From wins to wealth: Illinois football’s success sparks $100 million gift
Illini announced plans to upgrade Memorial Stadium after an historical gift. Illinois football’s rise in the national rankings is paying off in more ways than one. With the program back in the spotlight, alumnus Larry Gies has committed $100 million to Illinois Athletics, renaming Memorial Stadium just a year after its 100th anniversary. This landmark gift shows that Illinois football success brings major rewards on and off the field.
CHAMPAIGN – Winning has a way of snowballing, and Illinois football is living proof.
Fresh off a surge into the top 10 of the national rankings for the first time since 2001, Illinois announced a record-setting $100 million gift from alumnus Larry Gies. The contribution, the largest ever for Illini Athletics, will put his family’s name on one of the most iconic venues in college football: Gies Memorial Stadium.
“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,” Gies said. “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.”
Memorial Stadium already carried a powerful story. When it was built in 1923, the columns on the east and west sides were engraved with the names of more than 180 Illinois students who died in World War I. The building celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024, marking a century of Illini football history. Along the way, the venue has hosted some of the sport’s all-time legends.
Red Grange put Illinois football on the map when he shredded Michigan in 1924, scoring five touchdowns in one of the most famous performances in college football history. Four decades later, Dick Butkus turned the same turf into his proving ground before terrorizing NFL offenses as one of the greatest linebackers of all time.
Now the stadium moves into its second century carrying the Gies name, and Illinois leaders say the gift will ripple across generations.
“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,” Chancellor Charles L. Isbell Jr. said.
Athletics Director Josh Whitman, who has overseen a wave of success across the athletic department, described the donation as the product of years of partnership.
“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,” Whitman said.
For football coach Bret Bielema, momentum on the field has gone hand in hand with this new wave of investment. Since taking over in 2021, he has guided Illinois to a 30-22 record, tied the school mark with 10 wins last season, and delivered the Illini’s first New Year’s Day bowl victory since 1989. With two early wins this fall, Illinois jumped into the AP Top 10 for the first time in nearly a quarter century.
“Larry’s love and support for Illinois is greatly appreciated,” Bielema said. “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.”
Memorial Stadium—now Gies Memorial Stadium—has always been more than bricks and seats. It began as a living memorial, grew into the stage for legends like Grange and Butkus, and now, with this gift, stands as the centerpiece of Illinois football’s rebirth.
