U of I Tennis Teams Host Easter Egg Hunt for Fans

The annual event aims to draw new spectators to the university's tennis matches.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:40am

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The University of Illinois men's and women's tennis teams hosted an Easter egg hunt for fans during their matches on Sunday. The event, which has corresponded with other sports in prior years, is intended to bring out families and kids to enjoy the holiday while also cheering on the tennis teams and potentially attracting new fans to the sport.

Why it matters

The Easter egg hunt provides a unique opportunity for the university's tennis programs to engage with the local community and build their fanbase. By offering a fun, family-friendly activity in conjunction with the matches, the teams hope to draw in spectators who may not have previously attended tennis events.

The details

The Easter egg hunt took place on the tennis courts, allowing fans to search for eggs while also watching the ongoing matches. Organizers said the event is a great way to bring out families and kids who might not ordinarily attend tennis events, in the hopes of converting them into regular fans of the sport.

  • The Easter egg hunt took place on Sunday, April 6, 2026, during the University of Illinois men's and women's tennis matches.

The players

Cassie Arner

The Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics at the University of Illinois, who organized the Easter egg hunt event.

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What they’re saying

“Easter egg hunts are certainly a great way to bring out families and kids, and we thought that might be a great draw to bring out fans who ordinarily come to tennis, and also fans that maybe aren't already tennis fans.”

— Cassie Arner, Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics

What’s next

The University of Illinois plans to continue hosting the Easter egg hunt event in conjunction with their tennis matches every year, in an effort to further build their fanbase and engage with the local community.

The takeaway

By offering a unique, family-friendly event like an Easter egg hunt alongside their tennis matches, the University of Illinois is demonstrating a creative approach to attracting new fans and making their sporting events more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.