For only the second time in Soldier Field's 89-year history, the stadium hosted the Illinois Fighting Illini football team.[2] 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.[3] 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.[4]
^"1994–1995 Season Stats"(PDF). University of Illinois Department of Athletics. Archived from the original(PDF) on November 9, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2013.