IDCMS: Illinois set to celebrate 200th birthday

Posted on June 30, 2018

By WJBC Staff

CHICAGO – Illinois’ 200th birthday party will be held December 3, at the United Center in Chicago.

The event will include a salute to Veterans, historical videos, live entertainment and a look at champioinship sports teams. Illinois Bicentennial Commission Executive Director Stuart Layne said they are expecting several celebrities with ties to Illinois.

“They include the Chicago Symphony, Orcharastra, Styx, Buddy Guy, Joe Mantegna and Bill Kurtis,” added Layne. “The Chicago Bears will participate as will Olympic great Jackie Joyner Kersee.”

The celebration will feature live performances from artists from Illinois artists like Styx, historical videos, a salute to veterans and more. Layne said sports will also be highlighted.

“We will take a look at the history of the NFL (National Football League),” Layne said. “(The NFL) had it’s birth right here in Illinois, starting at the University of Illinois with pappa bear George Halas and Red Grange. The first NFL team’s were in Decatur and Chicago.”

A few thousand tickets to the event will go on sale on Friday, July 6, at 10 a.m. You can buy them at the United Center Box Office or online at Ticketmaster.com for between $50 and $75.

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