CHAMPAIGN — Before Illinois football holds its first practice on Aug. 2, they'll get the chance to enjoy the new amenities offered at the newest athletic facility on the UI campus.
Coach Lovie Smith and his staff are set to move into the $80 million Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Performance Center in late July, Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said on Tuesday, with the players viewing their new facility on the east side of Memorial Stadium on Aug. 1.
"A lot of exciting things still to happen around that building," Whitman said.
A public dedication of the facility, along with the unveiling of a statue to recognize former Illini great Dick Butkus, which will go outside the buildling, is planned for Oct.