Gies Memorial Stadium

Conditional. One large clear bag per guest: a one-gallon clear Ziploc-style bag, a clear drawstring bag up to 12" x 12", or a clear tote up to 12" x 6" x 12", plus one small clutch up to 4.5" x 7.0"; all backpacks are prohibited regardless of size or clarity. Max size: 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote, or 12" x 12" clear drawstring bag, or 1-gallon clear Ziploc-style bag; clutch up to 4.5" x 7.0".

Conditional. Sealed plastic water bottles 20 oz. or smaller are permitted, as are empty water bottles or tumblers. Max quantity: 20 oz. or smaller, sealed.

Allowed. Food items are permitted if carried inside the approved clear bag.

Conditional. Items related to a medical condition are permitted after inspection and tagging by security supervisors at entry gates, even if they don't fit the clear-bag rule.

Not Allowed. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited from being carried into and out of the stadium; in-stadium alcohol sales are available (expanded for 2025), stopping at the start of the 4th quarter.

Not Allowed. The University Student Code prohibits possession, use, and storage of cannabis for any purpose by students on university property and at university-sponsored events, regardless of age or Illinois's state-level legalization.

Not Allowed. Coolers and containers are explicitly prohibited, including cans, glass bottles, thermoses, wine skins, and bota bags.

Not Allowed. Strollers and baby carriers are explicitly listed as prohibited items, even though diaper bag contents (with child) are separately permitted; wagons are not mentioned in any official source found.

Allowed. A lactation pod is available in the East Great Hall, with seating, outlets, and USB ports; guests are directed to the East Guest Services kiosk for access.

Allowed. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in the south horseshoe, north stands, and west balcony; wheelchairs can be checked out at Guest Services with valid ID, and a golf-cart shuttle runs from ADA lots.

Not Allowed. University policy bans use, carrying, or storage of in-line skates, roller skates, skateboards, e-scooters, and self-balancing devices such as hoverboards inside all university facilities, with no exceptions.

Conditional. Personal cameras and binoculars are permitted without cases, but camera lenses may not exceed 4 inches and tripods/monopods are prohibited; video cameras and camcorders are prohibited. Max size: Camera lens: 4 inches maximum.

Not Allowed. University policy requires Division of Public Safety pre-approval for any non-university drone flight on campus property, banning personal/recreational drone use outright; federal FAA rules separately bar drone flights within 3 nautical miles of the 60,670-capacity stadium from 1 hour before to 1 hour after games.

Not Allowed. Umbrellas are explicitly listed as a prohibited item.

Not Allowed. Flags/banners, signs, and noisemakers are explicitly prohibited.

Conditional. Blankets and seat cushions up to 9" x 16" are permitted; outside/lawn chairs are not explicitly addressed for football games in any official source found. Max size: Seat cushions: up to 9" x 16".

Not Allowed. Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, are explicitly prohibited; Illinois's Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66) designates any stadium or arena under the control of a collegiate sporting event as a statutory prohibited area for concealed carry, layered on top of a blanket state-law ban on carrying firearms on university property.

Not Allowed. The University's Smoke and Tobacco-Free Campus Policy bans smoking and non-FDA-approved nicotine delivery devices, including e-cigarettes and vape pens, across all campus property 24/7, explicitly including athletic complexes and facilities.

Conditional. Full-face coverings cannot be worn by patrons in the venue for safety reasons, with exceptions for religious garments and medical masks (e.g., KN95). Exceptions: Religious face coverings and medical masks are exempt.

Conditional. Pets are not permitted, with an exception for registered service animals and animals in training.

Not Allowed. Patrons are not permitted to re-enter the stadium once a ticket has been scanned; a new ticket is required for entry.

Conditional. New for the 2025 season, walk-through metal detection systems were added to all stadium entrances; sensory-accommodation support is available for guests sensitive to game-day stimuli via Guest Services.

Yes — Illinois Fighting Illini stadium is a former or alternate name for Gies Memorial Stadium. All of the entry policies on this page apply the same way.

Yes — Memorial Stadium (Illinois) is a former or alternate name for Gies Memorial Stadium. All of the entry policies on this page apply the same way.

Yes — Illinois stadium is a former or alternate name for Gies Memorial Stadium. All of the entry policies on this page apply the same way.