Cancer Center at Illinois branding debuts on the north end field goal net as a new partnership with Illinois Athletics and Jimmy John’s® kicks off
URBANA, Ill. – A new north end field goal net debuted at the Fighting Illini football home opener, and every kick through the uprights is helping fund cancer research at Illinois.
The net now carries the Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) logo, marking the first branded field goal net in Gies Memorial Stadium’s 100-plus-year history. This is the first piece of a multi-year initiative with Illinois Athletics, putting the center’s work in front of one of the largest audiences on campus.
Under this partnership, Illinois-founded Jimmy John’s will also donate $100 to cancer research at the CCIL for every extra point and successful field goal from Illinois at home games, with similar initiatives planned for volleyball and winter and spring sports.
“At Illinois, we’re winning in both the lab and the field. Fans understand what it takes to build a program over years. That is what cancer research looks like, too,” said Rohit Bhargava, Phillip and Ann Sharp Director of the CCIL. “Connecting with Fighting Illini fans allows us to share how innovative research happening on campus is changing the future of cancer care.”
The timing follows a milestone year for the center. In April, the National Cancer Institute designated the CCIL a Basic Cancer Center, the first such designation in nearly 40 years and one of only eight nationwide. The center’s researchers work at the intersection of engineering, basic science and medicine to find new ways to detect, diagnose and treat cancer.
“Cancer research is critical in the fight to end cancer,” said Dr. Brian Russell, Chief Commercial Officer – Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. “We’re incredibly proud to amplify the Cancer Center at Illinois and the advancements they’re making in the fight against this terrible disease. We look forward to continuing this partnership and thank the CCIL researchers and staff for their commitment to bettering the lives of patients, survivors, and many others who are affected by cancer.”
The relationship between Illinois Athletics, the Cancer Center at Illinois and Jimmy John’s is facilitated by Fighting Illini Sports Properties (FISP), the locally based team of Learfield – the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. FISP is the exclusive multimedia rights holder of Illinois Athletics and oversees all sponsorship arrangements on behalf of the Illini.
Fans can learn more about the campaign and the center’s research at cancer.illinois.edu.
About the Cancer Center at Illinois
The Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) harnesses the power of engineering and the basic sciences to transform cancer research, detection and treatment, helping improve the lives of cancer patients worldwide. The National Cancer Institute has designated the CCIL a Basic Cancer Center, a recognition that places the center among the nation’s leading cancer research institutions and affirms the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s strength in merging oncology, engineering and basic science.