Fighting Illini Athletics and Gameday Spirit Unite to Honor Terrence Shannon Jr. on February 15 with Michigan State in town

By Jeysla Gonzalez

Terrence Shannon Jr. Illinois guard against UConn in NCAA Tournament, 3 30 2024 (photo by Brian Fluharty, Imagn Images via USA Today Sports Network)

January 28, 2025

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Gameday Spirit Fanstore, in collaboration with the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, proudly announces a special celebration of Illini Basketball legend Terrence Shannon Jr. on Saturday, Feb. 15. This unforgettable day will commemorate Shannon’s extraordinary contributions to Illinois Basketball, culminating with the raising of his jersey to the rafters of State Farm Center during the Fighting Illini game against Michigan State, set for 7 p.m. tip-off.

All 15,544 fans in attendance will be welcomed with an exclusive Terrence Shannon Jr. t-shirt, placed on every seat in the arena. These commemorative shirts will all be sized XL and provided by Illinois Athletics to honor Shannon’s enduring legacy. Additional adult and youth sizes will be available for purchase in advance, as of today, in-store at Gameday Spirit and online.

Ahead of the game, fans will have the rare opportunity to meet Shannon at an exclusive in-store appearance and signing event at Gameday Spirit’s Neil Street store. Taking place from 2-4 p.m., this event offers Illini fans a chance to connect with an Illini Basketball icon.

To mark this milestone, Gameday Spirit, in partnership with Illinois Athletics, will debut a Terrence Shannon Jr. commemorative collection, including a limited-edition TSJ bobblehead, part of the Illini Legends Collectibles series. There is a limited supply of bobbleheads, which will launch in store on Feb. 14. Fans can purchase the bobbleheads in-store, at the signing event, or at the game.

(courtesy Illinois Athletics)

In-Store Signing Event Details
Date: Saturday, Feb. 15
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Location: Gameday Spirit, Neil Street Store – Champaign

Important Notes for Attendees
• Signing access will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• On the day of the event, fans must purchase one of the following eligible items to participate: a Nike TSJ jersey, autograph basketball, photo of TSJ, or the official TSJ bobblehead.
• Only eligible items will be signed.
• The event and signatures will conclude promptly at 4 p.m. Not everyone in line is guaranteed to meet TSJ; it will be on a first-come, first-served basis as the event ends at 4 p.m. and will not go longer.

“We are excited to welcome Terrence Shannon Jr. back to campus and celebrate his illustrious career through these special events, culminating in the Honored Jersey ceremony at State Farm Center,” said Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. “It will be an unforgettable day for Terrence and our fans as we come together to honor a remarkable player who has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest ever to wear the Fighting Illini uniform.”

“This celebration is a testament to the incredible impact Terrence Shannon Jr. has had on Illini Basketball,” said Ryan Majeres, CEO of Gameday Spirit. “We’re honored to partner with Illinois Athletics to create a truly memorable experience for fans while paying tribute to an extraordinary athlete.”

 

COURTESY ILLINOIS ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS