For the first time since 1999, Illinois State football has advanced to the FCS semifinals!

The Redbirds battle the New Hampshire Wildcats at 1 p.m. Central time Saturday, December 20. The game is televised on ESPNU and ESPN3.com, but many watch parties are planned in Central Illinois, the Chicagoland area, and across the country.

The Redbirds went on the road last weekend and defeated Eastern Washington 59-46 to continue their memorable season. After winning out west, the Redbirds will now head east to take on the top seed in the playoffs.

While many Redbird fans will be watching the game all throughout Central and Northern Illinois, alumni volunteers are gathering alumni in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, St. Louis, and New Orleans to make sure the Redbirds have support near and far.

If you are attending a local watch party, share photos from your experience on social media using #BackTheBirds before, during, and after the game.

Registrations aren’t required for any of these events, but plan on arriving early since space is not guaranteed. Wear red and help cheer the Redbirds into the FCS championship!

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Buffalo Wild Wings

3220 East Empire, Bloomington

Double A’s Pizza – Sports Bar

7301 North Radnor Road, Peoria

Elroy’s

102 West Washington Street, Bloomington

Joe’s Station House

Shoppes at College Hills, 305 South Veterans Parkway, Normal

Kep’s Bar and Grill

313 Muller Road, Washington

Pub II

102 North Linden Street, Normal

Reality Bites

414 North Main Street, Bloomington

Times Past Inn

Towanda Plaza Shopping Center, 1216 Towanda Avenue, Bloomington

CHICAGOLAND

Flagship Tavern/Grill

1622 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago

Gatsby’s Pizza and Pub

427 East Rand Road, Arlington Heights

Highline

169 West Kinzie Street, Chicago

Island Sports Bar and Grill

13414 Olde Western Avenue, Blue Island

Your Neighbors

Hobson West Shopping Center, 931 West 75th Street, Naperville

ST. LOUIS

Global Brew

455 Regency Park, O’Fallon, IL

DENVER

The Sportsbook Bar and Grill

9660 East Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village, CO

DALLAS

Wild Turkey

2470 Walnut Hill, Dallas, TX

NEW ORLEANS

Buffalo Wild Wings

909 Clearview Parkway, Jefferson, LA (end of Clearview Pkwy)

ATLANTA

Rosati’s Pizza

415 Peachtree Parkway #200 Cumming, GA