The Smoking Illini
Who We Are
We bill ourselves as an umbrella under which diverse people gather around good food, good drinks, & good conversation!
During the Illini football season, you can find us tailgating in Lot 31, but as we continue to evolve, be on the look out for additional social & philanthropic events!
The Smoking Illini
Vision for Community
Bigger than the barbecue & the bourbon, our vision is simple:
To cultivate deep relationships & live the Prosciutto of Happiness surrounded by community.
And oh yeah, to throw one heck of a tailgate!
The Smoking Illini
Tailgate Approach
Before every home Illini football game, tucked away in a corner of campus atop some of the world’s richest soil, we bring to life the most unique & entertaining tailgate.
Themes, specialty cocktails, kid’s activities, tailgate games, outlandish outfits, sno cone machines, live music, bounce houses, and of course, top notch food!
The Smoking Illini
How it Started
Living in Houston in 2011 and looking to get back to Illinois, Liz & I would plan what life would look like back home in Central IL. Ever used to hearing my random ideas, I remarked one evening that when we relocated, I was buying a smoker and learning to make sausage. Little did I or anyone know that comment would spark what would become The Smoking Illini.
Coined in 2012 as a hash tag to affix to Facebook photos, and later evolved into a logo to be used on packages of homemade bacon & pints of homemade ice cream, The Smoking Illini is more than a logo or an homage to our beloved Alma Mater & favorite past time.
FAQ
Is this a football tailgating club?
Yes! You can certainly call us an Illini Tailgate Club and we are certainly known for throwing an awesome party!
But we like to think we’re so much more than that-we are a community of awesome people first & foremost!
What are the benefits of joining the Smoking Illini?
Joining the Smoking Illini offers several benefits, such as access to world class tailgating, the opportunity to build community, and a way to stay in the loop with all things Illini, tailgating, and off-season activities!
Who Can Join The Smoking Illini?
The Smoking Illini is open to all!
What activities typically take place at a Smoking Illini tailgating event?
We organize a variety of activities to enhance the game day experience. These can include amazing food, playing games like cornhole or ladder toss, watching college football on our satellite TV , and engaging in quality conversation.
Do I need to bring my own supplies to a tailgating event?
The Smoking Illini use a SignUp Genius to plan food & drinks for our tailgates. We typically a menu & speciality cocktail tied to our theme. Please feel free to bring your drink(s) of choice and any additional snacks/food you’d like!
Are there any rules or regulations I should be aware of during a Smoking Illini tailgating event?
Be a good human, drink water, and love hard! The Smoking Illini is a family friendly group and we work to maintain that atmosphere.
In the words of TMcC, “Don’t be a d@#$.”
Are there any costs associated with joining the Smoking Illini?
No. The primary focus of our tailgating club is to foster camaraderie among fans and create an enjoyable pre-game experience.