Crumbl Cookies, full bars highlight new concessions features at Gies Memorial Stadium

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- Upgrades and enhancements are coming to the concession stands of Gies Memorial Stadium this fall in the form of new vendors and features.

Illinois Athletics announced on Wednesday that it is adding, among other things, new food trucks, new vendors, full bars and new food and drink items to the concession options. In addition, some partnerships and features from last year will continue as record attendance continues at the stadium, including a second consecutive sell-out of season tickets.

Chief among the new features is the addition of a Crumbl Cookies stand, located on the west side of the stadium. Also new to the west side is a Jersey Mike's Subs stand and a Chick-Fil-A stand.

On the east side of the stadium, Burrito King will add its food truck to the available concessions, while JD's Smokeshack and Country Bake Shop will move into the stadium from Grange Grove.

Partnerships from last year that are returning for 2026 include Watson's, Smith Burger Co., CBPB Popcorn Shop, Papa John's Pizza, Big Grove Tavern and Dippin' Dots.

Full bars are being added to both sides of the stadium, with full service like specialty Illini cocktails and made-to-order cocktails. Additional beer stands have been added above the east concourse stands, and High Noon is coming back to the stadium with flavors like watermelon, pineapple and Garage Beer Lime.

A new Illini Market has been added in the east columns, and all markets will now sell hot food like pretzels, pizzas, and hot dogs. Illinois Athletics is also debuting a new Block I-shaped pretzel sometime before October.

Fans can see these new and old features when Illinois hosts UAB on Thursday, Sept. 3. For a map of concession stand locations, click here.

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