ISU campus closure forces postponement of Saturday’s IHSA Football State Finals

NORMAL, Ill. (WAND) — A major winter storm expected to sweep across much of Illinois this weekend has prompted Illinois State University to close its campus on Saturday, November 29, forcing the postponement of the second day of the 2025 IHSA Football State Finals.

ISU officials announced the closure Friday, citing safety concerns for students, staff, athletes, and fans as snow and dangerous conditions are forecast to impact the Bloomington-Normal region.

The shutdown affects the four largest-class championship games—5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A—originally scheduled for Saturday at ISU’s Hancock Stadium. The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) confirmed the postponement shortly after the university's decision.

Friday’s slate of title games in Classes 1A–4A will proceed as planned, as they are not impacted by the closure.

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson called the postponement unprecedented in the 51-year history of the state football playoffs.

“All of the competing teams in Class 5A, 6A, 7A and 8A have been alerted that their state championship games will not be played on November 29,” Anderson said. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of these schools and communities as we work to determine the best and safest solution to rescheduling these contests and crowning state champions in our four largest classes.”

IHSA officials are working with ISU leadership to determine new dates and times. They confirmed the games will not be played on Sunday, November 30. Announcements will be made as soon as plans are finalized.

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