated routes to their assigned parking lots. Those who do not comply will be redirected to the correct route to reach their lot. Rideshare services can use State Farm Circle Drives for pickup and drop-off from either First Street or Fourth Street.

Below is a breakdown of the assigned traffic routes for each lot:

Parking Lot(s) Assigned Route(s) Notes
Lot 31 Neil Street → Stadium Drive OR Kirby Avenue → Oak Street Non-opening queue line
Lots 32 & 33 Kirby Avenue → South on Oak Street OR Windsor Road → N. First Street → through St. Mary’s Road  
Lots 34 & 35 Windsor Road → N. First Street → through St. Mary’s Road  
Lots 36 & 37 First Street (from the north) OR Neil Street → East on Stadium Drive → South on First Street  
Lots 38 & 39 Windsor Road → Fourth Street → through St. Mary’s Road  
Lots 42, 45, 46, 47, 49 Lincoln Avenue → West on Kirby/Florida Avenue → Continue straight (lots on left) Additional pass screening at Florida & Goodwin for Lots 42 & 45

Illinois Athletics encourages all fans to review their lot’s traffic route ahead of game day to avoid delays and ensure a smooth parking experience. Single-game parking at Research Park and the Veterinary Medicine lot will follow specific entry points to further streamline traffic.

Fans can view detailed routes online or contact a Fighting Illini Account Manager for questions.

Recent Headlines

4 hours ago in Entertainment

With jumpsuits, wigs and dance moves, these young boys and teens keep Elvis’ legacy alive

Nearly 50 years after Elvis Presley 's death, a gaggle of exuberant young boys and teens shook up his hometown, intent on keeping the king's legacy alive for a new generation.

4 hours ago in National, Trending

The rise and fall of ‘The Hills’ star Spencer Pratt’s improbable campaign for Los Angeles mayor

He wrote a memoir called "The Guy You Loved to Hate." He's dabbled in rap, releasing a song called "I'm a Celebrity." He started a company selling crystals claimed to have healing properties. But Spencer Pratt was not able to pull off his latest venture — an improbable bid to become mayor of Los Angeles.

1 day ago in Entertainment

‘Scary Movie’ tops box office, slaying ‘Masters of the Universe’ and adding to low-budget streak

The summer box office is booming — but not because of the usual suspects. After three weeks of indie horror dominance at the box office, the slasher spoof "Scary Movie" topped ticket sales with $55 million over the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday, easily besting the far-from-mighty "Masters of the Universe."