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CHAMPAIGN — Friday night Illini football means fans may not have as much time as they’re used to for tailgating.
Heading over after a full day of work is the real downside, said Dan Tappendorf, president of Midwest Engineering.
“It’s a little bit different if it’s already a holiday weekend, but with it being just a normal day, it kind of feels a little bit rushed,” Tappendorf said. “But one a year is not that big of a deal to shake it up.”
Today’s 7 p.m. kickoff against Nebraska isn’t going to stop the Midwest Engineering group from tailgating after years of making it a tradition.
It’s a big party, especially with a group from Reifsteck Reed joining them, but it was just too damp Thursday night to start getting things ready.
Tappendorf has plans to take off from work early today to pull everything out of the trailer.
“I want to have everything set up and ready to go,” he said.
Usually, Tappendorf and family would spend their Friday night going out to dinner.
This week, they’ll settle for wings and snacks in Lot 31.
On the traffic control and parking side of things, the first Friday night home game in two years isn’t going to change too much.
University of Illinois police spokesman Pat Wade said UI employees with parking permits for spots near Memorial Stadium don’t need to worry; they’ll still be able to park as usual and will be let out even after roads are closed.
This does mean that people with game day parking passes in lots 37 and 43 will need to wait until 4 p.m. to park in their spots.
“We’re treating it as a normal game while recognizing that it is a work day,” Wade said.
Closures will start early compared to the typical six hours before the game.
Kirby Avenue is the earliest closure — it will be blocked off between First and Fourth streets at 11 a.m. to keep people safe as they set up for the game.
First Street, Fourth Street and Peabody Avenue will all have closures starting at 3 p.m.
Wade advised planning extra time for commutes around campus throughout most of the day.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation,” he said.