Gies Memorial Stadium

New Gies Memorial Stadium signage at the University of Illinois. September 12, 2025

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - University of Illinois student season ticket holders can kick their way to free tickets for this upcoming football season. 

Kickin' for Chicken will take place from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at Gies Memorial Stadium. Check-in will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the stadium's northwest tunnel. 

Illinois Athletics said students who purchased 2026 season tickets can kick one 40-yard field goal. Students who make their lone attempt will have their student season tickets reimbursed. 

The first 3,000 kickers will get a Chick-fil-A coupon for a free chicken sandwich or nuggets, whether or not they make their field goal. 

Students must fill out the RSVP form online and be a 2026 season ticket holder to participate. 

Those interested in purchasing season tickets can go here. 

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