For the first time since 2005, No. 3 Illinois, led by head coach Brad Underwood, has made it to the Final Four. Thousands of students rushed Alma Mater Saturday night following the Illini’s victory over the No. 9 Iowa Hawkeyes, filling the Champaign-Urbana streets with sights not seen since 2005.
The Illini are set to face the No. 2 UConn Huskies in the Final Four this Saturday in Indianapolis. For those stepping out in hopes of catching the game at your favorite local bars or restaurants, be prepared for long wait times and high cover fees.
Here are a few local favorites and information on what to expect for the big game at these campus town staple establishments.
Brother’s Bar and Grill
Residing at 601 S First St., Brothers Bar and Grill offers a sports bar experience for both students and locals. Whether you’re looking for a drink to ease your stress during the game or a place to kick back and grab a bite, Brothers provides both. This bar and grill combines the game day atmosphere with carefully crafted drinks and food, perfect for those intending on arriving hours before the game. However, attendees can expect to pay a $50 cover once doors open at 11 a.m., and it is first come first serve.
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KAMS
Located at 102 E Green St., one can find KAMS. If you’re looking to spend your Saturday in full school spirit, order the iconic Blue Guy at KAMS to make memories you’ll never forget, unless you have way too many, in which case you might forget. However, expect to pay a pretty penny. With early bird and general admission tickets sold out, the only options left to attend the watch party are general admission tickets costing $109.05 and a five-person bundle for $325.55. Doors open at 2 p.m., and ticket holders will have a guaranteed space until tipoff with no additional cover to be paid at the door.
If you’re hesitant about paying the $109.05 general admission tickets, Second Chance, which can be found right above KAMS, is also hosting a Final Four watch party. You can find tickets for $54.93. With purchase of a ticket, ticket holders will have guaranteed space until the game tips off. Doors open at 2 p.m. but keep in mind this ticket is only valid for Second Chance and cannot be used for entrance downstairs at KAMS.
The Red Lion
On the corner of Third and Green (211 E Green St.), The Red Lion has been a staple of the community for over 50 years. Students should expect a buzzing atmosphere, drinks and of course, flat screen televisions around the bar, perfect to watch the game in. With general admission tickets at $81.99 and $136.11 for a two-person bundle, spectators are guaranteed entry. No additional cover will need to be paid at the door. Doors will open at 2 p.m., and ticket holders will have guaranteed space until tipoff.
Murphy’s Pub
Serving the Illini since 1969, next on the list is Murphy’s Pub, which can be found at 604 E Green St. Serving food and drinks, Murphy’s brings the traditional feeling of an Irish pub, all while keeping school spirit alive. Doors open at 11 a.m., and attendees can expect to pay a $10 cover fee this Saturday.
Legends Bar and Grill
Lastly, there’s Legends Bar and Grill, a cornerstone of the Illini pride. Located at 522 E Green St, Legends provides a unique and normally relaxed atmosphere, but that is subject to change due to the Final Four game, which was seen this past Saturday.
“It was crazy,” said Julia, an employee at Legends. “We hit full capacity around 2 p.m. and we opened at 11 a.m..”
Spectators can expect to pay a $10 cover fee the entire day, so if you’re looking for the perfect destination for food, cocktails and enjoying the game — all while not breaking the bank — Legends might be where you find yourself on Saturday.
Illini Union Watch party
If the crowded bars and high cover fees aren’t your vibe, the University is hosting a Final Four watch party in the Illini Union Courtyard Cafe on Saturday at 5 p.m. The game will be on the big screen, so you can enjoy the game with fellow Illinois fans.
