Celebrate Her Game: Women-Owned Champaign-Urbana Area Stops for National Girls & Women in Sports Day
National Girls & Women in Sports Day is all about showing up for the athletes who inspire us—so let’s make it a full-on celebration in Champaign-Urbana. On Sunday, February 8, help Sell Out State Farm Center for the Fighting Illini Women’s Basketball game (get your tickets now), then keep the energy going by supporting some of our women-owned businesses while you’re here.
From incredible food to creative adventures and cozy shopping stops, here are just a few great ways to turn game day into a whole girls’ game weekend.
FUEL UP!
Neil St. Blues
Come hungry and ready to relax at Neil St. Blues in downtown Champaign, where Southern-inspired comfort food and warm hospitality are the name of the game. It’s a great place to gather with friends or family, share a few appetizers, and linger over hearty mains that stick with you in the best way. If you can, check out their weekend brunch—more than a meal, it's an event.
Sticky Rice
Just down the street, Sticky Rice offers bold, comforting Southeast Asian flavors that hit the spot after the game. This mother-daughter owned restaurant is a fantastic choice if your crew loves noodles, curries, and rice dishes layered with herbs, spice, and just the right amount of heat. Bring a group, order a few different plates, and let everyone steal a bite or two. Teamwork, right?
Farren's at the Inman
If you’re here on Saturday and craving a hearty burger, Farren’s at the Inman has you covered. This downtown Champaign favorite is known for its creative, piled-high burgers, housemade truffle chips, and relaxed vibe—perfect for refueling after cheering in the stands!
MOVE, PLAY, CREATE
Horizon Climbing
Celebrate girls and women in sports by doing something active yourself at Horizon Climbing. This indoor rock-climbing gym in Champaign is a fun pick for families (all ages—even toddlers!), friend groups, or anyone who wants to challenge themselves. Whether you’re scaling to the top or cheering from the crash mats, it’s a great reminder that strength shows up in all kinds of ways.
Fire Doll Studio
If “hands-on” to you means art instead of athletics, Fire Doll Studio is your kind of stop. This studio is a cozy, creative space where you can make your own custom-scented candle, unwind, and tap into a different kind of focus. If you want an activity that feels both relaxing and special, it’s a perfect add-on to your trip.
CU Adventures in Time & Space
Ready to test your teamwork off the court? CU Adventures in Time & Space in downtown Urbana is an award-winning escape room experience where your group has to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and work together to “beat the clock.” Keep that game-day energy going—just with more riddles and fewer jump shots.
SWEET BREAK
Hopscotch Bakery + Market
Need a pick-me-up between activities or a little something to celebrate a big Illini win? Champaign’s Hopscotch Bakery + Market has you covered with baked goods and treats that are almost too pretty to eat (almost). Grab coffee, pastries, or sweets to go, or browse their market goodies for gifts and snacks to take home.
RegCakes Gluten Free Bakery
Not all of us can eat gluten (boooo!), but that’s not a problem at RegCakes in Savoy. Everything—and I mean everything—is gluten-free. From cupcakes and cookies to breads and bars, everything’s baked in a dedicated gluten-free environment, so folks with celiac or sensitivities can relax and just enjoy dessert without worries. If you’re here all weekend, stop by Saturday and stock up!
Suzu's, a Japanese Bakery
Suzu’s is the kind of place that brings you joy the moment you walk in—bright, thoughtful, and fun. Influenced by Japanese aesthetics, flavors, and baking styles, this downtown Champaign gem is where you’ll find soft, pillowy shokupan (milk bread), anpan, a gently sweet roll filled with red bean paste, and shu kurimu, their take on French-style cream puffs.
TREAT YOURSELF
Art Mart
Part gourmet market, part gift shop, part toy wonderland, Art Mart in Champaign is where everyone finds something they absolutely need. Grab a lovely morning latte, pick up snacks for the drive home, browse kitchen goodies and local products, or let the kids wander the section while you check out the wine and fancy chocolate.
Bohemia
If your version of a treat is a new outfit, the perfect pair of earrings, or even some stylish art and home décor, downtown Urbana’s Bohemia is a must-visit. This welcoming shop offers gorgeously quirky fashion and creative accessories. Whether you’re anticipating or enjoying that victory-day glow, it’s a great place to browse with friends.
The Literary
Bookworms, this one’s for you. The Literary in downtown Champaign is essentially a bookstore and bar that feels like a warm hug—shelves full of great reads and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after the game, talk about your favorite plays, enjoy a coffee or cocktail, and pick up that novel you’ve been wanting to read.
MAKE IT A WEEKEND
When you come to Champaign-Urbana to Sell Out State Farm, you’re not just filling a seat—you’re cheering for women who’ve put in the work, the hustle, and the heart to compete at a high level. And by visiting these women-owned restaurants, shops, and experiences while you’re here, you’re also supporting the entrepreneurs building something brilliant off the court.