CHAMPAIGN — The Orange Krush, the University of Illinois' rowdy, charitable group of student supporters, has a better seat these days at renovated State Farm Center.
Not only are they more visible — spread baseline to baseline behind the team benches — but their sometimes-needling chants are also easier to hear.
During Sunday's basketball game against Wisconsin, official Eric Curry was seen engaging in a not-so-pleasant talk with the group after harsh words had been directed toward the officiating crew in Illinois' 63-55 loss.
"You see that every so often," said Holly Stalcup, the UI's assistant director of athletics in charge of event management.