Sport: College Sports Category: Coaching

Illinois coach Bret Bielema leads activities at Wrigley Field

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: May 31, 2026, 2:46 PM

Last updated May 31, 2026

Illinois coach Bret Bielema leads activities at Wrigley Field

Summary

May 31 marks Illini Night at Wrigley Field as Illinois football coach Bret Bielema and defensive back Matt Bailey participate in the event. The duo has claimed the honor of singing 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' during the seventh-inning stretch. They will also have the responsibility of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The Illini, coming off a challenging season, look to bolster engagement with fan events leading into the upcoming football season.

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Key Details

•Illini Night at Wrigley Field takes place on May 31
•Bret Bielema and Matt Bailey will sing during the game
•They also throw out the ceremonial first pitch
•Illinois is looking to improve after a tough season
•Fan events are part of engagement strategy for the season

Latest Updates

2:46 PMYahoo Sports — Can't Wait For Saturday Bielema. Bailey leaving the hard part at Wrigley t for Barna

What they're saying

"
May 31—*** Tuesday is Illini Night at Chicago's Wrigley Field. There are two tasks for the people representing Illinois: 1. Sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch. And 2, throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Illinois coach Bret Bielema and defensive back Matt Bailey called "dibs" on the song. It is a low-risk move. They are not expected to be good while belting ...
— Yahoo Sports

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Yahoo SportsMay 31, 2026, 2:46 PM
Can't Wait For Saturday Bielema. Bailey leaving the hard part at Wrigley t for Barna
May 31—*** Tuesday is Illini Night at Chicago's Wrigley Field. There are two tasks for the people representing Illinois: 1. Sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch. And 2, throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Illinois coach Bret Bielema and defensive back Matt Bailey called "dibs" on the song. It is a low-risk move. They are not expected to be good while belting ...

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