Advice for Champaign

hawks263344

Well-Known Member
I'm headed to Champaign for the Iowa game Saturday. I've never been there. So, where is a good place to get a meal before or after the game? Where is a good place to park? I don't like paying to park and don't mind walking a ways. I most care about being able to get out right away. Thanks for any advice guys!
 
There's a giant lot right across from the stadium. People tailgate there but it's pretty lame. There's a McDonald's close to the stadium. Really the whole city of Champaign just kind of seemed boring but I was also 22 or 23 the only time I was there.
 
Champaign has quite a variety of ethnic food places. If you love gyros there's a place called Neros Gyros that are very good. Pizza-Papa Dels and Garcias are in Campus Town. As for parking there's a nice ramp down on University Ave. From there they have stadium shuttle buses.
 
Champaign has great places to eat. If you want campus, Green Street has plenty with a big variety. You can tell the better ones by how busy they are. If you are looking for a sports bar and don't want campus, Billy Barooz on the west side and Jupiter's downtown are pretty good.

I would not park at any restaurant (not sure Mc D's is really a restaurant), or church near a university football game unless you want the risk of a $150 tow.

Parking should be a big problem. The closest "free" parking would be one of the university lot's not market 24-7 to the north/east of the stadium within say 6 blocks near Gregory or Pennsylvania. Further out to the south, there are places to park in the research park off of South Oak south of St Mary's. There could be street parking on the north side of the cemetery on Pennsylvania and other places. Check the signs on the meters. Many are free on Sat. If not, its a 20 dollar fine.

If staying really late, going to the campus bars really late is inviting trouble. Don't park north of Green Street very far. There have been shootings on or near Green Street late due to gang violence. It's terrible.

Also if you drink, Champaign is ruthless on drunk driving. Get into an injury wreck with any measurable thc and you are in serious trouble. NOT KIDDING.
 
I'd echo the above posters, food is great at the mom and pop places but that's about it. Tailgating sucks on a nice day, and this weekend the weather is supposed to be crappy. Hopefully your seats are on the west side.

The town's a gigantic butt hole and you don't want to be out walking around after dark. Outskirts aren't bad but the upper side and Midtwon have that East St Louis, hood ratty thing going.

Illinois games are "get to the game in time for kickoff, watch it, and leave immediately" type of affairs.
 
cho the above posters, food is great at the mom and pop places but that's about it. Tailgating sucks on a nice day, and this weekend the weather is supposed to be crappy. Hopefully your seats are on the west side.

The town's a gigantic butt hole and you don't want to be out walking around after dark. Outskirts aren't bad but the upper side and Midtwon have that East St Louis, hood ratty thing going.

Illinois games are "get to the game in time for kickoff, watch it, and leave immediately" type of affairs.
Champaign Urbana is both better and worse than I C. Its much bigger. More nice areas. More of a big city feel. The university is much bigger. Actually the high crime areas show better than many areas of I C but the gang issues are real.

Stay away from certain areas and its quite safe. The violence around campus town is recent and needs to be respected especially after midnight. Have had kids graduate from both schools. One feels and is smaller than the other. Treat the trip like you would going to any bigger city and you'll be fine.
 
I went to the game two years ago. There is a Hooters west and a little south of the stadium with a lot of free parking available. It was really cold, so we went there for a couple beers pregame and made the easy walk to the stadium. After the game (also an 11:00 kick) we went back there for a bite to eat before hitting the road for home.
 
I'm headed to Champaign for the Iowa game Saturday. I've never been there. So, where is a good place to get a meal before or after the game? Where is a good place to park? I don't like paying to park and don't mind walking a ways. I most care about being able to get out right away. Thanks for any advice guys!
I've never been there but finding a Mariot hotel and hiring a limousine service to take you to the game would be best. If that's not in your budget maybe they have a rickshaw service. Sorry, just giving you a hard time.
 

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