Is Springfield ready for the Illini invasion? Jim Ruppert sure thinks so.
The longtime sports editor at the State Journal-Register has been at the newspaper for 39 years. When Illinois plays five men’s basketball games at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, it will rank among the biggest sporting events in city history.
“The Illini are coming,” Ruppert said. “That’s what they care about. There is absolutely a buzz.”
The names of the opponents are starting to trickle out. Already, we know North Dakota State will be one of the visitors. Though it hasn’t been announced, the exhibition game will be against Illinois-Springfield.