Illinois, which has lost three of its last four games, is set to host Big Ten foe Nebraska Saturday inside the program's Memorial Stadium, but various reports show the stadium is at least partially on fire Tuesday night.
WCIA-TV meteorologist Kevin Lighty shared on social media Tuesday evening various video clips showing the home of Illinois football with smoke billowing out of entrances and numerous emergency personnel responders on site.
It's actually a shorter game week for the Illini, who are set to host Matt Rhule's Nebraska Cornhuskers Friday night at 8 ET on Fox Sports.
The 100-year-old Memorial Stadium already has hosted three of the program's seven schedule home games this season.
Reports indicate that the fire now has been extinguished but that emergency management crews remain on the scene.
It is not yet clear if the fire is going to impact Illinois's ability to host Friday's game or if modifications to this week's schedule will be needed.
Memorial Stadium, where the Fighting Illini play football and are schedule to play Nebraska on Friday, is at least partially on fire. Smoke can be seen pouring out from the the lower level on the south side of the stadium. We have a crew working to get more info. pic.twitter.com/FcCgRT9I6T
— Kevin Lighty - WCIA 3 Chief Meteorologist (@KevinLighty) October 4, 2023