The stadium is historic and interesting, but the fans embrace of their history of racist stereotyping makes the place less than pleasant to visit. The games are poorly attended so it's hard to understand why the largely empty closer parking lots won't allow in paying customers. The more distant also not filled lots still charge the same amount as the closer restricted half empty lots at $20 per, which is a little insulting. Just a tad more distant in the business area you can find $10 parking. Since the games are so poorly attended getting in and out is much faster than in other Big10 stadiums. On my last visit the student section didn't have enough students to fill an intro chemistry class lecture hall, they were heavily outnumbered by the marching band. The marching band is quite good and I would have enjoyed both the half time and post game show if only they could let go of their links to the racist mascot. Stanford and Marquette did, but of course those two are elite academic programs so maybe that's part of the problem here, hard to say. The racism isn't as overt as it once was so it's tolerable even if you're AmerIndian or educated.
Security is quite good, the police are obviously very professional and deployed to prevent problems. Ushers are competent and helpful, entry was quick but part of this is that the incoming crowd is so sparse. Food service is lackadaisical, the food quality and choices average and more or less typically overpriced. Given that I was the only one in line and ordering food 5 minutes to game time I was a bit nonplussed that I had to wait for fries. On a cold day the hot chocolate was nice and hot but about half strength, more like hot water with a good hint of the taste of cocoa. Usually I like eating in a college football stadium as part of the game day experience but I think in the case of U of I, from now on I'm going to have lunch or late breakfast before coming in. All in all I don't see a reason to come here for a game unless you get the tickets for free or your alma mater is visiting.