The City of Champaign congratulates the University of Illinois’ men’s basketball team for surging through the NCAA tournament and earning their way to the Final Four. The City also thanks and congratulates our students, residents, and visitors who celebrated the Illini’s Elite Eight win last weekend in a safe and responsible manner.
Ensuring public safety is the City of Champaign’s top priority. To make sure the upcoming Final Four celebrations are as safe and successful as last weekend’s, the City is implementing Emergency Orders in a defined area around campus to promote the safety and welfare of the public by placing a few limits on alcohol sales on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Additionally, assuming the Illini win Saturday’s semifinal game, similar restrictions will be enacted on Monday, April 6, 2026. Public safety officials have determined that these measures will help reduce the possibility of personal injury or property damage during celebratory activities that could arise in association with the upcoming Final Four games featuring the Illini.
For full details, please see the April 4 Emergency Order and April 6 Emergency Order, which in summary:
• Requires businesses in a defined area around campus to serve alcoholic beverages in plastic, paper, and aluminum containers (no glass) for a set period of time before and after the games.
• Restricts the sale of packaged liquor and cocktails-to-go in a defined area around campus for a set period of time during and after the games.
• Restricts the delivery of alcohol in and out of a defined area around campus for a set period of time during and after the games.
The restrictions on the sale of packaged alcohol and serving alcohol in glass containers are aimed at reducing the availability of glass bottles and glassware that could become dangerous projectiles or pose serious safety risks if broken in a crowded area.
“We understand that these restrictions may inconvenience some of our residents and local businesses, but they are being taken at the request of local law enforcement to help ensure public safety during large post-game celebrations,” said Deputy Liquor Commissioner Jeff Hamilton. “After hearing from local business owners and consulting with our law enforcement partners, we were able to make some changes for this weekend that will still ensure public safety while reducing the impact on our valued local businesses. The City of Champaign is excited to cheer on the Illini as they battle their way to a national championship. We wish the team the very best and thank fans in advance for celebrating safely and responsibly. Go Illini!”
Local law enforcement will once again have an increased presence in the Campustown area to monitor celebratory activity and maintain public safety.