2025 Illini Football Gamewatches

 

Astro Beer Hall - Shirlington

OR

Astro Beer Hall - DC

(Main Level)

 

Join the DC Illini for Fighting Illini football game watches this fall!  Our plan this year is to host game watches for the games against Duke and the Big Ten Teams--providing the game is a day game.  We've found in the past that night games are not well-attended.  We will alternate between the Astro Beer Hall locations in DC and Shirlington (VA).  Additionally, we will have a joint game watch with Purdue at the location of their choosing (since Purdue is the home team).

Astro Beer Hall in DC is popular with those who live in the District, while the Shirlington location is popular with those like to drive (conveniently located off of I-395) and park for free.  Shirlington is also accessible via a 7 min MetroBus ride from Pentagon City Metro Station or a quick Uber ride.
 

As 2025 game times are finalized, we will post individual events for each game on this website.  The currently planned schedule is listed below.  HOWEVER, locations may change so please check this website each week for the latest information!
 

  • 29 Aug vs Western Illinois - NO ORGANIZED GAME WATCH - Friday Night Game
  • 6 Sep vs Duke - Astro Shirlington (12:00pm kick-off)
  • 13 Sep vs Western Michigan - NO ORGANIZED GAME WATCH
  • 20 Sep vs Indiana - Astro DC (7:30pm kick-off); for Virginians, home game watch near I-395 & Duke St
  • 27 Sep vs USC - Astro DC (12:00pm Kick-off).  Astro DC is also the USC club's designated game watch location.  This could be fun...
  • 4 Oct vs Purdue - Joint game watch with Purdue Club at Astro Shirlington (12:00pm kick-off)
  • 11 Oct vs Ohio State - Astro Shirlington (12:00pm kick-off)
  • 18 Oct - BYE WEEK
  • 25 Oct vs Washington - Astro DC (3:30pm kick-off)
  • 1 Nov vs Rutgers - Astro DC (12:00pm kick-off)
  • 8 Nov - BYE WEEK
  • 15 Nov vs Maryland - Astro Shirlington (Time TBD)
  • 22 Nov vs Wisconsin - NO ORGANIZED GAME WATCH
  • 29 Nov vs Northwestern - Astro Shirlington (Time TBD)
  • 6 Dec - Big Ten Championship


Event Highlights:

  • Networking Opportunities: Forge valuable connections with Illini from across the DC area, representing a wide range of industries and professions.
  • Food & Drinks: Enjoy great food and drinks while connecting with fellow Illini fans (self-purchase required).
  • Illini Spirit: Share stories, memories, and your unwavering Illini pride with fellow alumni.


 

We hope to see you there, ILL !