Back the Redbirds         

[NOV. 30, 2006]  NORMAL -- Illinois State University is offering several options to cheer on the Redbirds when they play Youngstown State University in the quarterfinals of the Division 1 Football Championship. The game is at 5 p.m. Central time on Saturday.

For those who want to see the game in person, a fan bus will depart from Illinois State campus lot G-73 at 5 a.m. Saturday morning for the trip to Youngstown, Ohio. Overnight accommodations are at the Sleep Inn, Austintown, Ohio. The bus will depart from the hotel at 7 a.m. Sunday for the return trip to Normal. The cost for the package is $14 for each game ticket, $75 for transportation and $75 for hotel accommodations.

Reservations may be made online at http://www.alumni.ilstu.edu/football or by contacting Julie Barnhill at 309-438-8790 or [e-mail].

The registration deadline is noon Thursday, and the trip is open to the first 55 people who register. The minimum number for the trip is 35.

Any fan traveling to Youngtown State can attend a free reception hosted by President Al and Linda Bowman and Athletics Director Sheahon and Pam Zenger. The reception will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time Saturday at the Youngstown State University Kilcawley Center Schwebell Reception Lounge.

Those who prefer to stay closer to home can gather to watch the game on three big-screen televisions at the Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom. Admission is free and activities will include games for children. Concessions and a cash bar will also be available. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Chicago area fans can also view the game together at a Redbird watch party at three Windy City locations. They are:

• John Barleycorn Memorial Pub, 658 W Belden Ave., 773-348-8899

• Barleycorn Sports Bar, 2142 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-348-0414

• John Barley Corn, 3524 N Clark St., 773-549-6000

[Pre-game notes]

[Illinois State University news release provided by by Todd Kober, assistant athletics director, media relations]

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