2025-2026 Illini Basketball Gamewatches

 

Join the DC Illini for Fighting Illini basketball game watches for the 25-26 season !  After reviewing the results of the basketball game watch survey, we will focus our organized game watches on the weekend basketball games.  Night games will likely be held in DC with afternoon games happening in Arlington.  
 

In December we will be testing new game watch locations in DC and Arlington. 

  • DC:  Penn Quarter Sports Tavern located at 639 Indiana Ave NW.  It's in the heart of Downtown DC, near the Archives/Navy Memorial Metro stop.  They will set up tables for us on the 1st floor.
  • Arlington:  McNamara's Pub in Crystal City located at 567 23rd St S.  It's a 10-minute walk from the Crystal City Metro Station.  Neighborhood parking is free and doesn't require a neighborhood permit on weekends.  McNamara's is an Irish Pub with a wide variety of great food choices and they have drink and menu specials for games.  The customer service is fantastic!  We will be in the private room at the front of the restaurant.
     

As 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!
 

  • Sat Dec 6 at 8pm vs Tennessee - Penn Quarter Sports Tavern
  • Sat Dec 13 at 4pm vs Nebraska - McNamara's Pub
  • Sun Jan 11 at 12:00pm vs Iowa - McNamara's Pub
  • Sat Jan 17 at 12:00 - Penn Quarter Sports Tavern--joint watch with visiting guests/alumni from U of I's School of Social Work
  • Sat Jan 24 at 3pm vs Purdue - Joint game watch at Purdue's bar
  • Sat Feb 7 at 8pm vs Michigan St - DC
  • Sun Feb 15 at 1pm vs Indiana - NoVA
  • Sat Feb 21 at 8pm vs UCLA - DC
  • Fri Feb 27 at 8pm vs Michigan - DC
  • Sun Mar 8 at 3pm vs Maryland - Go to the game in person! It's local!!  We may be meeting for dinner (location TBD) after the game ends. 


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 !