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 |
| 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 cool place where baseball games are played in Champaign, Illinois. It's the home field for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini college baseball team. You can find it in the sports area of the University of Illinois, close to the edge of Champaign and Urbana. It's also near other big sports buildings like the State Farm Center and Memorial Stadium.
Contents
History of Illinois Field
Illinois Field was built in its current spot in 1988. The very first game played there was on March 24, 1988. The Illinois team won that game against Western Illinois. Before this, the Illinois baseball team played at a different field. That old field, also called Illinois Field, had been used since 1884. It was located farther north on campus.
Stadium Name Change
When it first opened, Illinois Field was known as Proano Stadium. It was named after Lou Proano, who graduated from the University of Illinois. He was the CEO of a big company. However, the university had to change the name in 1991. This happened because Mr. Proano's company went bankrupt. So, the stadium was renamed Illinois Field.
Upgrades and Changes 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.
- In 1999, bright lights were added. This meant games could be played at night. The Illinois team won the first night game on April 27, 1999, against Illinois State.
- In 2007, the natural grass field was replaced. A special fake grass, called FieldTurf, was put in. It looks like real grass but is easier to take care of.
Teams That Have Played Here
Illinois Field has mostly been the home for the University of Illinois Baseball Team. But for a short time in 1994, another team shared the field. This was the Champaign-Urbana Bandits. They were a minor league team in a league called the Great Central League.
There have been talks about making the field even bigger in the future. This would allow for more fans and maybe even a new minor league team. There are also plans to add more permanent seats to the stadium.
Big Games and Tournaments
Illinois Field has hosted some exciting baseball events.
- In 2015, it hosted the Men's NCAA Regional tournament. The Fighting Illini won the championship right here!
- It also hosted the 2015 Super Regional games.
- The stadium has been the location for two Big Ten Baseball Tournaments. These were held in 1998 and 2005.
Cool Features of Illinois Field
The Playing Field
The entire playing area at Illinois Field is covered with FieldTurf. The only part that isn't turf is the pitching mound. The field is perfectly balanced in size. It's 330 feet (about 100 meters) down the lines to left and right field. It's 370 feet (about 113 meters) to the gaps, and 400 feet (about 122 meters) to center field.
There are also two batting cages. These are where players practice hitting. You'll also find a bullpen with two mounds. This is where pitchers warm up. The dugouts for both teams are built into the ground.
Where Fans Sit
Illinois Field has permanent seats for 1,500 people. These are bleacher seats that go from first base to third base, behind home plate. There's also extra space on the grass areas along the foul lines. Another 1,500 people can sit there. For big games, temporary seats can be added in these grass areas. As mentioned, there are plans to add even more permanent seating.
Attendance Records
Illinois Field has seen some big crowds!
- Single game: 5,214 fans on May 8, 2009.
- Weekend series: 8,202 fans from May 8–10, 2009.
- Season average: 1,270 fans per game in 1990.
- Total season attendance: 17,722 fans in 2005.
The Clubhouse
Down the left field line, there's a building called the clubhouse. This is where the Illini team, coaches, and staff get ready. The clubhouse has many different rooms. The main part 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, which is also used to welcome new players. This lounge has video equipment so players and coaches can watch game films.
The Press Box
The press box at Illinois Field can seat 25 people. It's located above the main seating area, behind home plate. This is where media members, important guests (VIPs), and game day staff work. Radio broadcasts of the games are also done from the press box. Behind the press box, you'll find the Wall of Fame. It honors amazing Illinois Baseball players from the past.
Food and Snacks
Just like any sports venue, Illinois Field has a concession stand. It's located behind the press box. This area creates a kind of walkway for fans. The concession stand sells classic ballpark foods like hot dogs and nachos. Sometimes, there are also special food carts that sell unique items. If you want to buy team clothes or other cool stuff, a local sports store runs a trailer during games.
