Memorial Stadium in Champaign

Memorial Stadium is a popular tourist attraction in Champaign, Illinois. It is the home of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini football team and hosts a variety of other events throughout the year. The stadium was built in 1923 as a memorial to the men and women who served in World War I. Its original capacity was 67,000, but renovations in the 2000s expanded it to over 60,000 seats. The stadium is also known for its iconic orange and blue seating and its distinctive "Block I" logo on the field. One interesting fact about Memorial Stadium is that it is the only stadium in the world with Chilled Water Storage tanks. The tanks cool water to supply the stadium's air conditioning system, allowing it to operate more efficiently during peak energy usage times.

Memorial Stadium offers guided tours during the summer months, including a behind-the-scenes look at the press box, locker room, and field. There are also plenty of photo opportunities, including a selfie with the giant Fighting Illini statue at the entrance. If you're lucky enough to visit during football season, be sure to grab a ticket to a game and experience the excitement of game day at Memorial Stadium. The atmosphere is electric as fans cheer on the Fighting Illini and enjoy classic football traditions like tailgating and the Marching Illini band.