Guides To Successful Tailgating... 

2017 EIU Tailgate & Parking Map

Eastern Illinois football fans will have several options for parking and tailgating for the upcoming season when the Panthers open home action on Saturday, September 16 against Illinois State.  

Returning this year, fans will be able to reserve a 40x40 designated tailgate spot in EIU's tent city for use by their group for $50 per game  (group must supply their own tent, tables and chairs).  This cost will also allow for one vehicle to park in that area to unload and set up that group's tailgate supplies prior to tailgate opening.  This season tent city will expand for most games with additional spots located in the grass lot next just west of O'Brien Field (located between the O'Brien Field parking lot and the EIU Facilities/Operations fence line).  Interested groups can contact Trevor Bittenbender, tlbittenbender@eiu.edu or 217-581-7151 to reserve one of these prime location spots.  The number of available spots is limited per game.  (Homecoming will have an even more limited number of spots available to reserve).  Payment can be done by credit card...  

Panther Club member parking will be available in the West Stadium Lot for all Panther Club members at the Go Blue Level or above membership levels.  Panther Club parking passes will be issued prior to the first home game and must be presented at each home game to access the tailgate lot.  If you have questions on your membership level or wish to join the Panther Club, call 217-581-2310 or email Gary Nettles, Assistant AD for Development at glnettles@eiu.edu 

This season EIU parking will cost $5 per car for the J-Lot (just north of the stadium), Lantz South Lot and the Student Grass Lot located southwest of the stadium and accessed off of 4th street or through the Campus Facilities parking lot off Grant Street.  (EIU students with a valid EIU student parking pass will not be charged for the Student Parking Grass Lot).  

Billy's Backyard Kid's Zone will be located outside the stadium this year near the Shot Put Rings in the South Grass Tent City Lot.   Billy's Backyard will opening 90 minutes prior to kickoff each game and will close shortly after the game begins.   The area will include inflatable bounce houses, obstacle course and other kid friendly games.

Season and single game tickets are on sale by calling the EIU ticket office at 217-581-2106 or online at www.eiupanthertickets.com