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Illinois Football Stadium Gets New Name After $100 Million Gift From Larry Gies

The University of Illinois announced a $100 million donation from alumnus Larry Gies on September 9, 2025, to rename Memorial Stadium as Gies Memorial Stadium.
This gift received its significance due to Gies' prior philanthropic history and the stadium's 100-year legacy honoring U.S. armed services members, with official approval pending by the Board of Trustees on September 18, 2025.
Larry Gies, CEO of Madison Industries, made the donation in memory of his late father, a U.S. Army veteran, while the football program recently achieved program-high 10 wins and its highest AP ranking since 2001 under coach Bret Bielema.
Gies expressed that his contribution is meant to pay tribute to his father, a dedicated veteran, as well as to all individuals who have served or will serve in the military to protect the nation, highlighting the stadium as a lasting reminder of their sacrifices and commitment to freedom.
The donation represents the largest in University of Illinois athletics history, highlighting Gies' vision to impact people and organizations and promising a lasting influence on Fighting Illini Athletics and its community.

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CBS Sports

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Illinois receives historic $100 million donation from alumnus Larry Gies, renames football stadium

The gift is the largest in Illinois athletics history

12 hours ago·United States

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Des Moines Register

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Detroit Free Press

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Illinois football stadium gets new name after $100 million gift from Larry Gies

The University of Illinois has announced a record-breaking $100 million donation from Larry Gies to its athletics programs.

14 hours ago·Des Moines, United States

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ESPN

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Illinois' stadium renamed after $100M donation

After alumnus Larry Gies made a $100 million donation to Illinois' athletic department, the Fighting Illini's stadium will be known as Gies Memorial Stadium, the school announced Tuesday.

15 hours ago·United States

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Associated Press News

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Illinois' football home is now known as Gies Memorial Stadium after alumnus makes $100M donation

Illinois’ football stadium will be known as Gies Memorial Stadium after alumnus and philanthropist Larry Gies made a $100 million donation to the school’s athletic department.

15 hours ago·United States

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NBC Chicago

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Larry Gies makes $100 million gift, Illinois football to rename stadium

Illinois' Memorial Stadium will be renamed after alumnus Larry Gies after the largest donation in the athletic department's history.

19 hours ago·Chicago, United States

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KHQA

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University of Illinois receives historic $100 million gift from Larry Gies

University of Illinois alumnus Larry Gies has made a landmark $100 million donation to the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA), marking the la

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