March 09--Illinois has moved its 2015 football season opener to a Friday night.
The kickoff will take place under the lights at Memorial Stadium against Kent State on Sept. 4.
The time has yet to be announced.
"We are always exploring new ideas on improving our in-game atmosphere and trying to make the games as enjoyable as possible," Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas said in a statement.
"We are introducing an exciting new tailgating area on the west side of Memorial Stadium this season, and an early-season night game is a terrific way to allow our fans to experience that area. We think this is a great way to kickoff the Labor Day weekend."
The game will be carried on the Big Ten Network.
This will be the first non-Saturday home game at Memorial Stadium since Nov. 22, 2001, when the Illini beat Northwestern on Thanksgiving Day to clinch the 2001 Big Ten championship.
