Illinois Unveils Throwback Helmets for Memorial Stadium's 100th Anniversary Season
In celebration of Memorial Stadium's 100th anniversary, the Illinois football team will don three iconic throwback helmets throughout the 2024 season. The helmet designs, which span nearly 50 years of the Fighting Illini program from 1962 to 2012.
"We are excited to celebrate 100 years of Memorial Stadium and our program's history in one special season," said head coach Bret Bielema. "Our helmets will honor a different era each week, appealing to our entire fan base, regardless of age, and bringing back Memorial Stadium memories to our alumni and Illini famILLy. We're looking forward to releasing more details soon about the rest of our 100th Anniversary plans."
Four Stars (1962-68)
Famously worn during Dick Butkus' years at Illinois, the Four Stars helmet is a nod to one of the most celebrated periods in Illini history. These helmets feature the players' numbers beneath four stars and a gray facemask with white-blue-white center stripes. Butkus and the Illini wore these helmets en route to the 1963 Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl victory over Washington.
Arched Illini (1971-87)
The Arched Illini helmet, worn from 1971 to 1987, will return with gray facemasks and a blue-white-orange-white-blue center stripe pattern. This design harkens back to the era when Head Coach Mike White led Illinois to a perfect 9-0 Big Ten Conference record and a Rose Bowl appearance in 1983.
Underlined Illinois (1989-2012)
The Underlined Illinois helmet, used from 1989 to 2012, will also make a comeback. The 2024 edition will feature a white facemask and blue-white-blue center stripes. This design was part of the team’s uniform during two Big Ten titles in 1990 and 2001, as well as appearances in the 2002 Sugar Bowl and 2008 Rose Bowl.
As Illinois commemorates a century of Memorial Stadium, these throwback helmets will play a pivotal role in honoring the rich history and tradition of Fighting Illini football. Fans can look forward to a season filled with nostalgia and pride as the team pays tribute to its storied past.
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