Beginning in January 2024, pregame access to the Beer Cave in State Farm Center will be exclusive to ICON for Illini members at the Quad level and above. The member, plus one guest, will have Beer Cave pregame access for all 10 Big Ten home men’s basketball games from January 2 to March 5 (game ticket required). During the pregame party, attendees will have the opportunity to mingle and take pictures with Illini VIPs, which will include coaches, student-athletes, and/or notable alumni. Exclusive access to the Beer Cave will be provided 90 minutes prior to tipoff and special entry will be provided through a designated door. The Beer Cave will be open to all game patrons after tipoff.
The ICON for Illini membership program was launched on August 24, 2023, to generate additional financial resources to support NIL opportunities for Illini student-athletes in exchange for donors having access to a unique set of benefits and experiences. Supporters have the option to choose from six different giving levels, with benefits increasing in value and exclusivity commensurate with the amount of their engagement. To become a member please visit, iconforillini.com/become-an-icon. If you are a member at the Green Street level but want to elevate your membership to the $100/month Quad level or beyond, please visit our website and log into your account to upgrade your membership so you can unlock this new membership perk.
Sunday, October 29, marked the unveiling of the new ICON for Illini beer, the “ICONIC” American Light Lager which was sold for $5 per can in the Beer Cave, in addition to select locations within State Farm Center. ICON donated back their portion of the proceeds from the sale of the “ICONIC” beer during the Maui Strong Relief Matchup between No. 25 Illinois and No. 1 Kansas to the Hawaii Community Foundation.
As part of the partnership with Gray Duck Brewing, ICON will receive 20% of the revenues from the sale of the Illini-inspired beer, which will be passed on directly to Fighting Illini student-athletes. The “ICONIC” brew will continue to be for sale at all Illinois men’s and women’s home basketball games, as well as the final two home football games.
Champaign, Illinois native and lifelong Illini fan, Jerry Schulz, founder of Gray Duck Brewing, felt strongly about helping Illini student-athletes through the sale of the “ICONIC” beer.
“Some of my best sports memories are times spent watching the Illini live or on television, including the Men's Basketball team and their run to the championship game in St. Louis,” Schulz said. “Most of my family and some of my closest friends call Central Illinois home. It is a tremendous honor to see them get excited about these products and bring something to them that they can't wait to support. Being a part of what your collective is doing is an awesome feeling”. ICON for Illini beer will soon be available for sale in local grocery and liquor stores. ICON will post regular updates to social media about where fans can purchase the beer in their area.
To help the Illini gain and maintain a competitive advantage, visit iconforillini.com/become-an-iconand become an ICON today. Follow @ICONforIllini on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for updates.