Experience the excitement of Division I and Big Ten athletics with Illinois’ premier collegiate sports scene. From iconic arenas to legendary stadiums, our guide highlights the top venues where you can catch the action live and cheer on your favorite teams.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Hail to the Orange and Blue!
The University of Illinois boasts a proud tradition of athletic excellence through its Fighting Illini collegiate sports teams. Competing in the NCAA Division I and as a member of the Big Ten Conference, Illinois fields elite teams in football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, track & field, and more. Known for their competitive spirit, passionate fan base, and storied history, the Illini continue to make their mark on the national stage while embodying the values of teamwork, perseverance, and school pride.
basketball + wrestling
State Farm Center
State Farm Center is the iconic home of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball and wrestling teams. Located in Champaign, this 15,000+ seat arena offers an electrifying game-day atmosphere, fueled by the passionate Orange Krush student section. It stands as one of college sports’ most recognizable venues, combining rich tradition with modern amenities.
FOOTBALL
Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium is the historic football home of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini, located in Champaign. Opened in 1923, the stadium seats over 60,000 fans and honors Illinois veterans while hosting thrilling Big Ten matchups. Its storied past and spirited crowds make it a cornerstone of college football tradition.
aquatic
ARC Pool
The ARC Pool, located within the Activities and Recreation Center at the University of Illinois, is a premier facility for Illini swimming and diving. It features a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool used for varsity training, competitions, and student recreation. With top-tier amenities, it supports both athletic excellence and campus wellness.
Northwestern University
Go 'Cats!
Northwestern University’s Wildcats compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Big Ten Conference, with 19 varsity teams. Known for strong academics and athletics, they’ve earned national titles in women’s lacrosse and golf, while football and basketball have seen recent postseason success. The program emphasizes both competitive excellence and student achievement.
Football
Ryan Field
Ryan Field is Northwestern’s primary football stadium, seating just under 40,000 fans and serving as the home for the Wildcats’ Big Ten football games. A major renovation is underway, with a new $850 million stadium planned to debut in 2026—featuring enhanced sighlines, canopy coverage, and four premium clubs.
Basketball, Volleyball, Wrestling
Welsh-Ryan Arena
This 7,039-seat indoor arena within McGaw Memorial Hall hosts men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, and wrestling. It offers modern amenities, expanded fan spaces, improved accessibility, and an electric, intimate game-day atmosphere.
Lacrosse + soccer
Martin Stadium
Located on the scenic Lake Michigan campus, Martin Stadium (formerly Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium) accommodates Wildcats soccer and lacrosse and is temporarily hosting football during Ryan Field's rebuild. The venue was recently expanded to a 12,000-seat capacity and offers a lush, outdoor fan experience by the lakeshore.
Illinois State University
Fight for ISU!
Illinois State University’s Redbirds compete in NCAA Division I, mainly in the Missouri Valley Conference, across 19 varsity sports. With home games at venues like Hancock Stadium and Redbird Arena, the teams have a strong tradition of success, backed by passionate fans and a history of conference and national titles.
Football
Hancock Stadium
Hancock Stadium is the home of Illinois State Redbird football, originally built in 1963 and renovated in 2013. With a capacity of over 13,000, it features modern amenities like premium seating, updated video boards, and fan-friendly concourses—delivering a vibrant and intimate game-day experience.
Baseball
Duffy Bass Field
Duffy Bass Field is the home of Illinois State Redbird baseball, featuring seating for around 1,200 fans and a high-quality playing surface. It provides an intimate, scenic setting for college baseball with modern amenities and a strong game-day atmosphere.
Basketball + Volleyball
Redbird Arena
Redbird Arena is the home of Illinois State basketball and volleyball, providing an energetic atmosphere for Redbird fans. Located at the heart of campus, it hosts thrilling matchups and major events, making it a key destination for ISU athletics.
More NCAA Division I Teams
Top-tier teams
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale (Salukis) – Missouri Valley Conference
- Northern Illinois University (Huskies) – Mid-American Conference
- Western Illinois University (Leathernecks) – The Ohio Valley Conference
- Eastern Illinois University (Panthers) – The Ohio Valley Conference
- University of Illinois Chicago (UIC Flames) – Missouri Valley Conference
- Loyola University Chicago (Ramblers) – Atlantic 10 Conference
- Chicago State University (Cougars) – Independent (varies by sport)
Other Divisions
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NCAA Division II
- Lewis University (Flyers) – Great Lakes Valley Conference
- University of Illinois Springfield (Prairie Stars) – Great Lakes Valley Conference
- McKendree University (Bearcats) – Great Lakes Valley Conference
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NCAA Division III
- Illinois Wesleyan University (Titans)
- Wheaton College (Thunder)
- North Central College (Cardinals)
- Elmhurst University (Bluejays)
- Augustana College (Vikings)
- Lake Forest College (Foresters)
- Millikin University (Big Blue)
- Knox College (Prairie Fire)
- Monmouth College (Fighting Scots)
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NAIA & Other Programs
- Saint Xavier University (Cougars)
- Olivet Nazarene University (Tigers)
- Trinity Christian College (Trolls)
- Judson University (Eagles)