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 11, 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 11 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. Following the clinic, participants are encouraged to stick round for a pizza party and carnival activities beginning at 12:15 p.m.
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 tickets are also on sale and fans are encouraged to log into their account on GoRedbirds.com/tickets to purchase 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 about tickets for the upcoming 2026 season.
The annual 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. 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 Indiana State, 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.
