CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illini have sold out reserved lower bowl season tickets in consecutive years for the first time in program history. This comes in a period of resurgence under head coach Shauna Green, who will be heading into her fifth season with the orange and blue.
Under Green, the Illini have finally found their footing. After a 20-year NCAA Tournament drought, Green has led the Illini to three appearances in four years on top of notching three 20-win seasons. Illinois, who had one of the youngest
teams in the nation last year, is poised for a breakthrough year, hoping to make it to the second weekend in March.
Attendance by the numbers
With incredible team and coaching performances, the Illini have seen a surge in attendance. Three of the top five home crowd attendance records have come under Green, including the third sellout matchup in program history against USC this past February. The total home attendance for the 2025-26 season neared 100,000, making the campaign the second-most successful in Illini women’s basketball history.
Protecting home court
The orange and blue have had fantastic performances at State Farm Center in Coach Green’s tenure. In the past four seasons, the Illini are 51-15 in Champaign.
The Illini have also racked nine ranked wins with Green, five of which were at home, including a massive upset against No. 7 ranked Maryland in a New Year’s Day 2026 showdown.
Looking ahead
The Illini have been knocking on the door for the past few years, and with momentum on their side, they will look have a record-breaking season.
