When I stumbled across the UIC Flames 2025 baseball schedule announcement online last week, I knew I needed to get organized. Didn’t want a repeat of ’24 where I missed half the home openers scrambling for tickets. Here’s exactly what I did, step by step.
Finding the Real Deal
First things first – needed the official schedule. Googled like mad – typed “UIC Baseball 2025 schedule official” and scrolled past the ads and fan forums. Finally hit the university athletics page. Almost missed it – tiny link under “Baseball Resources”. Downloaded that PDF immediately. Double-checked the date on the doc – last updated May 2025. Good.
Mapping Out My Season
Grabbed a physical calendar and my kid’s yellow highlighter. Started scanning the PDF:
- Home Games: Highlighted every single “vs.” matchup at Curtis Granderson Stadium. Yellow blobs everywhere now.
- Weekend Games: Circled Fridays/Saturdays in red pen. Kid’s soccer practice? Not my problem those days.
- Big Rivals: Drew ugly stars next to games against Milwaukee and Wright State. Those get rowdy.
Felt like a general planning an invasion.
Ticket Trap Avoidance
Almost screwed up here. Saw the “Buy Tickets” button flashing online and almost clicked. Huge mistake almost made. Remembered last year’s fiasco buying single-game tickets through some reseller site. Fees were brutal. This time? Called the UIC Athletics ticket office directly. Actual human answered! Asked about season passes. Guy said they’re cheaper per game and you get first dibs on playoffs. Sold. Put down cash for a weekend-game package right then. Hung up feeling smug.
Game Day Prep – Learned the Hard Way
Pasted notes on my fridge. Veteran fan errors taught me this:
- Parking is Hell: Gates open an hour before first pitch? Fine. I’m getting there TWO hours early this time. Packed sandwiches in my trunk while waiting last season. Never again.
- Weather Whiplash: April game? Hauled shorts. Nearly froze. Now I keep an old hoodie and a fold-up poncho permanently in my car trunk.
- Cash is Still King: That craft beer stand near third base? Card machine died mid-game last year. Folded a twenty into my phone case – emergency hot dog fund.
Printed the schedule too. Yes, actual paper. Left it on the kitchen counter where I can trip over it.
Final Countdown
Done. Schedule highlighted, tickets bought, car packed with emergency supplies. Feels good scratching this off my list early. Opening day can’t come soon now. Just gotta remember sunscreen this year – sweated like crazy waiting in that April noon line. Rookie mistake.