The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

Best of CU | Best Sports Venue: State Farm Center

Fans+at+the+State+Farm+Center+cheer+as+the+Illinois+basketball+team+makes+their+introductions+before+facing+Marquette+on+Nov.+14.
James Hoeck
Fans at the State Farm Center cheer as the Illinois basketball team makes their introductions before facing Marquette on Nov. 14.

Home of the Illinois men’s and women’s basketball programs, the State Farm Center has garnered a special reputation across the Big Ten Conference. The electrifying atmosphere it boasts will ensure you are immersed in the passionate Illini culture from the moment you take your seat to the moment the final buzzer sounds.

The unique UFO-shaped dome of the State Farm Center makes the building near impossible to miss on the south end of campus. Located in Champaign next to Memorial Stadium, home of Illinois football, the State Farm Center has become a symbol of the University. A rich history of success brims within its walls: Countless Illini title triumphs and NBA-caliber players have graced its courts over the years. The building is also home to the Orange Krush student section, which has played its role in cementing the State Farm Center’s status as one of the most feared arenas in the league.

However, fast-paced collegiate basketball is not all that the arena hosts. In recent years, big-name artists have performed live at the State Farm Center, with shows from A Boogie wit da Hoodie, The Kid LAROI, Cody Johnson and Ludacris all taking place in recent years.

No matter what event you visit the arena for, the sights and sounds that the State Farm Center has to offer will result in a memorable experience second to none in Champaign.

 

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About the Contributors
James Kim
James Kim, Sports Editor
My name is James Kim and I’m a senior studying English with a minor in business. This is my third year with The Daily Illini and it’s been an amazing ride so far. When I joined in fall 2021, I began as a staff writer for the sports section where I covered women’s tennis. In spring 2022, I became an assistant sports editor and started covering soccer and Illinois men’s basketball. From spring 2023 onwards I’ve been working as the sports editor! In addition to being an Illini and Real Madrid fanatic, I also love watching movies and TV shows. If you have any questions about writing for The DI, you can reach me at my email below. I-L-L!
James Hoeck
James Hoeck, Photo Editor
Heyo! I am James Hoeck, a third-year undergraduate student in photography with a minor in media. I have been a part of Illini Media for two years, starting back in fall 2021. I hold the position of Photo Editor here at The Daily Illini. I also work as Photo Editor for Illini Media’s Illio Yearbook. There is a good chance you will see me out and about on campus taking photos for my personal work or for The DI and/or Illio! If you want to check out more of my work, visit my socials linked below.
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