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Memorial stadium was constructed in 1923 as a memorial to the Illinois men and women who served in WWI. Their names have been written on the 200 pillars that surround the stadium. In May of 2002, the University of Illinois Alumni Association began a campaign to fund an Illinois veterans’ memorial project that recognized 1,087 people who lost their lives in later wars. The stadium was officially dedicated on October 18th 1924; during this game against Michigan, Harold E. “Red” Grange scored six touchdowns beating the Wolverines 39-14 in what was the single greatest performance in Memorial Stadium.

Memorial Stadium was also he home of the Chicago Bears during their 2002 season when Soldier Field was being renovated. George Halas, who played football at Illinois, created the NFL as well as the Chicago Bears and took his Alma Mater's school colors for his team.