Tailgaters kick off season for Illini

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The gates were open early and people started moving into parking areas at 5:30 a.m. for a game which does not start until 8 p.m.

The University of Illinois has a long tradition of tailgating before its fall football games. Matt Anderson of Champaign took the day off and his kids did not have to go to school.

“We have pulled them out of school today because it’s the first game of the year. Happens to be on a school day. We’re still going to tailgate like any normal Saturday,” Anderson told WAND News.

Matt Laurent of Sidney arrived around 8 a.m. He was cooking most of the da, and while he tailgates virtually every game he usually stays outside manning the grill. About 50 hamburgers were going to be consumed by his friends. Along with brats, hot dogs and smoked peppers.

Holly Smith of Mahomet has been tailgating with family and friends since 1999. Her friend Beth Popp planned a trip to Europe around tailgating and the football season.

Ivan Dozier was the first unofficial “Chief” after the University banned the mascot years ago. Today, he is the President of the Honor the Chief Society and is a regular tailgate participant.