University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumnus Larry Gies gifted the Illinois athletics department $100 million in honor of his father. In recognition of this gift, the university renamed its 102-year-old football stadium to Gies Memorial Stadium.
This donation is Illinois’ largest single gift the Athletic Department has received and one of the largest single gifts ever received by a college athletics program.
Gies is one of the most well-known University of Illinois alumni. The philanthropist is also known for donating $150 million to the university’s business school, which was renamed with his surname in 2017. Gies is the founder and CEO of Madison Industries.
In a press release, Gies expressed his reasoning and how much this gift is important to him.
“This gift is about honoring my father, a true patriot, and every brave soul who has worn or will wear the uniform to defend our country,” said Gies. “With this investment, we can ensure that this stadium continues to be a place where their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
The late Larry Gies, Sr. was a US Army veteran.
At a Tuesday afternoon press conference, University of Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said that the money will be used to update the stadium’s sound and video boards and other architectural renovations. Whitman is also open to using the money outside of the stadium if it is appropriate to do so.
“Larry trusts us to use those dollars as we think it is appropriate,” said Whitman. “Our intent is to invest most of that to this building and preserve Memorial Stadium.”
The gift awaits approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees at its meeting on September 18, 2025.
Meanwhile, there will be a public event at the stadium on Friday morning with Gies and Fighting Illini Football head coach Brett Bielema to talk more about this new era.
Gies Memorial Stadium opened on November 3, 1923. It was a tribute to the Illinois service members who died in World War I. It cost $1.7 million to build the stadium in the 1920’s. The stadium’s 200 columns bear the names of veterans.
According to a university website, the largest crowd to witness a game at the stadium was on September 8, 1984. The Fighting Illini Football team defeated Missouri 30 to 24 in front of a crowd of 78,297.
The stadium hosted ‘Farm Aid’ on September 22, 1985. The televised benefit concert raised more than $7 million for family farms. It was organized by Willie Nelson. B.B. King, Bob Dylan, Loretta Lynn, Roy Orbison were among the many performers. Annual concerts continue across the country.