While basketball traveled to Ohio State this weekend, football hosted its annual Family Fun Fest at Memorial Stadium and the Irwin Indoor Practice facility on Saturday. The event featured football skill-related activities, performances by the Marching Illini and cheerleaders and an autograph session with players and head coach Ron Zook.

“It’s a great atmosphere for us,” said sophomore defensive back Justin Harrison. “If all these kids can come out in the season, it will be great for us.”

Most of the fans in attendance were Champaign-area families who came to see the new coaches and returning players.

“I wanted to show him some of the activities, some of the players, kind of show him what Illinois football is all about,” said Scott Leon of Villa Grove, who brought his four-year-old son Carson.

The players interacting with fans is a chance to get up close with the crowd, something they don’t get to do during the season.

“They get to get a feel for the players, get to know us a little bit, get excited for the season,” sophomore kicker Jason Reda said.

Spring practice for the football team begins March 29 and the spring scrimmage will be April 16. But the Illini are already looking ahead to the fall.

“We’re having a really good off-season,” sophomore quarterback Brad Bower said. “Like Coach Zook said, we’re planning on going to a bowl game this year.”

But with the first football game more than five months away, Saturday’s focus remained on the fans.

“Seeing all these kids having fun, it’s great to see people still love Illini football,” Harrison said.