The Claim That “Memorial Stadium Remains Central” Is Not True

You got rid of the Chief because of how it made a minority of people feel. This should be the same. It also makes it sounds like we are memorializing Gies, which we should not be. Also, if someone were to donate $150m with the stipulation that you change the name back would you do it?

Memorial Stadium also honors alums who died serving our country in World War II, and my uncle’s name is inscribed on the stadium wall. Adding the name “Gies” to the stadium name suggests, due to the grammatical structure of the phrase, that the stadium is a memorial to “Gies” rather than to the brave veterans who gave their lives defending our democracy.

I don't like the new name.

I am very disappointed the University, especially the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, agreed to or suggested this name change. I guess money can buy just about anything at the U of I.

Keep the stadium and that name please it's for honors of veterans and soldiers who died

And while you’re at it——— bring back the CHIEF for cryin out loud!!! Most emotional symbol in all of college athletics.

No need to fix what isn't broken

If you pay enough money and be like a whore you can change a name of a building

I am concerned that the rename is shifting the focus away from the veterans.

Call the entire area the Gies Athletic Complex or some other overarching tribute. Leave the name Memorial Stadium alone.

Mr gies's donation was generous for sure but I would hope that he would understand and come to some compromise that would show him deep appreciation and yet return the original name, Memorial stadium

They should have made it “Gies Field” in Memorial Stadium. Not renamed the whole building. Disgraceful.

If you want to honor Gies, as well as the soldiers, call it Memorial Stadium, and Gies Field.

How is Gies name more important than the 189 whose names are on those columns and the many more on the tablets? It is not and never will be. I think Mr. Gies’ incredibly generous gift should’ve been honored with anything other than MS – which should’ve been sacrosanct and untouchable. If $50M got someone’s name on Kansas’ Memorial Stadium (was mentioned specifically as giving guidance) – then for $100M it should’ve been much more than ONE venue. I would like to suggest: 1) the “Gies Athletic Complex” – this would encompass every Illini athletic venue. There would be signage on (over) streets like Florida/Kirby, 1st & 4th Streets. Map guides (“you are here”) at every venue showing ALL sites and proclaiming them to be part of the “Gies Athletic Complex”. 2) The “Gies Hall of Heroes” (the West Grandstand Hall with the murals) where he (and father) could be honored in many ways. 3) When the horseshoe finally undergoes renovation – it could be “The Gies Grandstand at Memorial Stadium”. 4) A completely new venue for volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics, etc. is overdue and needed – name that after him. But, NOT Memorial Stadium, it is disrespectful and misleading. Josh & Mr. Gies have done a masterful job at spinning this and mounting a positive PR campaign – I suspect they knew it would be needed given the amount of negative feedback I’ve seen about the naming (not the gift). What happens when the money runs out? Is it Gies MS for the next 100 years? They both should KNOW better...

It is simply the right thing to do. The sacrifices made by those courageous individuals who served and cared deeply for our country must forever remain in the memory of the University of Illinois community. Memorial Stadium stands as a lasting tribute to the University’s heroes who gave their lives in service to our nation. While Larry Geis deserves recognition for his generosity, the name "Memorial Stadium" does not commemorate any individual donor; it honors, with the highest distinction, those from the University of Illinois who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

9 months ago Featured

my late husband played football for the Fighting Illini and he would be very disappointed to see the name of this great institution sold to the highest bidder. Leave the name alone. "Memorial Stadium" it should be now and forever.

Our family has a deep and rich tradition at the University of Illinois (3 generations of graduates) as well as in the military. The generosity of Larry Geis and his family is not in question-nor is the collective gratitude for his amazing donation. For our family, this is purely about maintaining the historical aspect of this beautiful monument to our service men and women that has stood now for 100 years.

Everything that is tradition is being altered by name changes.

First it was the Chief Illiniwek, then the Assembly Hall was renamed....what's next? The Illini Union, The Alma Mater.?

One of the two original signers of this petition, along with Phil Matteson.