The History of Illini Pride

 
 

Illini Pride was founded in 1977 with 300 members. Since then the University of Illinois' Illini Pride has risen to become one of the largest student organizations on campus. From the very start, Illini Pride has supported all varsity sports teams on campus and continues to do so with a great fan base and cheering section for the Illini sports teams. Illini Pride has continued to grow since its inception, reaching 1000 members for the first time in 2000-2001, 2000 members in 2004-2005, and 2,500 members in 2007-2008. During the 2013-2014 academic year, Illini Pride boasted a membership of over 3,000 members with increasing numbers in the following years. Illini Pride has noticeably become not only a group of fans cheering on a remarkable athletic program, but also a group of students taking pride in the University of Illinois and giving back to the community.

 

Block I - the best way to experience Illini Football

As a Block I member, you'll be a part of over 100 years of history, as well as a new era of Illinois Football. Membership benefits include the opportunity to:

  • Go on the completely free Block I road trip to an away game

  • Participate in Block I halftime card stunts, a uniquely Illini tradition

  • Receive promotional items and giveaways all year long

  • Attend sideline sessions and pre-game tailgates before every home game

  • Lead Memorial Stadium in cheering on our team

  • Sit in the best student seats at Memorial Stadium

  • Be a part of the biggest Block I in history!

Orange Krush - The best seats in the House of 'Paign

The best way to see an Illini Basketball game is from an Orange Krush seat. Whether you want to be front row on the sideline, or distract free throw shooters from behind the basket, Krush is where you'll want to be. Krush is more than just a cheering section - each member raises money to support local and national charities in order to join. In its history, the Orange Krush has donated over $2 million to charity!

As a Krush member, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Invade an opponent's arena on an Orange Krush road trip

  • Participate in pre-game tailgates with music, games, and raffle prizes

  • Lead the State Farm Center in cheering on our team to a victory!

Spike Squad - Intense, fast-paced volleyball and a crazy crowd

If you've never been to an Illini volleyball match before, you won't want to miss out this year. Coming off back to back Sweet 16 appearances, the team is poised for another great season. And better yet, the atmosphere at Huff Hall during a home match is unlike anything else you'll experience on campus. As an Illini Pride member, you're eligible for more than just free attendance and exciting action!

Extra benefits include:

  • A free Spike Squad t-shirt once you've attended a set number of matches

  • A free Spike Squad road trip to an away match for the top 50 attendees

  • Free food and other giveaways at every match

To get these and more benefits, just have your card scanned at the Illini Pride table before each match! You won't want to miss out on the action this fall.

Olympic Sports

Each different sport provides its own uniquely thrilling experience, and, as an Illini Pride member, you're eligible for more benefits at each one! These range from free t-shirts to food, gift cards, and other special contests only available to our members. From our soccer team to our gymnastics team, be sure to check out all of the Olympic Sports.

Social Events

As an Illini Pride member, we want you to get to know other passionate sports fans and make memories that will last a lifetime. Each year, Illini Pride hosts a barn dance, semi formal, and watch parties for our football and basketball teams, as well as other social outings. Check our email newsletters for details as these events approach!

Philanthropy

In addition to cheering on our athletes, one of the fundamental goals of our organization is to give back to both campus and community. From blood and food drives to volunteering opportunities at local park build and elementary schools, be on the look out for opportunities to help us make a difference with fellow members!