Illinois curbs alcohol sales Saturday with Final Four at stake City officials in Champaign, Illinois, announced Friday that alcohol sales will be restricted on the University of Illinois campus Saturday night ahead of the Elite Eight game against Iowa. The measures are intended to prevent potential property damage and excessive celebrations if the Illini advance to the Final Four. The restrictions come after local police expressed concerns about fan behavior following Illinois’ Sweet 16 victory over Houston, where fans were seen climbing on statues and engaging in disruptive activities. The emergency order mandates that all campus bars serve alcohol only in paper and plastic cups, prohibits the sale of packaged liquor one hour after the game’s tipoff, and limits liquor establishments to selling no more than a single keg per customer. Delivery drivers are also banned from transporting alcohol to or from campus during the same timeframe. These measures aim to reduce the risk of glass bottles becoming hazards and to mitigate public safety risks associated with large gatherings. Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen emphasized the importance of responsible celebration, stating, “These steps are being taken to reduce the possibility of public safety hazards before and after the game. I expect all our students, residents, and visitors to celebrate respectfully, responsibly, and safely.” The city has not imposed similar restrictions in over two decades, according to Jeff Hamilton, deputy liquor commissioner for Champaign. Hamilton noted that the measures mirror actions taken during Illinois’ 2005 run to the championship game, when similar restrictions were implemented. He clarified that the order does not constitute an alcohol ban, as bars remain open but must adhere to the new serving guidelines.#university_of_illinois #champaign #deborah_franks_feinen #jeff_hamilton #final_four
Illinois High School Boys Basketball Elite Eight: 2026 IHSA Supersectional Scores The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) boys basketball postseason has advanced to the Elite Eight stage in all four classifications. Teams are set to compete in supersectional games across the state tonight, with the goal of securing a spot in the state championship semifinals. These semifinals will take place this weekend at State Farm Center in Champaign, located on the campus of the University of Illinois. The supersectional matchups for each class are as follows: Class 1A At Charleston (EIU): Lawrenceville vs. LeRoy, 7 p.m. At Jacksonville Bowl: Jacksonville Routt vs. Goreville, 7 p.m. At Joliet Central: Chicago Marshall 37, Indian Creek 23 (4th quarter) At Macomb (WIU): Lanark Eastland vs. Tremont, 7 p.m. Class 2A At Carbondale (SIU): Quincy Notre Dame vs. Benton, 7 p.m. At Joliet Central: Chicago Farragut vs. Chicago Crane, 7:30 p.m. At Pontiac: Bishop McNamara vs. Tolono Unity, 7 p.m. At Sterling: Johnsburg vs. Manual, 7 p.m. Class 3A At Chicago (UIC): Chicago Leo 40, Chicago Hyde Park 25 (4th quarter) At DeKalb (NIU): Maple Park Kaneland 49, Morton 47 (final score) At Hoffman Estates (NOW Arena): Deerfield 51, Wheaton St. Francis 36 (4th quarter) At Springfield (Bank of Springfield Central): East St. Louis vs. Decatur MacArthur, 7 p.m. Class 4A At Chicago (UIC): Chicago St. Ignatius vs. Elmhurst York, 7:30 p.m. At DeKalb (NIU): Rockford Auburn vs. Lisle Benet, 7:30 p.m. At Hoffman Estates (NOW Arena): Chicago DePaul Prep vs. Hersey, 8 p.m. At Normal (ISU): Richwoods vs. Chicago Marist, 7 p.m. The state finals schedules for each class are outlined below: Class 1A Semifinal: EIU supersectional winner vs. Jacksonville supersectional winner, 10 a.m.#illinois_high_school_association #state_farm_center #university_of_illinois #champaign #ihsa_boys_basketball
