Illini QB Club Tailgate Celebration Scheduled August 30

CHAMPAIGN -- The opening of Camp Rantoul and the delivery of season tickets both point to the Illinois football season being just around the coroner. The Illini Quarterback Club is inviting the entire community to come by their tailgate celebration on the evening of Friday, August 30. The WDWS/Illini Quarterback Club Tailgate Tent is located on Fourth Street on the grass lawn immediately east of the State Farm Center.  

Admission to the Tailgate Party Tent will be $10 for Illini Quarterback Club members and $15 for non-members. The admission price includes three beverage tickets. Soft drinks, water and draft beer are included in the beverage offering. Food will be provided for an additional price. Beef ribs, cole slaw, corn on the cob, baked beans and desserts will be included in all meals.

The featured entertainment will be the Ginnie Menzer band. Admission to the tent will begin at 5 p.m. with the Marching Illini appearing at 6 p.m. and the Ginny Menzer band starting at 6:30 and playing until 9:30.

“The mission of the Illini Quarterback Club is to promote activities that will enhance the overall game day experience and to create opportunities for our members and all Illini football fans to meet and interact with members of the coaching staff”, said Michael Byrd, President of the Quarterback Club. “What better way to do that than at a season starting Tailgate Party”, said Byrd.

In support of the Illinois football program, the Quarterback Club hosts several functions throughout the year including an annual golf outing, a coaches/players meet and greet, Friday lunches featuring Head Coach Tim Beckman the week of all home games, a Ladies Day luncheon and bus trips to most away football games. Additionally, the QBC is becoming known for its partnership with WDWS at their pre-game tailgate tent before all home games. This year the QBC has committed funding to provide iPads to every member of the football team. These iPads will be used for the playbook and to host player video analysis of all games and practices.

"I want to give a huge `Thank You' to the Quarterback Club for providing iPads to the football program," Illinois coach Tim Beckman said. "The iPads will allow our staff to provide instruction and breakdown video in an efficient, cost effective way, and will allow us to stay on the cutting edge in terms of video and scouting software. I can't say enough about what the Quarterback Club has done for our program. It's a great group that is committed to helping Illinois become a championship program."

Attendance to the Friday, August 30 Tailgate Party is open to the general public. Tickets will be available at the gate on the evening of August 30. There will be no advance ticket sales.   For additional information, contact Michael Byrd at mrb228@aol.com.