How to catch the Illinois vs. Ohio State basketball game, including tip-off time

To catch the Illinois vs. Ohio State basketball game, you’ll need to know when and where the game is being played, what TV networks and streaming services are broadcasting it, and any additional information that can enhance your game day experience. Whether you’re attending the game in person or watching from home, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged with this exciting matchup between two college basketball powerhouses. In this guide, we’ll go over all the details you need to enjoy the game, from tip-off time to the best ways to tune in.

1. Overview of the Game

Illinois and Ohio State are two of the most storied programs in college basketball, and when these two teams face off, it’s always a big event. The Illinois Fighting Illini, based in Urbana-Champaign, have a rich basketball history, while Ohio State’s Buckeyes are one of the top teams in the Big Ten Conference. Both teams have strong fanbases, and the matchup between these two is always exciting. Whether it’s the high-energy pace of Illinois or the strategic plays of Ohio State, this game promises to deliver a lot of excitement for basketball fans.

2. Date and Tip-Off Time

The Illinois vs. Ohio State game is typically scheduled as part of the Big Ten Conference regular season. While specific dates and times vary year to year, you can usually find this game in early to mid-winter, with most games taking place in January or February.

To make sure you don’t miss the game, it’s important to check for the specific date and tip-off time. You can do this by consulting official team websites, sports news outlets, or your local TV listings. Typically, games on weekdays are scheduled for 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM local time, while weekend games could be in the afternoon or evening. The game time may also be adjusted for television broadcast purposes.

As of now, the Illinois vs. Ohio State game for the 2025 season is scheduled for Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

3. Where to Watch

If you’re not attending the game in person, there are a variety of ways you can catch the Illinois vs. Ohio State basketball game on television or via streaming. Several sports networks are known for broadcasting Big Ten games, and with the right subscription or service, you can enjoy the game from the comfort of your home. Here’s how you can watch:

Television Broadcasts

1. ESPN Networks ESPN and its family of networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, etc.) frequently broadcast Big Ten games, including Illinois and Ohio State matchups. You’ll want to check if the game is being aired on ESPN, ESPN2, or another network like Big Ten Network (BTN). ESPN typically announces their broadcast schedules in advance.
2. Big Ten Network (BTN) The Big Ten Network is the most dedicated source for live coverage of Big Ten athletics. As such, many of the conference’s basketball games, including Illinois and Ohio State contests, will be broadcast on BTN. Check the BTN schedule for updates on the game’s airing time and whether it will be broadcast live or replayed later.
3. Local Broadcasts If you’re in the Illinois or Ohio State region, there could be local broadcasts available on regional sports networks or over-the-air channels. Illinois games, for example, may sometimes be aired on networks such as WICD or WCIA in the Urbana-Champaign area.

Streaming Options

If you prefer to stream the game on your device, several options are available:

1. ESPN+ ESPN+ is a great option for streaming college basketball games. It has many live broadcasts of various sports, including Big Ten matchups like Illinois vs. Ohio State. Subscribing to ESPN+ grants you access to a variety of sports events, including on-demand content. Check if the game is included in the ESPN+ schedule for streaming.
2. BTN+ For exclusive Big Ten content, you can subscribe to BTN+, the network’s streaming service. BTN+ offers live streams of games and events that are typically not available on national television. This can be a good option if you’re looking to watch a game when it’s not being broadcast on a major network.
3. FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV These live TV streaming services often carry sports channels like ESPN and BTN, meaning you can watch the Illinois vs. Ohio State game if you have a subscription. They offer live streaming of sports broadcasts, so you won’t miss the action, regardless of where you are.
4. DirecTV Stream Another option to stream the game is through DirecTV Stream, which includes major sports networks like ESPN and BTN in its offerings. Make sure to check if your subscription package includes the necessary channels to catch the game.

Radio Broadcasts

If you’re driving or unable to watch the game, you can still follow along by listening to a radio broadcast. Both Illinois and Ohio State have dedicated sports radio networks that provide live coverage of games. Check your local radio station or find online streaming options for these broadcasts:

• Illinois Radio Network The Illinois Fighting Illini have a statewide radio network that broadcasts live play-by-play coverage of their games.
• Ohio State Radio Network Similarly, Ohio State provides radio coverage for its fans, with broadcasts available both on local radio stations and online.

Many sports streaming services also offer radio feeds, so you can tune into live coverage from anywhere.

4. How to Get Tickets (If Attending In Person)

If you’re lucky enough to be in the Champaign area or planning a trip to see the game in person, getting tickets is simple. Here’s how you can attend the Illinois vs. Ohio State game at State Farm Center:

1. Official Illinois Athletics Website The best place to buy tickets for Illinois basketball games is through the official Illinois Fighting Illini athletics website. Here, you can find the schedule, pricing information, and links to purchase tickets directly from the university.
2. Ticket Resale Platforms If tickets are sold out or if you’re looking for a specific seat, resale platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, or SeatGeek offer secondary markets for ticket sales. Be sure to buy from a trusted seller to avoid counterfeit tickets.
3. Student Tickets If you’re an Illinois student, you may be eligible for discounted or free tickets through the student ticket lottery system. The Illinois Athletics website will have information on how students can access tickets for home games.
4. Group Tickets and Special Promotions Sometimes, Illinois offers group tickets or special promotions for families or larger groups. If you’re looking to bring a group to the game, check the university’s athletics site for any available offers.
5. Game Day Experience On game day, make sure to arrive early to soak in the atmosphere at the State Farm Center. There’s often a lot of excitement surrounding the Big Ten basketball games, with marching bands, fan events, and tailgating activities. Be sure to wear your Illini orange or blue to show your support for the home team.

5. Social Media and Live Updates

In addition to watching the game, you can follow along through social media and live updates. Both teams, Illinois and Ohio State, are active on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, providing live score updates, player highlights, and behind-the-scenes content.

1. Twitter The Illinois Fighting Illini (@IlliniMBB) and Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStateHoops) will likely be tweeting updates throughout the game. Using hashtags like #Illini or #GoBucks can help you stay in the loop with other fans.
2. Instagram Both teams post highlight reels, photos, and other interactive content on Instagram. Be sure to follow them for up-to-date highlights, scores, and photos from the game.
3. Game Websites Websites like ESPN, NCAA.com, and the official Big Ten website provide live score tracking and play-by-play updates. These are excellent resources if you’re not watching but want to follow along.

6. Post-Game Analysis

After the game, there’s always plenty of coverage to digest. Many sports networks offer post-game analysis, including highlights and expert opinions on key moments from the game. Whether you’re watching sports commentary shows or reading articles online, post-game content can give you deeper insights into how Illinois and Ohio State performed.

For fans who missed the live broadcast, many major sports networks provide replays, either on-demand through their streaming services or as a part of a nightly sports recap show.