The 17th-annual World's Largest Softball Tailgate will occur this Saturday (May 7) before, during, and after Illinois' scheduled matchup vs. Penn State at 1:00 p.m. CT. The 17th edition of the event is over three years in the making, as the 2020 and 2021 events did not occur due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each year, Illini fans are encouraged to come and tailgate prior to the game to support the Fighting Illini softball team, and a goal of filling every seat at Eichelberger Field. This year, tailgating begins at 11:00 a.m. CT with activities such as inflatables, balloon artists, face painting, food trucks, and more, and fans are encouraged to stay to watch their Fighting Illini take on Penn State. After the game, Illinois will honor two seniors (Bella Loya and Lakyn Wagoner) during a post game senior day ceremony. Additionally, the On-Deck Circle will be hosting a get-together with Illini players and staff after the conclusion of the game and ceremony.
WORLD'S LARGEST SOFTBALL TAILGATE HISTORY
What started out as an idea to give fans a chance to fire up their grills, pull out their coolers and enjoy their tailgating rituals during the spring has become one of the most popular and beloved spring traditions in the Champaign-Urbana community. The World's Largest Softball Tailgate originated when University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics representatives developed a plan to provide fans with an electric atmosphere full of live music, interactive games, face-painting and of course, tons of tailgating food. It also gave the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics a chance to put on a premier event in conjunction with one of its emerging sports - softball. The World's Largest Softball Tailgate began on April 24, 2004, as a then-record crowd of 756 fans came out to Eichelberger Field to watch the Illini top Big Ten foe Ohio State, 1-0. The results were a rousing success and the idea spawned the development of the annual event.
Since then, the tailgate has continued to grow each season, shattering the attendance record year after year. In fact, over a four-game span from 2004 to 2007, the crowd nearly doubled, setting a new single-game record with 1,445 fans at the fourth annual tailgate.
Several members of the Illini community have joined in tailgate festivities throughout the years. Former Illini men's basketball coach Bruce Weber threw out the first pitch of the 2005 tailgate game, while former football coach Ron Zook opened the game in 2009. Alice Martin, an important part of the Illini softball family, threw out the first pitch in 2006; she and her husband Rex used their foundation to make a million dollar contribution for the construction of a new press box, locker room, concession stand and restrooms at Eichelberger Field. The On-Deck Circle, Illinois Softball's booster club, has also played a key role in the event's success since its inception with constant support.
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May 06, 2022 at 06:14AM
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World's Largest Softball Tailgate Returns Saturday - University of Illinois Athletics - Fighting Illini
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