Sept. 26, 2007

University of Illinois athletics re-designed its official web site, fightingillini.com. The new site, which launched Wednesday, Sept. 26, will continue updating and implementing its content changes throughout the remainder of the week, but will be fully functional during its upgrades.

The new-look site encompassed suggestions from the entire Illini community, including fans from across the world. Webmaster and multimedia designer Victor Cortez says the site is easier to navigate, incorporating new features and enhancing the old ones.

"My hope is that our fans will be able to find what they need more quickly and efficiently," Cortez said. "We are incorporating more video, feature stories and interactive content all the time. This should be the first place fans go for the latest on the Fighting Illini."

The site is more streamlined with a number of easily accessible drop-down menus, including direct links to tickets, the I FUND and the on-line store. The two calendars on the front page include an all-encompassing schedule for the next six days and one that shows all the upcoming live events with direct links to video, audio and live stats.

The front page video player now opens directly inside the browser and includes all free and premium content with each sport page having its own video player as well. Premium content, which includes live broadcasts and post-game press conferences, is available through a subscription, while video features, weekly press conferences, highlight packages and post-practice interviews are all free through fightingillini.com. Its web partner, CSTV.com, has now enabled all Mac users access to all video as well.

"With our expanded video department and our relationship with the Big Ten Network, fans can expect expanded offering of free content," Cortez said.

By utilizing the latest technology, including webcasts, podcasts, RSS feeds, mobile services and more, the Illini nation will have access unprecedented access to official news, features and multimedia, including ring tones and desktop wallpapers. Each schedule page includes detailed instructions on how fans can download events directly into their Microsoft Outlook.

Illinois' new look only goes to strengthen an already proven source for Illinois sports, adding new features to its main page and each individual sports pages. Along with fightingillini.com, CoachRonZook.com also received a makeover. The new site focuses heavily on video and audio features, highlights and interviews, all at the click of a button.

"In the competitive world of collegiate athletics, the University of Illinois has dedicated itself to putting the best product that this institution has to offer out there, both on and off the field," Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information Kent Brown said. "With the launch of our new web site, Illinois is just continuing in that tradition of excellence by improving Illinois' look and brand to its fans and alumni."

Throughout the implementation of the new fightingillini.com, fans are encouraged to send suggestions as the continued enhancements become available. Send ideas through here.