Bielema sparks new military appreciation campaign

By Felicity Abbott, Summer Editor • Jul 16, 2025

American flags placed at headstones of US military veterans at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Urbana.

Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema hopes to fill Memorial Stadium with military personnel this fall. On Nov. 15, Illinois will recognize veterans, active-duty military and their families with a Military Appreciation Day initiative.

For this specific game, fans are encouraged to purchase special $20 tickets. For each special ticket purchased, Bielema will donate a ticket to military heroes and their families.

“Our family believes deeply in honoring those who sacrifice so much for our freedom and safety,” Bielema said in a statement. “We are grateful for the opportunity to say thank you and give them the chance to enjoy a day of celebration, recognition, and Illini Football.”

Organizations and individuals who are interested in requesting a veteran ticket for the game can find more information on the Vet Tix website.

Last year’s Military Appreciation Day game was also combined with Dads Day and featured events like an Army cadet rappelling, a pregame military tailgate and an Army swearing-in ceremony.

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Only time will tell what other added events will honor military personnel this fall.

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About the Contributors

Felicity Abbott, Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor

Hi! My name is Felicity, and I am a junior majoring in journalism and minoring in French. I am currently The Daily Illini’s Assistant Arts & Entertainment editor and could not be more excited! Outside of The DI, I spend my free time reading, hanging out with my friends and scrolling on Pinterest for hours. If you have any questions or suggestions for me, feel free to click the button below to send me an email.

Lisa Chasanov, Managing Editor for Reporting

Howdy! My name is Lisa, my game is delivering quality news to your phone screen, coffee table and recycling bin. Since fall 2022, I have had the honor of writing, editing and often-unsuccessfully pitching content for The Daily Illini. During my time at the 152-year-old news source, I have served as a reporter at our news desk, summer editor and assistant news editor. Most recently, after a rewarding year of bringing you hard-hitting stories such as “Uncut: Dissecting Circumcision” and “‘Surf’s Up’ could be the film of the summer,” I have taken over as managing editor for reporting. In my free time, you can find me performing open heart surgery in dark alleys, communicating telepathically with small woodland creatures and engaging in otherwise dubious activities. If you would like to summon me for any reason, you can find me at [email protected]. Good Yard. Stay tuned for more.