U OF I MEMORIAL STADIUM NAME

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jason Bunting and 39 co-sponsors

The bill urges restoring Memorial Stadium’s name to its 1924 memorial designation and rejects the 2025 change to Gies Memorial Stadium.

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Jed Davis

Bill Summary: HR 895 (Illinois, 104th General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

This House Resolution seeks to address the naming of Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

It asserts that the stadium should permanently be known as Memorial Stadium, a name honoring University of Illinois individuals who died or served in World War I and subsequent conflicts.

The resolution objects to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees’ September 18, 2025 decision to rename the stadium “Gies Memorial Stadium” after a $100 million donation from Larry and Beth Gies, and calls for restoring the traditional name.

Key provisions and changes proposed

Reaffirms the historic purpose of Memorial Stadium as a monument to those associated with the University who sacrificed in World War I and later conflicts.

Condemns the Board of Trustees’ 2025 decision to change the stadium’s name to Gies Memorial Stadium.

Calls for:

An alternate, appropriate means to recognize the Gies donors that does not alter the stadium’s name.
Restoration of the stadium’s name to “Memorial Stadium.”

Directs that copies of the resolution be delivered to:

President of the University of Illinois
Chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees
Director of the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics
Larry and Beth Gies

Who/what would be affected

The naming of Memorial Stadium at UIUC, specifically reversing the name change to “Gies Memorial Stadium.”

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, and donor recognition practices for large gifts.

The perception and interpretation of the stadium’s commemorative purpose among alumni, students, faculty, and the broader Illinois community.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The measure is a House Resolution (non-binding) introduced by Rep. Steven Reick (co-sponsor).

Action history indicates it was filed with the Clerk on May 12, 2026.

As a resolution, its effect is largely symbolic and political; it does not mandate statutory change but expresses legislative opinion and urges the university to act accordingly.

The core timeline referenced centers on the historical dedication of Memorial Stadium (1924) and the 2025 name-change decision by the Board of Trustees, with the resolution calling for restoration going forward.

Notable details

The resolution highlights extensive historical context:

Original dedication in 1924 as a WWI memorial.
Names of World War I fallen historically inscribed on stadium columns.
2002 extension honoring World War II and later conflicts on limestone tablets at the stadium entrances.

The resolution frames the name change as a potential breach of a “solemn pledge” made during the 1924 dedication to those honored by the memorial.

The bill emphasizes gratitude to veterans and the University’s donors while prioritizing fidelity to the original memorial purpose.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-page briefing for policymakers or a side-by-side comparison of the current name versus the proposed action.