Illinois tennis program invites fans for a fun-filled kickoff weekend on January 30

URBANA - The Urbana-Champaign tennis community is invited to the Fighting Illini Tennis 2023 Season Kickoff on Monday, January 30, at Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana.

The event, scheduled from 5:30 - 7:30pm, will offer the opportunity to meet current men and women student-athletes on the University of Illinois tennis teams. The event features a silent auction, drinks and appetizers, and a sale in the tennis facility's pro shop (see flyer below).

"There will be opportunities to bid on cool silent auction items and join Advantage Illinois," said Teri Scaggs, the organizer for the upcoming event. Advantage Illinois is a booster club for the Division 1 program that provides resources and support to Fighting Illini athletes.

Scaggs added: "This is a promotional event to help bring enthusiasm to support the teams."

The two-hour event is free and open to the general public. Attendees can RSVP via email to advantageillinois@gmail.com or by calling the Atkins Tennis Center's front desk at (217) 244-8562.

On Saturday, prior to the kickoff event, the Illinois men's team opens at home with a grueling three-match homestand. The team will play a twin bill on their home indoor courts against Butler University at 10am and return to the hardcourts at 6pm to face in-state Rival Illinois State.

No rest for the greatest the Illini are back at it on Sunday against Drake University. Illinois owns the series 3-0 against Bulldogs.

The women's program host their first home meet of the season on Friday, February 3, with a non-conference clash against Georgia Tech. Two days later, the team will take on Notre Dame at Atkins Tennis Center.

At #53, the Illini will face 12 ITA-ranked college teams this season. The teams, in schedule order, include #72 Kentucky, #6 NC State, #26 Vanderbilt OR #39 Furman, #32 Georgia Tech, #48 Notre Dame, #41 Northwestern, #47 Arizona, #18 Michigan, #64 Maryland, #45 Wisconsin, #57 Minnesota and #59 Nebraska.

"Our philosophy has always been and will continue to be to play one of the most competitive out of conference schedules in the country," Illini head coach Evan Clark said back in December when the schedule was announced. "I know our team is excited for the tests that comes with it."