There’s something in the air this Illini football season, and it’s not just a 5-1 record to begin the year. This week, Illinois commemorates 100 years of Memorial Stadium’s dedication for the 2024-25 season in Champaign.
The upcoming days illustrate Illinois’ involvement in the community and hope for athletic success. While there’s Illini pride all year long, this week, there will be even more opportunities for community members to embrace the celebration of Memorial Stadium’s centennial.
What to do this week
Beginning this Monday, a simpler way individuals can enjoy the commemoration of Memorial Stadium is on their living room couches. The Big Ten Network is set to air a documentary titled “A House of Brick: 100 Years of Memorial Stadium” on Monday at 9:30 p.m. The documentary will feature important historical moments in Memorial Stadium’s history and dive into its origins and uniqueness.
Next, on Thursday, the University’s Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism will put together a symposium on Harold “Red” Grange and his football conquest with the Illini. This free event is open to the public and takes place at the 77 Club in the stadium at 6:30 p.m.
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Then, a rededication ceremony takes place on the exact 100th anniversary in Grange Grove this Friday at 11 a.m. The ceremony will highlight Memorial Stadium over the past 100 years with its many purposes and will showcase the new features of the stadium.
Later that day, a gala will take place in the Colonnades Club. There, stories and memories will be shared by some of Illinois’ greatest athletes.
Finally, No. 22 Illinois football will host No. 24 Michigan for the Rededication Game on Oct. 19 at 2:30 p.m. This game comes 100 years and a day after Memorial Stadium’s original Dedication Game. This is the second sold-out game for the Illini this season. Fans are eager to see their 5-1 Illini compete against the Wolverines at home for the first time since 2019.
Remembering the Galloping Ghost
This Friday, Oct. 18, marks exactly 100 years since Red Grange performed like no other. The Illini took to Memorial Stadium for its Dedication Game day to face off against the infamous Michigan Wolverines. Before their arrival, the Wolverines had gone 20 games without a loss. But that soon changed once Red Grange came into the picture.
On the opening kickoff of Memorial Stadium’s Dedication Game in 1924, Grange ran 95 yards into the end zone to kick things off early. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the running back picked up another touchdown five minutes later after a 67-yard dash. Then, he ran for two additional 40-plus-yard runs to accumulate four total touchdowns in just 12 minutes.
The Illini defeated the Wolverines 39-14 in their newly dedicated stadium that day. Thirty-six of those points came from Grange himself. The “Galloping Ghost” acquired the nickname due to his incredible speed and ability to sneak past defenders with ease.
Iconic, talented and historic are all words used to describe Grange and his legacy with the Illini. His greatness still lives in the spirit of Illini fans everywhere.
