Illini 411: Is State Farm Center the world’s largest domed structure?
A: It was when the building opened in 1963, and it was a point of pride for architect Max Abramovitz, ’29 FAA. To build its famous concrete roof, crews erected
Illini 411: What was the first movie shot on campus?
A: The first “moving picture” shot on campus was the student-made, alumni-produced Pro Patria in 1916. Pro Patria (Latin for “for one’s country”) attempted to show a realistic depiction of
Illini 411: When did the Harlem Globetrotters first appear on campus?
A: The Globetrotters brought their zany, anything-goes brand of basketball to Assembly Hall (now The State Farm Center) for the first time on Dec. 4, 1965. But their association with
Illini 411: What was the U of I’s smallest graduating class?
A: Although, at 20 members, the University’s first graduating class (1872) was this close to fitting in a clown car, the Class of 1874 has them beat. The third graduating
Illini 411: I assume the U. of I. was originally known simply as the University of Illinois. When was Urbana-Champaign added and why?
A: Actually, the U. of I. was originally called the Illinois Industrial University—a reflection of its land-grant roots as an agriculture and engineering school. The I.I.U. changed its name to
Illini 411: Where did the trolley run on campus?
A: In the university’s early years, a full-service, horse-drawn streetcar connected Champaign and Urbana, and ran right through the heart of campus. By 1890, it had evolved into an electric
Illini 411: What was the medieval-looking place that served wassail at Christmastime?
A: For many years, wassail was a speciality of Etc. Coffeehouse, the cozy hangout spot inside the Late Gothic Revival, decidedly medieval-looking Wesley Foundation, at the corner of Green and
Illini 411: How does the university keep ground water out of the steam tunnels?
A: A torrential downpour? Melting snow and ice? No sweat. All nine miles of the underground steam tunnels, which connect many of the campus’ buildings and have been used as
Illini 411: Where can I find the TV commercials the university makes for sporting events?
A: For decades, Illinois’ Office of Strategic Communications (formerly known as Public Affairs) has created clever, inspirational TV spots to promote the university and show off the campus during Illini
Illini 411: Where did the sledding hill by Orchard Downs come from?
A: A wintertime zip down Hackberry Hill is one heck of a good time, and like most of the finer things in this world, the hill’s origins are mysterious and
