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Illinois Renames Football Stadium to Gies Memorial Stadium After $100 Million Gift

The philanthropic tribute honors Larry Gies’ late father, a U.S. Army veteran.

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Illinois players enter the field for a game against Western Illinois at Memorial Stadium on Aug. 29, 2025, in Champaign. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Overview

  • The university says the $100 million donation from alumnus Larry Gies is the largest in Illinois athletics history.
  • Memorial Stadium, which turned 100 in 2024, was originally dedicated to U.S. service members, echoing the memorial intent of Gies’ gift.
  • Gies is the founder and CEO of Madison Industries and previously gave $150 million in 2017 to rename the Gies College of Business.
  • Illinois athletics has strong momentum, with football ranked No. 9 after a 10-win 2024 season and the men’s team reaching the 2024 NCAA Elite Eight.
  • The announcement arrives as college programs navigate new athlete revenue sharing allowed by the House v. NCAA settlement with a $20.5 million cap this year.