Illinois Field facts for kids
Illinois Field, June, 2015
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 Illinois Field
Location in Illinois
Illinois Field
Location in the United States
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| Former names | Proano Stadium (1988–1991) |
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| Address | 1601 E. Kirby Avenue Champaign, Illinois 61820 |
| Coordinates | 40°05′49″N 88°13′47″W / 40.096869°N 88.229796°W |
| Public transit |  MTD |
| Owner | University of Illinois |
| Operator | University of Illinois |
| Type | Stadium |
| Genre(s) | Baseball |
| Capacity | 1,500 seats 3,000 (with lawn seating) |
| Record attendance | 5,214 |
| Field size | LF: 330 ft (100.6 m) LC: 370 ft (112.8 m) CF: 400 ft (121.9 m) RC: 370 ft (112.8 m) RF: 330 ft (100.6 m) |
| Surface | FieldTurf |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1987 |
| Opened | 24 March 1988 |
| Renovated | 1999 |
| Architect | Heery Fabrap |
| Tenants | |
| Illinois Fighting Illini (NCAA) (1988–present) Big Ten baseball tournament (1998, 2005) Champaign-Urbana Bandits (GCL) (1994) |
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Illinois Field is a special place for baseball fans in Champaign, Illinois. It's the home stadium for the University of Illinois's Fighting Illini baseball team. You can find it in the university's sports area, close to the cities of Champaign and Urbana. It's also not far from other big university buildings like State Farm Center and Memorial Stadium.
Discovering Illinois Field's Past
How Illinois Field Began
The current Illinois Field was built in 1988. The very first game played here was on March 24, 1988. The Illinois team won against Western Illinois. Before this stadium, the team played at an older field. That old field, also called Illinois Field, was used since 1884. It was located further north on campus.
The Story Behind the Name
When it first opened, Illinois Field was called Proano Stadium. It was named after Lou Proano, a graduate of the University of Illinois. He was the CEO of a big company. However, the stadium's name changed to Illinois Field in 1991. This happened after Mr. Proano's company faced financial difficulties.
Upgrades and Improvements Over Time
Illinois Field has had many important updates since it was built. In 1996, the team's clubhouse was made bigger. It became twice its original size. Then, in 1999, bright lights were added. This meant games could be played at night! The Illinois team won their first night game on April 27, 1999, against Illinois State.
Later, in 2007, the natural grass field was replaced. A special artificial surface called FieldTurf was installed. This turf looks and feels like real grass. But it's much easier to take care of.
Sharing the Field
For a short time in 1994, Illinois Field was home to another team. The Champaign-Urbana Bandits were a minor league team. They played in a league called the Great Central League. The university and the city also talked about expanding the field in 2007. They thought about bringing another minor league team to play there. However, those plans did not move forward.
Big Games and Tournaments
Illinois Field has hosted some exciting baseball events. In 2015, it was the site of the Men's NCAA Regional tournament. The Fighting Illini team won the championship right here! It also hosted the 2015 Super Regional. The stadium has also welcomed the Big Ten baseball tournament twice. These big tournaments happened in 1998 and 2005.
Exploring Illinois Field's Cool Features
The Playing Field: Where the Action Happens
The entire playing area at Illinois Field is covered with FieldTurf. The only part that isn't turf is the pitcher's mound. The field is perfectly balanced in its shape. It's 330 feet down the left and right field lines. It's 370 feet to the gaps in the outfield. And it's 400 feet to center field. There are also two batting cages and two bullpen mounds. These are located along each foul line. The team dugouts are built into the ground.
Seating for Fans
The stadium has bleacher seats for 1,500 people. These seats curve around the area behind home plate. They stretch from first base to third base. If more fans come, there's extra space on the grassy areas. These areas are along the foul lines and can hold another 1,500 people. For really big games, temporary seats can be added.
Attendance Records
- Most fans at one game: 5,214 people on May 8, 2009.
- Most fans for a weekend series: 8,202 people from May 8–10, 2009.
- Highest average fans per game in a season: 1,270 fans per game in 1990.
- Most fans in one season: 17,722 people in 2005.
The Team Clubhouse
Down the left field line, there's a building for the Illini team. This is their clubhouse. It's where the players, coaches, and staff get ready. The main part of the clubhouse is the team's locker room. There's also a locker room for the coaches. A training room helps players stay healthy. There's even a player's lounge. This lounge is also used to meet new players who might join the team. It has video equipment for watching game films.
The Press Box: For Media and VIPs
Above the main seating area, behind home plate, is the press box. It can hold 25 people. This is where media members, special guests (VIPs), and game day staff work. Radio broadcasts of the games are also done from here. Behind the press box, you'll find the Wall of Fame. It celebrates amazing Illinois Baseball players from the past.
Snacks and Souvenirs
Illinois Field has a concession stand inside the building. It's located behind the press box. You can buy classic ballpark foods like hot dogs and nachos. Sometimes, there are also food carts selling special treats. If you want team gear, a local sports store sets up a trailer. You can buy apparel and other merchandise during games.
See also
- List of NCAA Division I baseball venues
