Fighting Illini Fans Dominate Indianapolis for Final Four

Illinois fans make up nearly half of Final Four ticket sales as they pack downtown Indianapolis to cheer on their team.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes and dissolving shapes representing the energy and excitement of Illinois basketball fans flooding the streets of Indianapolis for the Final Four.The sea of orange and blue that has taken over Indianapolis reflects the passionate support of Illinois fans as their team makes a deep NCAA tournament run.Champaign Today

The University of Illinois Fighting Illini have returned to the Final Four for the first time since 2005, and their passionate fans have taken over Indianapolis ahead of the big game. With 48% of Final Four tickets sold to Illinois fans, the streets of downtown Indy are awash in a sea of orange and blue as Illini supporters pour in from across the state and country to support their team's quest for a national championship.

Why it matters

The strong Illini fan presence in Indianapolis underscores the program's resurgence under head coach Brad Underwood and the deep loyalty of the team's supporters, many of whom have waited over 15 years to see their beloved Fighting Illini back on college basketball's biggest stage.

The details

Fans like University of Illinois senior Chloe Wolk and her friends drove over 3 hours from Champaign starting at 5am on Friday, even without tickets to the game, determined to soak up the atmosphere and cheer on their team. Other Illini fans, like Connor Bolin who was born and raised in Bloomington - home of rival Indiana University - have remained loyal to the orange and blue, with his father Rick saying 'I raised him right. I went to Champaign.'

  • The Final Four takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2026 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
  • Illinois is making its first Final Four appearance since 2005.

The players

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team, who has led the program's resurgence and return to the Final Four.

Chloe Wolk

A University of Illinois senior who drove over 3 hours from Champaign to Indianapolis without tickets just to soak up the atmosphere and cheer on the Fighting Illini.

Connor Bolin

A lifelong Fighting Illini fan who was born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana - home of rival Indiana University - but has remained loyal to the orange and blue.

Rick Bolin

The father of Connor Bolin, who says he 'raised him right' by instilling a love for the University of Illinois.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“No sleep. We're going to cheer for our team. We're going to do anything to make this happen to be able to go to the national championship, and if that means waking up early and getting no sleep tomorrow, we're waking up even earlier to get to the bar so we can get a good spot.”

— Chloe Wolk, University of Illinois senior

“It's bigger than a city, man. It runs deeper than that.”

— Connor Bolin

“I raised him right. I went to Champaign.”

— Rick Bolin, Connor Bolin's father

What’s next

The Fighting Illini will face the winner of the Gonzaga vs. UCLA semifinal game in the NCAA championship game on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

The overwhelming presence of Fighting Illini fans in Indianapolis showcases the deep passion and loyalty of the Illinois basketball fanbase, who have eagerly awaited this moment for over 15 years. Their unwavering support could provide a crucial home-court advantage as the team seeks its first national championship since 2005.