Chicago Bears legend, Dick Butkus, is being honored this Saturday at the Coronado Performing Arts Center and here's how to receive free tickets.

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois is a nonprofit organization based in Springfield that recognizes residents who have made amazing contributions to the state.

Each year they hold a ceremony to celebrate those citizens. The honorees receive the "Order of Lincoln," which is the highest award given by Illinois.

This year, the festivities will be held in Rockford at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. The event is this Saturday night starting at 5:30pm. This will be the first time it's being held here since 1970.

The recipients this year includes...

  • Dick Butkus - Former Chicago Bear and University of Illinois player.
  • Emily Bear - 16-year-old Rockford pianist and composer. Youngest to ever be honored with the order.
  • David Rydell - Chairman of Bergstrom Inc.
  • Steven Chen - Co-founder and chief technology officer of YouTube.
  • Rev. Michael J. Garanzini - Former president of Loyola University.
  • Mellody Hobson - Director of Estee Lauder and Starbucks.
  • Edward L. McMillian - President and CEO of Purina.
  • Dr. Louis H. Phillipson - Founding director of Kovlar Diabetes Center.

There will be two different ways to enjoy the evening.

This is a really cool thing happening in our city.


 

Video: Classic Rock Smackdown - What are the Cheap Trick Drummer's Favorite Cheap Trick Songs?

More From 96.7 The Eagle