Courtesy Illinois Athletics

February 14, 2022

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois' football game against Chattanooga has been moved from to Thursday, Sept. 24, it was announced Monday. The matchup, originally scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24, will have its kickoff time and television network announced at a later date.

"I'm excited for our players to experience another primetime atmosphere at Memorial Stadium," said head coach Bret Bielema. "It's a unique opportunity to bring a Thursday night game to our schedule. The energy that our fans and the Block I students will bring under the lights will make for a great college football environment."

The Chattanooga game is part of an exciting season ticket package that includes five of seven home games before the middle of October and six opponents that played in bowl games in 2021. Big Ten home games include Iowa (Oct. 8), Minnesota on Homecoming (Oct. 15), Michigan State for Dads Day (Nov. 5), and Purdue for Senior Day (Nov. 12).

Illinois enters its second season under head coach Bret Bielema, whose first season in Champaign was highlighted by two wins over top-25 opponents, as the Illini thrived in big-game atmospheres. Illinois won a 9-overtime showdown at No. 7 Penn State in front of 105,001 fans and upset then-Big Ten West leading No. 20 Minnesota for the Illini's first ever win over a College Football Playoff ranked opponent.

Illinois' scoring defense, third down defense, and total defense all improved more than 50 spots in the nation rankings from 2020 under recently extended defensive coordinator Ryan Walters. The Illinois offense will be directed by new offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr., who comes to Champaign after helping UTSA vault into the national rankings in 2021.

Season tickets are on sale now for the 2022 season on FightingIllini.com. Single-game tickets are scheduled to go on sale in May.

2022 Illinois Football Schedule