Gies Memorial Stadium (Champaign)

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Updated On :03 Oct, 2026

Full Name
Gies Memorial Stadium (Champaign)

Capacity
60,670

Type
Outdoor

Location
Champaign, Illinois, United States of America

Surface Type
Artificial Turf

Gies Memorial Stadium (Formerly known as Memoial Stadium) is a football stadium on the campus of the University of Illinois, in the United States. This U-shaped stadium was opened on 3rd November 1923. at present, it has a capacity for 60,670 spectators. The construction began on September 11 in 1922 and took a year to complete with an expenditure of $1,700,000 of that time. The architectural firm that designed the stadium was Holabird & Roche. It serves primarily as the home venue for the Fighting Illini football team and was renamed in 2025 in recognition of alumnus Larry Gies and his $100 million contribution to Illinois Athletics.

Trivia

The U-shape of the stadium is inspired by the Harvard Stadium.
The stadium was constructed in memory of the students of the University of Illinois who died in the First World War. Students' names were inscribed on 200 pillars that surround the stadium.

Significance

The Memorial Stadium hosted the NCAA Men's Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championship in 1977 and 1979.
In December 1985, an inflatable dome known as "The Bubble" was installed over the arena by the Irwin Indoor Football Practice Facility for indoor practices during the winter months. This Bubble was in use in the stadium till 2001. The Bubble was also adopted by the Chicago Bears in 1985 while practicing for the Super Bowl.
The first game at the stadium was played between the Chicago and the Illinois on 3rd November 1923 when the stadium was not completely built. The Illinois won the game by 7-0.
On 22nd September 1985, the stadium hosted the first ever "Farm Aid" concert.
Since 1999, the stadium hosts the Illinois State Football Association (ISFA) football state finals.
The Memorial Stadium has been serving as the finish line of the Illinois Marathon since 2009.
The Marching Illini conducted the annual Illini Marching Band Festival in this stadium every year. It is probably the largest high school marching band competition in Illinois.
The stadium is the home to team Illinois Fighting Illini of the NCAA since its opening year.