Illini fans will have two opportunities to interact with the football players and coaches at Memorial Stadium this weekend.

All University students are invited to the Great West Hall of Memorial Stadium for a basketball watch party Saturday. Admission is free, and food and beverages will be provided.

Illinois coaches and players will be on hand to meet with students and cheer on the Illini basketball team.

“Our students are unbelievable,” Zook said. “The do a great job supporting us, they’re unbelievable for the basketball team. This gives them an opportunity to get back together in a situation where they’re doing the same thing, watching the game, and this gives us an opportunity to be a part of it.”

At halftime of the men’s basketball game against Michigan State, Zook will talk about his 2006 signing class and show video highlights of the more than 25 new players who will join the squad for the 2006 season. This class is considered the fourth-best in the Big Ten and one of the top groups in the country.

“This is (the students’) team, this is their University, this is their football program,” Zook said. “These guys coming in are their classmates, and this gives them an opportunity to see them before they get here. I think that’s the least we can do, is give them an opportunity to be part of it.”

Doors open in advance of game time, and door prizes will be awarded during timeouts.

“The coaches will all be there,” Zook said. “We want people to get a chance to meet the coaches, get to know them as people, and the players as well.”

After the game, Illinois football will host its ninth-annual Football Family Fun Fest at the Irwin Indoor Practice Facility and the Great West Hall. The free event gives fans an opportunity to meet the 2006 football team, get autographs and take pictures. Grade-schoolers will be able to try field foal kicking, passing for accuracy and distance, pass route running, an obstacle course and timed 20- and 40-yard dashes.

At the Great West Hall, fans can try on Illini uniforms, meet with cheerleaders and Illinettes and try giant inflatable games.

“I’m very excited about it,” Zook said. “I can’t wait.”