SIU Alumni Tailgate @ University of Illinois
About this Event
Join the SIU Alumni Association and hundreds of your fellow alumni as we head to Champaign-Urbana for one of the most anticipated matchups in recent Saluki football history. SIU takes on the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday, September 19.
Before the kickoff, gather with us for an unforgettable alumni tailgate experience. With a large crowd expected for this historic showdown, the tailgate will be the premier place for SIU alumni, fans, and friends on the road.
The event will open at 10 a.m., featuring great food and opportunities to reconnect with other Salukis.
Tailgate ticket prices include food and a limited assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own beverages. Guests with dietary restrictions or special accommodations are encouraged to contact Cathie Mieldezis, the Association's director of constituent relations, in advance at [email protected].
The game starts at 1 p.m. Tickets will be on sale through the SIU Athletics Ticket Office this summer. SIU will announce as soon as they are available for purchase.
A special gathering for alumni and friends is also planned for Friday, September 18, at Jupiter's at the Crossing. You can now register here.
Hotel Rooms
Please note that hotel room blocks reserved by the Association are now completely booked.
Bus from Carbondale
To make game day easier and more enjoyable, the Association is offering a charter bus from Carbondale to Champaign for the alumni tailgate and SIU football game at the University of Illinois on Saturday, September 19.
Bus Details
- Departure Location: Banterra Center, Lot 56 (south side of the Banterra Center)
- Gather Time: 6:15 a.m.
- Departure Time: 6:30 a.m. sharp
- Cost: $35 per person
- Capacity: Limited to 28 passengers
The bus will drop riders off near the SIU Alumni Association tailgate site at U of I. After the game, the bus will depart approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the contest and return directly to the Banterra Center parking lot.
Seating will be limited.
ADA Accommodation Statement
The SIU Alumni Association is committed to providing inclusive and accessible experiences for all participants. Individuals requiring accommodations to fully participate in this event are encouraged to contact us in advance.
Please submit accommodation requests at least 7–10 days before the event to allow adequate time for coordination. Requests can be made by contacting the SIU Alumni Association at 618-453-2408 or [email protected].
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
Banterra Bank is the Official Bank of the SIU Alumni Association and a proud supporter of SIU. In addition to naming rights of Banterra Center and other sponsorship support, Banterra offers a Banterra-SIU Saluki Visa Debit Card. When you use this card, every purchase will contribute to SIU, including the Banterra-SIU Scholarship Fund and Saluki Athletics. You can open an account online at or visit a branch in your area.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 17.12 to USD 32.92
