Memorial Stadium cleared for Nebraska game after fire

Memorial Stadium caught fire on Tuesday.

Champaign firefighters responded to an alarm at Memorial Stadium at 8 p.m. late Tuesday night. Afterward, smoke plumed from the southwest corner of the stadium. The fire began near the horseshoe during the blaze. The fire department found a fire in a groundskeeping shed. Firefighters extinguished the flames quickly. Firefighters found a utility vehicle and mower on fire.

One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local medical facility. The official cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The university released a statement saying:

“A fire occurred Tuesday night at Memorial Stadium. It was located in the southwest corner underneath the horseshoe, away from spectator areas.

The fire was quickly contained and has been extinguished, thanks to the efforts of our local fire departments. There were no injuries reported.

The Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) thanks the many first responders for their quick action.

The Illinois football team hosts Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m. CT. DIA will continue to evaluate the facility over the course of the next day. Still, early indications are optimistic that the stadium will be prepared to host the game, as scheduled and without interruption of seating or services, for the game on Friday.”

Memorial Stadium Cleared for Friday’s game

Yesterday, University of Illinois officials inspected the fire damage; as a result, the DIA has concluded the stadium is safe for Friday night’s home game against Nebraska will take place.

After a 44-19 loss in the Purdue Cannon game, the Illini are still seeking their first Big Ten win as they host the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The ‘Huskers are also looking for their first conference victory. However, the Illini boast the conference’s leading receiver, Isaiah Williams. Illinois is 2-3 and 0-2 in the Big Ten.

Friday night’s game takes place as planned. Concurrently, Illinois and the Champaign Fire Department are working on a smoke remediation plan.