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Illinois Athletics rolls out new gameday parking routes for 2026 football season

Memorial Stadium in Champaign Photo: Shutterstock


Champaign, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) – Illinois Athletics is introducing lot-specific traffic routes for the 2026 Fighting Illini football season to reduce congestion and improve access to gameday parking.

Starting approximately three and a half hours before kickoff, fans will be required to follow designated routes to their assigned parking lots. Those who do not comply will be redirected to the correct route to reach their lot. Rideshare services can use State Farm Circle Drives for pickup and drop-off from either First Street or Fourth Street.

Below is a breakdown of the assigned traffic routes for each lot:

Parking Lot(s) Assigned Route(s) Notes
Lot 31 Neil Street → Stadium Drive OR Kirby Avenue → Oak Street Non-opening queue line
Lots 32 & 33 Kirby Avenue → South on Oak Street OR Windsor Road → N. First Street → through St. Mary’s Road  
Lots 34 & 35 Windsor Road → N. First Street → through St. Mary’s Road  
Lots 36 & 37 First Street (from the north) OR Neil Street → East on Stadium Drive → South on First Street  
Lots 38 & 39 Windsor Road → Fourth Street → through St. Mary’s Road  
Lots 42, 45, 46, 47, 49 Lincoln Avenue → West on Kirby/Florida Avenue → Continue straight (lots on left) Additional pass screening at Florida & Goodwin for Lots 42 & 45

Illinois Athletics encourages all fans to review their lot’s traffic route ahead of game day to avoid delays and ensure a smooth parking experience. Single-game parking at Research Park and the Veterinary Medicine lot will follow specific entry points to further streamline traffic.

Fans can view detailed routes online or contact a Fighting Illini Account Manager for questions.

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