Illinois has/has had some terrific traditions. Not sure they can ever get the football fanbase back and not sure people care about BB as much as one might think. BU just doesn't connect. Weber and the other guy I've already forgotten connected more. Think what one might about LouDoo, but they loved him. Then again MSU loved Heathcote who reminded me of "I am in control" Alexander Haig.
About the WAVE, I've mentioned it before. Children's is largely empty on Saturday (though there are some). Really sick kids can't get to the box, though there are rooms.
I took my daughter down during the week in a wheelchair. She was excited to go and see the stadium from the main observation place. She couldn't get up to the window because a group of boosters was there and they were concerned about selfies and photos and she didn't get to see the stadium. That's why I took the pic that is my avatar/icon. We did get her down on our way out several days later. When she was Peoria Children's for a very serious situation for 2 weeks, she had a room overlooking downtown Peoria and the river which was much more spectacular. So I'm jaded.