Senior Softball Tournament

Where to stay

These are the hotels offering special discounts—please book your room in one of our special room blocks by the listed cutoff date.

Where to eat

From comfort food to international flavors, Champaign-Urbana has something for every craving (plus vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options!).

Start your day right with breakfast at Sam's Café in downtown Champaign. No frills, no pretension, just great short-order diner food at great prices. (Bring your bills—this is a CASH-ONLY establishment.) Craving a great burger? Flavor Fusion in downtown Rantoul, as well as Farren’s at the Inman and Smith Burger Co. all offer can’t-miss selections. If you're in the mood for hearty comfort food, ET's Downtown in Rantoul will set you right with the four essential B's: burgers, BBQ, beer, and bourbon, while Watson’s Shack & Rail serves up legendary Nashville hot chicken (pro tip: go for the chicken and waffles!). If life-changing, stick-to-your-ribs sandwiches are more your thing, Baldarotta’s Porketta & Sicilian Sausage serves up some of the best around, hands-down.

Pizza lovers have options, too! Try your hand at bowling and some of the best wood-fire pizza at Old Orchard Lanes & Links in Savoy, while Jupiter’s at the Crossing in serves up thin-crust pies with creative toppings—perfect for large crowds as you challenge your friends at skee-ball!

If your taste buds are ready to tour the world, check out the Laotian and Thai cuisine at Sticky Rice, Zambian fare at Stango Cuisine, Indian comfort food at Kohinoor, fresh southern soul food at Neil Street Blues, authentic Mexican at Maize Mexican Grill, or Carolina-style barbecue at Black Dog Smoke & Ale House and Po'Boys Restaurant.

And if you still can’t decide? Head to downtown Urbana—The Yard on Broadway features six locally owned eateries (tacos, burgers, southern, pizza, grinders, ice cream, and more), yard games, and an arcade!

Of course, when you need a caffeine pick-me-up, stop by Kino’s Coffee in downtown Rantoul or Mad Goat Coffee in downtown Champaign—both serve up serious brews to keep you going.

What to do

If you find yourself with some downtime before, after, or between games, the Champaign-Urbana area offers plenty to do. 

Catch a live show at the Rose Bowl Tavern in downtown Urbana—from folk to funk, this laid-back venue hosts bands 7 days a week. Have some time Friday night? Soak in the summer sounds of Friday Night Live's outdoor music in downtown Champaign. (NOTE: 2026 information for Friday Night Live will update in a few months.) 

If you need a break, head to Japan House, located in Urbana at the University of Illinois Arboretum. Take a meditative stroll along the garden paths or just sit and listen to the birdsong at one of the area's most tranquil places to reconnect with nature and culture alike. At Meadowbrook Park, art and ecology intertwine across miles of prairie trails. Black-eyed Susans, blazing stars, and thought-provoking sculptures create a vibrant, ever-changing landscape.

For an outside of the ordinary experience, check out Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery in Champaign. At Illinois' first farmstead cheese-making facility, you can visit the super-cute goats, sample world-renowned goat cheese (and gelato), take a walk around the peaceful farm, stock up locally made goods at the farm store, and even enjoy a farm-to-table meal or cocktail at Caprae, their on-site restaurant!

See you there!

Want even more ideas? Check out our Experience Guide, a resource for all things C-U. Looking forward to your visit!