Memorial Stadium will get a facelift after $100m donation

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — University of Illinois alumnus Larry Gies has made a $100 million gift to the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA). The commitment is the largest gift in DIA history and represents one of the largest single gifts ever received by a college athletics program. Gies, whose name also adorns the University's College of Business, is one of the most influential philanthropists in Illinois history, and his unprecedented support will create an immediate and lasting impact for current and future Fighting Illini student-athletes. In recognition of Gies' contribution, Illinois' Memorial Stadium, just one year removed from its 100th anniversary, will now be known as Gies Memorial Stadium. Gies is making the gift in memory of his late father, Larry Gies, Sr., a United States Army veteran. His father's unwavering dedication to his country and selfless service left a lasting impression on Gies, who now seeks to preserve his father's legacy through this remarkable gesture. Gies Memorial Stadium will continue to serve as a powerful symbol honoring all soldiers who have fought bravely to protect our nation's freedom. Through this contribution, Gies hopes to inspire remembrance, gratitude, and continued support for our nation's men and women in uniform. "This gift is about honoring my father, a true patriot, and every brave soul who has worn or will wear the uniform to defend our country," said Gies. "With this investment, we can ensure that this stadium continues to be a place where their sacrifices will never be forgotten—and a shining light for every American who protects our freedom in the future." "We are profoundly grateful to Larry for this extraordinary gift," said Chancellor Charles L. Isbell Jr. "His generosity not only honors the memory of his father and all who have served, but it also ensures that our stadium will continue to stand proudly as a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and loyalty of our veterans for the next 100 years and beyond." With this gift, Gies is stating unequivocally his belief in, and support of, the leadership and trajectory of Fighting Illini Athletics – a program that has reached unprecedented heights under the leadership of Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. Illinois has gained national prominence in football and men's and women's basketball while totaling 16 Big Ten Championships across all sports. In 2024, Illinois Football, led by head coach Bret Bielema, tied a school record with 10 wins while capturing the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, marking the program's first New Year's Bowl win since 1989. The Illini ended the year ranked No. 16 in the final AP poll, its highest finish since 2001. Building off that success, the Illini began this season with dominant wins over Western Illinois and at Duke and entered the Top 10 in the national rankings this week for the first time in 24 years. On the hardwood, following its 2024 NCAA Elite Eight appearance, Illinois Men's Basketball recorded its sixth-straight 20-win regular season in 2025 and retained its position as the winningest team in Big Ten play during the last six years of head coach Brad Underwood's tenure. Staying on the court, the resurgence of Illini Women's Basketball under head coach Shauna Green includes two NCAA Tournament bids in her first three years, the inaugural WBIT title in 2024, and an NCAA second-round appearance in 2025, marking the program's first Tournament win in the last 25 years. "Sports is how most people first experience the University of Illinois – it's the front door of the amazing house we are building," said Gies. "Josh and the entire DIA team embody the ethos that is so important to our beloved University. I fully support Josh's mission and the culture he has built at Illinois Athletics. Illini sports moments bring our Orange & Blue community closer together, and I am so looking forward to the memories we create together in the coming years." "Larry Gies is a visionary leader who invests in people and organizations that impact the world around them," said Whitman. "I want to thank him for his belief in Illinois Athletics and the ability of our program to change the lives of our student-athletes, to advance the mission of our broader university, and to uplift the many people and communities connected to our program, both directly and indirectly. This gift is the result of years of thought-provoking conversations and is the continuation of a long-term partnership with Larry that will benefit generations of student-athletes and advance this program to even greater heights. I am grateful to Larry for his trust and confidence, and we are excited to honor him, and his veteran father, by placing their family name alongside that of our beloved Memorial Stadium." Gies has a long history of support for the armed forces, education, health, and athletics. He was the 2023 recipient of the Semper Fidelis Award, the highest award given by the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, for his commitment to providing need-based scholarships to military children. In education, he serves as the president of the Gies Foundation, which focuses on democratizing education and enhancing health, and which was instrumental in establishing the Gies Campus of Chicago Jesuit Academy, a tuition-free school for students in grades three through eight on the city's West Side. In 2017, in recognition of a $150 million gift from the Gies family, the University of Illinois renamed its leading business school as the Gies College of Business. Gies is the founder and CEO of Madison Industries, one of the largest and most successful privately held companies in the world. Madison aims to make the world safer, healthier, and more productive by creating innovative solutions that deliver outstanding customer value. The gift recognition is pending approval by the Board of Trustees at its meeting on September 18, 2025. "

[HEADING=1]What People Are Saying About Larry Gies' Transformational Gift To DIA:[/HEADING] Bret Bielema, Head Football Coach "Larry's love and support for Illinois is greatly appreciated. He has a special ability to impact the lives of young people, not only through his philanthropy but also by establishing meaningful relationships that extend outside of our campus and athletics. Our football program feels the results of his leadership on a daily basis by understanding our emphasis on famILLy and building sustainable success. We would not be where we are today without his influence." Brad Underwood, Head Men's Basketball Coach "Larry is a tremendous supporter of our program, our department, and our University. The passion he has for his alma mater shines through in every conversation we have and every game he is sitting courtside cheering us on. Larry's loyalty and championship-level commitment is extraordinary, and the impact he's made will be felt by everyone associated with Fighting Illini Athletics for generations to come." Shauna Green, Head Women's Basketball Coach "We are so fortunate to have the visionary Larry Gies in our corner. His relentless, positive energy and servant leadership transforms lives and inspires us as coaches. Larry's allegiance to the University of Illinois is unparalleled, and we are thankful to have his support as we continue building a program that he and everyone associated with Illinois can be proud of." W. Brooke Elliott, Dean, Gies College of Business "Larry has been an amazing partner for us at Gies College of Business for many years. He's an incredible person who understands and embraces the importance of being visible and involved in the programs he supports. We're so proud to have the Gies name on our College – and now our football stadium. We've always had a strong partnership with athletics, and we look forward to continuing to grow that partnership in service to our entire Illini community." Samuel K. Skinner, United States Army (1957-68), University of Illinois Alumnus (Class of 1960), U.S. Secretary of Transportation (1989-91), Secretary of U.S. Coast Guard (1989-91), White House Chief of Staff (1991-92) "As a proud alumnus of the University of Illinois and a veteran of the United States Army, I am grateful to Larry Gies for his selfless leadership and remarkable generosity to the University. With his most recent gift in support of Fighting Illini Athletics, he is preserving one of our state's most treasured landmarks – a memorial to many of the men and women connected to the University who have, as President Lincoln so eloquently said, given the 'last full measure of devotion' in service of their country. To see the Gies name added to our stadium in honor of Larry's father, a fellow veteran, is a fitting and lasting tribute to not only Larry and his family but also to all who have served under the banner of freedom represented by this great nation. My thanks to Larry for his transformational support of the University of Illinois and our men and women in uniform." Zachary S. Miller, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army; Professor and Head, Department of Military Science, University of Illinois Army ROTC "Larry Gies's gift, honoring his father's service, gives us a renewed opportunity to celebrate both our traditions and our future. As an active-duty Soldier and career officer with over 18 years of service, and as the Professor of Military Science at the University of Illinois, I understand the deep meaning of Memorial Stadium to veterans, families, and our community. For a century, its name has been a living tribute to those who gave their lives in defense of our nation. The addition of the Gies name — honoring a fellow Army veteran — strengthens our promise that Illinois will always remain a place where sacrifice is remembered, service is honored, and future generations are inspired by the Fighting Illini spirit." Howard Milton, DIA Chief Development Officer "Working with Larry, Josh, and others to make this vision a reality has, in many ways, reaffirmed the work that we undertake daily with our donors. This gift makes it clear: donors support programs to which they feel a strong connection. Larry has a deep connection with Gies College of Business, Fighting Illini Athletics, Memorial Stadium, and Illinois Football. Our entire department couldn't be more grateful."

Fantastic. Can't wait to hear the details on how it'll be spent. I really wanted Craig Tiley as AD when the position came open, but I really don't know how he could have done much better than Whitman. After an initial "learning experience" (Lovie) or two, Josh is really hitting it out of the park IMO.

HopkinsHall71 said:

Fantastic. Can't wait to hear the details on how it'll be spent. I really wanted Craig Tiley as AD when the position came open, but I really don't know how he could have done much better than Whitman. After an initial "learning experience" (Lovie) or two, Josh is really hitting it out of the park IMO.

Nancy Fahey was the other "learning experience." Not sure why softball coach Tyra Perry is still here. I am not solid on Chris Tamas either.

Is there a rendition of what the face lift will look like ?

Is there a rendition of what the face lift will look like ?

Fix the south end zone !!! Move it closer to the playing field , expand the capacity, and build it much higher so the stadium isn’t the wind tunnel that it is now. Make capacity at least 70k

BigWill said:

Is there a rendition of what the face lift will look like ?

Too soon. But for $100m, they should be able to give it a complete facelift.

ChiTownChief said:

Nancy Fahey was the other "learning experience." Not sure why softball coach Tyra Perry is still here. I am not solid on Chris Tamas either.

But he follows up Fahey with Shauna Green. And he brought in Mike Small. FB, Men's & Women's BB, golf looking fantastic. And the first two (and maybe to some extent first three if Green really gets it going) -- plus donor support, which he's also doing great at -- fund the whole program.

bucshon said:

Too soon. But for $100m, they should be able to give it a complete facelift.

Double-decker horseshoe, please!

Mb even lower the playing field for more seats and more wind protection. The wind just whips off the south prairie and effects the game. Doubt if there is another stadium in college football where the wind effects a game more than it does in Memorial

On a side note not really a fan of the assembly hall renovation either. And reducing the capacity by 1500 or more. Place should have the largest capacity in the Big Ten. Illinois fans would fill every single seat. At least 19000

Ohio State Stadium has had the field lowered. It's essentially a huge bathtub, because of the water table. Time to chisel Deceased Illinois Graduates from WW 2, Korea, Viet Nam, any 9/11., onto the columns !

Is there ever going to be a replacement for Huff Hall?

Tyrach said:

Mb even lower the playing field for more seats and more wind protection. The wind just whips off the south prairie and effects the game. Doubt if there is another stadium in college football where the wind effects a game more than it does in Memorial

My recollection is they were going to lower the field several years ago but then realized the sight lines wouldn't work. The whole stadium is basically "too flat" for a lowered field.

HopkinsHall71 said:

But he follows up Fahey with Shauna Green. And he brought in Mike Small. FB, Men's & Women's BB, golf looking fantastic. And the first two (and maybe to some extent first three if Green really gets it going) -- plus donor support, which he's also doing great at -- fund the whole program.

Fahey may have been a miss but it wasn't a bad choice. He knew her from his time at Wash U. Unfortunately she didn't make the step up nearly as well as he did.

bucshon said:

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — University of Illinois alumnus Larry Gies has made a $100 million gift to the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA). The commitment is the largest gift in DIA history and represents one of the largest single gifts ever received by a college athletics program.

Damn he beat me to it! What to do with my money now?

HopkinsHall71 said:

But he follows up Fahey with Shauna Green. And he brought in Mike Small. FB, Men's & Women's BB, golf looking fantastic. And the first two (and maybe to some extent first three if Green really gets it going) -- plus donor support, which he's also doing great at -- fund the whole program.

Green is great. Small was hired by RG more than 20 years ago.

Does my cousin Larry need any heirs? I know we are related some how. I wish!!!

stoneaxe27 said:

Damn he beat me to it! What to do with my money now?

I have a list if you really need it.

This all creates an opportunity to move into the upper echelon of the B1G on an annual basis. When Josh hired Bielema, I honestly wasn’t a fan of the move as I thought he was a retread. I couldn’t have been more wrong. BB is building a team that could compete with everyone for years to come and Illini football is a joy to watch right now. It’s frankly not surprising that guys with a ton of money like Gies are now interested in investing into an excellent product.

ChiTownChief said:

Is there ever going to be a replacement for Huff Hall?

Why should there be a replacement for Huff Hall?

Poor guy he goes from $ 1.5 Billion to $ 1.4 !

bucshon said:

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — University of Illinois alumnus Larry Gies has made a $100 million gift to the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA). The commitment is the largest gift in DIA history and represents one of the largest single gifts ever received by a college athletics program. Gies, whose name also adorns the University's College of Business, is one of the most influential philanthropists in Illinois history, and his unprecedented support will create an immediate and lasting impact for current and future Fighting Illini student-athletes. In recognition of Gies' contribution, Illinois' Memorial Stadium, just one year removed from its 100th anniversary, will now be known as Gies Memorial Stadium. Gies is making the gift in memory of his late father, Larry Gies, Sr., a United States Army veteran. His father's unwavering dedication to his country and selfless service left a lasting impression on Gies, who now seeks to preserve his father's legacy through this remarkable gesture. Gies Memorial Stadium will continue to serve as a powerful symbol honoring all soldiers who have fought bravely to protect our nation's freedom. Through this contribution, Gies hopes to inspire remembrance, gratitude, and continued support for our nation's men and women in uniform. "This gift is about honoring my father, a true patriot, and every brave soul who has worn or will wear the uniform to defend our country," said Gies. "With this investment, we can ensure that this stadium continues to be a place where their sacrifices will never be forgotten—and a shining light for every American who protects our freedom in the future." "We are profoundly grateful to Larry for this extraordinary gift," said Chancellor Charles L. Isbell Jr. "His generosity not only honors the memory of his father and all who have served, but it also ensures that our stadium will continue to stand proudly as a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and loyalty of our veterans for the next 100 years and beyond." With this gift, Gies is stating unequivocally his belief in, and support of, the leadership and trajectory of Fighting Illini Athletics – a program that has reached unprecedented heights under the leadership of Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. Illinois has gained national prominence in football and men's and women's basketball while totaling 16 Big Ten Championships across all sports. In 2024, Illinois Football, led by head coach Bret Bielema, tied a school record with 10 wins while capturing the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, marking the program's first New Year's Bowl win since 1989. The Illini ended the year ranked No. 16 in the final AP poll, its highest finish since 2001. Building off that success, the Illini began this season with dominant wins over Western Illinois and at Duke and entered the Top 10 in the national rankings this week for the first time in 24 years. On the hardwood, following its 2024 NCAA Elite Eight appearance, Illinois Men's Basketball recorded its sixth-straight 20-win regular season in 2025 and retained its position as the winningest team in Big Ten play during the last six years of head coach Brad Underwood's tenure. Staying on the court, the resurgence of Illini Women's Basketball under head coach Shauna Green includes two NCAA Tournament bids in her first three years, the inaugural WBIT title in 2024, and an NCAA second-round appearance in 2025, marking the program's first Tournament win in the last 25 years. "Sports is how most people first experience the University of Illinois – it's the front door of the amazing house we are building," said Gies. "Josh and the entire DIA team embody the ethos that is so important to our beloved University. I fully support Josh's mission and the culture he has built at Illinois Athletics. Illini sports moments bring our Orange & Blue community closer together, and I am so looking forward to the memories we create together in the coming years." "Larry Gies is a visionary leader who invests in people and organizations that impact the world around them," said Whitman. "I want to thank him for his belief in Illinois Athletics and the ability of our program to change the lives of our student-athletes, to advance the mission of our broader university, and to uplift the many people and communities connected to our program, both directly and indirectly. This gift is the result of years of thought-provoking conversations and is the continuation of a long-term partnership with Larry that will benefit generations of student-athletes and advance this program to even greater heights. I am grateful to Larry for his trust and confidence, and we are excited to honor him, and his veteran father, by placing their family name alongside that of our beloved Memorial Stadium." Gies has a long history of support for the armed forces, education, health, and athletics. He was the 2023 recipient of the Semper Fidelis Award, the highest award given by the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, for his commitment to providing need-based scholarships to military children. In education, he serves as the president of the Gies Foundation, which focuses on democratizing education and enhancing health, and which was instrumental in establishing the Gies Campus of Chicago Jesuit Academy, a tuition-free school for students in grades three through eight on the city's West Side. In 2017, in recognition of a $150 million gift from the Gies family, the University of Illinois renamed its leading business school as the Gies College of Business. Gies is the founder and CEO of Madison Industries, one of the largest and most successful privately held companies in the world. Madison aims to make the world safer, healthier, and more productive by creating innovative solutions that deliver outstanding customer value. The gift recognition is pending approval by the Board of Trustees at its meeting on September 18, 2025. "

East side of the stadium needs it most.