[[File:Illinois Fighting Illini Football Chicago Homecoming 2013.jpg|thumbnail|Chicago homecoming logo]]
[[File:Illinois Fighting Illini Football Chicago Homecoming 2013.jpg|thumbnail|Chicago homecoming logo]]
For only the second time in [[Soldier Field]]'s 89 year history, the stadium hosted the Illinois Fighting Illini football team.<ref>{{cite web|title=University of Illinois vs. University of Washington|url=http://www.soldierfield.net/content/university-illinois-vs-university-washington|publisher=Chicago Park District|accessdate=September 15, 2013}}</ref> The Fighting Illini's last appearance at Soldier Field was during the [[1994 Illinois Fighting Illini football team|1994]] season in which the team lost 10–9 to #22 ranked [[1994 Washington State Cougars football team|Washington State Cougars]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1994–1995 Season Stats|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ill/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/1994--5/stats/season_stats.pdf|publisher=University of Illinois Department of Athletics|accessdate=September 15, 2013}}</ref> Additionally, the [[University of Illinois Alumni Association#Alumni Association|University of Illinois Alumni Association]], Illinois Foundation, and Division and Intercollegiate Athletics are hosting an "Illini Fest" family tailgate prior the start of the football game. The event is modeled after [[List of festivals in Chicago|Chicago Street Festivals]] that are popular throughout [[Neighborhoods in Chicago]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Illini Host 'Chicago Homecoming' at Soldier Field|url=http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031313aab.html|publisher=University of Illinois Department of Athletics|date=March 13, 2013|accessdate=September 15, 2013}}</ref>
For only the second time in [[Soldier Field]]'s 89 year history, the stadium hosted the Illinois Fighting Illini football team.<ref>{{cite web|title=University of Illinois vs. University of Washington|url=http://www.soldierfield.net/content/university-illinois-vs-university-washington|publisher=Chicago Park District|accessdate=September 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917030913/http://www.soldierfield.net/content/university-illinois-vs-university-washington|archive-date=September 17, 2013|dead-url=yes|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The Fighting Illini's last appearance at Soldier Field was during the [[1994 Illinois Fighting Illini football team|1994]] season in which the team lost 10–9 to #22 ranked [[1994 Washington State Cougars football team|Washington State Cougars]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1994–1995 Season Stats|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ill/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/1994--5/stats/season_stats.pdf|publisher=University of Illinois Department of Athletics|accessdate=September 15, 2013}}</ref> Additionally, the [[University of Illinois Alumni Association#Alumni Association|University of Illinois Alumni Association]], Illinois Foundation, and Division and Intercollegiate Athletics are hosting an "Illini Fest" family tailgate prior the start of the football game. The event is modeled after [[List of festivals in Chicago|Chicago Street Festivals]] that are popular throughout [[Neighborhoods in Chicago]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Illini Host 'Chicago Homecoming' at Soldier Field|url=http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031313aab.html|publisher=University of Illinois Department of Athletics|date=March 13, 2013|accessdate=September 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109130708/http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031313aab.html|archive-date=November 9, 2013|dead-url=yes|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Illinois finished the 2012 season with 2–10, 0–8 in Big 10 Leaders play, where they placed last and failed to become bowl eligible for first time since 2009.
For only the second time in Soldier Field's 89 year history, the stadium hosted the Illinois Fighting Illini football team.[3] The Fighting Illini's last appearance at Soldier Field was during the 1994 season in which the team lost 10–9 to #22 ranked Washington State Cougars.[4] Additionally, the University of Illinois Alumni Association, Illinois Foundation, and Division and Intercollegiate Athletics are hosting an "Illini Fest" family tailgate prior the start of the football game. The event is modeled after Chicago Street Festivals that are popular throughout Neighborhoods in Chicago.[5]
^"Coaches". University of Illinois Department of Athletics. Archived from the original on 2014-04-07. Retrieved September 8, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^"Illinois Football Schedules". University of Illinois Department of Athletics. Archived from the original on 2013-08-21. Retrieved August 21, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)