NORMAL, Ill. – A long offseason of lifting weights and training and four-plus weeks of spring practice will come to an end when fans have an opportunity to see the new-look Redbirds at the annual Spring Showcase scrimmage on Saturday, April 13, at Hancock Stadium.
The day's activities will begin with the annual Kids Football Fest on the turf at Hancock Stadium, weather permitting. Gates to the stadium will open at 10:30 a.m. and registration also opens at that time on the concourse. A safety waiver is also required and will be emailed to advanced registrants and available for any walk-up participants.
The free event runs from 10:45 a.m. to Noon and is open to all kids ages 12 and under, with adult supervision. Head football coach Brock Spack will be in attendance to talk with all the participants and offer some words of advice on the importance of staying active and playing sports. Activities include a catching station with the Redbird quarterbacks, a field goal station with the kickers, throwing accuracy, tackling stations and an obstacle course. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to dress up like a Redbird football player and get their picture taken with the ISU cheerleaders and Reggie Redbird.Â
Hancock Stadium East concourse concession stands will be open beginning at 10:30 a.m. and parking for the day's activities will be free in lots adjacent to the stadium. For those not attending the Kids Football Fest, doors will open at noon to watch the annual scrimmage. Football season ticket renewals are also live and fans are encouraged to log into their account on GoRedbirds.com/tickets or give box office a call at (309) 438-8000. There will also be a table on the concourse at the scrimmage for those with more questions.
The Spring Showcase scrimmage will kick off at 1 p.m. and will be broadcast live on WJBC AM 1230 beginning at 12:30 p.m., with John Fitzgerald, Ted Schmitz and Craig Bertsche on the call. The scrimmage will feature four quarters with a running clock and the team will be split into red and white squads. The red team will feature the first team offensive unit and the second team defense, while the white team will feature the first team defense and the second team offense. The remaining players on the roster will be split between the two squads. There will be a halftime break where ISU alumni in attendance will be recognized on field and the Big Red Marching Machine will play.
Following the completion of the Spring Showcase, fans are encouraged to head over to Marian Kneer Stadium to watch the Redbird softball team square off against Missouri Valley Conference foe Valparaiso with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m.
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
