The definitive guide to a U of I block

Don’t dress to impress

Here at U of I, we aren’t like most of the other Universities. Yes, we have tailgates, but our main event on Saturdays is block. Block is the time honored tradition of heading to your bar of choice around 10am and drinking until you need food or run out of money. We still cheer on the Illini on game day, we just choose to do it from the comfort of a bar stool instead of a field.

When your hobbies include consuming alcohol for the better part of Saturday, there are certain steps to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. And by safety I mean blacking out at a respectable time of day and making it back to your bed.

Here are some definite tips to guarantee a successful Saturday morning block.

Fuel Up

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s also a crucial part of surviving block. Day drinking on an empty stomach is basically setting yourself up for failure later. Your pre-block meal is all about balance so your stomach is ready to take on whatever you throw at it next. Alcohol has calories but does not count as a food group. So carb up at your pre-game and avoid getting drunk too quickly, but make sure to save some room for those tequila sunrises.

Dress to Drink

When it comes to block, comfort is key. Red Lion at 10 am is definitely not the place to show off your favorite Friday night outfit. Day drinking is the time to rep your Illini gear, your teams jersey, or even your favorite quirky t –shirt. Bust out the bucket hats, Hawaiian shirts, and any other funky clothes you own. If it’s goofy, spirited, or just plain comfortable, wear it to block.

Switch up your scenery

Whether you’re enjoying a lunchbox at Joe’s, blue guys at Kam’s, or tequila sunrises at Lion, it’s always nice to switch up your location. Day drinking can get a little hazy, and walking from bar to bar can help sober you up a bit.

Your changes can be small, like venturing to Lion’s main bar after spending most of your time in one of their beer gardens. Or you can make a strategic move and head to Joe’s for burgers, fries, and more alcohol.

Food is your friend

Take advantage of the food that is around you. That balanced breakfast you had before won’t last through all of your drinking escapades. Lion, the seasoned block veteran, has changed the game and started grilling to keep its customers happy and coherent.

Make sure you get in line when the hot dogs start flowing. If you’re at Joe’s, order some of their loaded fries or a ½ priced burger to keep your carbs up. Both bars give you the option of eating and drinking in beer gardens, it’s a win-win situation.

Things to know before you go

This last tip is specifically for girls. Do not underestimate your bladder or the bathroom lines. I firmly believe the “breaking the seal” myth is not to be taken lightly. The line for the woman’s bathroom is always outrageously long, but it reaches a new level at block.

Girls do not take it lightly, things can get pretty heated if a fellow drunk girl thinks you’re standing in between her and the bathroom. Do yourself a favor and give yourself plenty of time before you go.

Some of the greatest rallies of your college career will happen after a solid Saturday morning block. Follow these tips and block responsibly.

More
University of Illinois