2026 Illini Football Gamewatches & Participation Incentive
Join the DC Illini for Fighting Illini football game watches this fall! We now have volunteers to host some gamewatches in DC, Maryland and Virginia! Additionally, we are fortunate to have the Illini play an away game at Maryland this year!
DC: We're trying out a new place in the District this fall--Trusty's at 1420 Pennsylvania Ave SE. It's near the Potomac Ave Metro Station and has free parking on the weekends in the neighborhood. They will give us their second floor patio (enclosed during inclement weather) for our gamewatches and will give us food/drink specials.
Virginia: There will be 4 gamewatches in Virginia--three at McNamara's in Arlingon (Crystal City) where we hosted the bowl game watch last season. The other party will be hosted at TJ Stone's in Old Town Alexandria (North end). There is free parking at both sites.
Maryland: There will be 4 gamewatches in Maryland (Montgomery County)--two at Dogfish Alehouse in Gaithersburg and 2 at Quincy's in Park Potomac. This is the first year we've had volunteers to host game watches in Maryland. We hope too see a good turnout from our alumni living in Maryland!
| Date | Opponent | Time | DC | MD | VA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Sep | Duke | TBD | Trusty's |
(Gaithersburg) |
None |
| 26 Sep | Ohio State | TBD | Trusty's | None |
(Arlington) |
| 10 Oct | Michigan State | TBD | None |
(Gaithersburg) |
(Arlington) |
| 24 Oct | Oregon | TBD | Trusty's |
(Gaithersburg) |
None |
| 31 Oct | MARYLAND | TBD | Tailgate & UIAA Event at University of Maryland!!!! | ||
|
6 Nov (Friday) |
Nebraska | 8pm | None |
(Potomac) |
(Alexandria) |
|
13 Nov (Friday) |
UCLA | 9pm | Trusty's |
(Potomac) |
None |
| 21 Nov | Iowa | TBD | None | None |
(Arlington) |
Participation Incentive: At each event, there will be a drawing for a small prize packet of Illinois swag! Additionally, we will track attendance at each event and will have drawing for a grand prize at the end of the season for a signed commemorative item!
- To be eligible for the grand prize, an alumnus must attend at least 3 events.
- Attending 3 events will result in 3 raffle entries.
- Attending 4 events will result in 5 raffle entries.
- Attending 5 events will result in 8 raffle entries
- Attending 6 or more events will result in 12 entries.
- For the Maryland game, participation counts if you attend either the DC Illini tailgate, the UIAA event, or sit in the DC Illini football block.
- Dues-paying members will get 3x credit for their entries.
Why come to a DC Illini gamewatch?
- Illini Spirit: Watch the games with fellow Illini! Share stories, memories, and your unwavering Illini pride with fellow alumni.
- Networking : 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).
We hope to see you there, ILL !