Illinois Stadium Upgrades Aim to Enhance Fan Engagement

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The Illinois Memorial Stadium has recently had huge upgrades. Yet that is set to continue, with the introduction of internet systems, video, and sound.

Around 60,670 fans attend the Memorial Stadium on game days, and over the next two seasons, a host of upgrades are being planned to enhance their engagement levels. The long-standing, historic ground for the University of Illinois' sports teams will see a $9 million wireless internet system installed.

Upgrading Memorial Stadium

This is required for two reasons. The first is due to the proliferation of digital tickets. When the internet won't load, neither will the tickets that are stored on the device. This can create huge bottlenecks in the queue. It is hoped that better internet will help with not just ticketing, but also concessions and retail sales.

Another reason for installing what is termed a 'high-density' system is that fans can share experiences on social media quickly. This allows the transfer of real-time information and the sharing of interactions. It will also allow bettors in Illinois to access online bookmakers much more easily. By selecting the most well reviewed websites for Illinois odds, spectators will be able to benefit from the best online sportsbook service on offer. In some cases, they may even be able to access live betting, so they can bet or cash out as the action is in play.

Installation on the wireless internet began at the end of August. This was done for concourses. Additional facilities in the student section, Grange Grove, and the seating bowl were completed for the September homecoming game.

It does not just end there either. In the next season, there will be upgrades to videoboards, LED lighting, and sound systems. Current boards will be upgraded, and a new one will be added in the student section. In total, 19 new videoboards will be placed around the stadium. Repairs to concrete steps are also expected, along with a further entrance in the southeast.

The sound system will feature a new main speaker to go with the newly installed south videoboard. There will be another 20 new speakers placed around the stadium.

Director of Athletics Josh Whitman noted in a statement that “The upcoming Memorial Stadium projects are a key step in our commitment to providing one of the best college football experiences in the nation.” He then went on to add, “Over the last five years, DIA has made a dedicated investment in Memorial Stadium, one of the state’s most historic and storied venues, including over $20 million in current and completed infrastructure upgrades. Over the next two seasons, we are excited to continue those efforts by adding wireless internet for the use, convenience, and enjoyment of our fans, along with new and enhanced videoboards, sound, and LED lighting.”

Illinois Gies Memorial Stadium

The University of Illinois has used the stadium for 101 years. In its early days, the team played at a more northern section known as Illinois Field. A new site was selected at the south of the campus, mainly due to the previous area being too congested. It was finished in 1923 and cost US$1.7 million.

The name was chosen to honour those who had died in World War I. In early September, it was announced that going forward, the stadium will be known as The Gies Memorial Stadium. This was after a $100 million donation by alumnus Larry Gies. It is the largest gift ever given to the athletics department, and the School of Business will also be named after the philanthropist.

The surface itself is known as Zuppke Field. This was named after a former head football coach. There is also an urban myth that during construction, heavy rains meant a bulldozer sank into the playing field., Instead of removing it at a cost, it was simply left and built over, remaining there to this day.

The stadium is home to the Illinois Fighting Illini football team. They're a founding member of the Big Ten Conference. To date, they have had five national championships and 15 Big Ten championships. The current era has been undertaken by coach Bret Bielema. Taking his role in December 2020, his first year led them to a 5–7 record. He had more AP and CFP wins than any other first-year coach in the club's history.

Fan engagement is becoming increasingly popular in sport. It is no longer enough just for teams to play on the field. With digital access, social media, and streaming television, fans want more. If a team can be online in various forms, this can transfer to increased revenue in areas such as sponsorship and retail sales. This also helps to keep fans engaged 24/7, creating a connection that is formed around the clock, not just on matchday.

All of these upgrades promise to make matchday more enjoyable for spectators. It is also a surefire way to get the team onto the internet in real time, reaching out to fans beyond the stadium gates.

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