Illinois State fans are seeing “Let’s Go Redbirds” billboards pop up all around Chicago this week ahead of Saturday’s FCS title game, thanks in part to an alum.
Fourteen Clear Channel Outdoor digital signs are featuring the Redbird message across Chicagoland. Many of Illinois State’s 61,000+ alumni in Chicago, as well as students, have already spotted the signage.
The idea came from Ed Marcin ’76, vice president for public affairs and special projects at Clear Channel Outdoor in Chicago. The speech communication grad wanted to build some Redbird buzz in Chicago.
“There are numerous ISU students and alumni that live in the Chicagoland area, and what better way to get everyone excited about watching this sporting event,” Marcin told STATEside.
Marcin spent much of his time as a student with TV-10, as well as Student Television Workshop. He’s been back on campus for TV-10 reunions, Homecomings, and Athletics games.
On Saturday, he’ll be watching the Redbirds with other ISU alumni at a Naperville restaurant.
“I have followed the team each week and had a great time attending the Missouri State game (October 25) that kept the winning streak going,” Marcin said.
Clear Channel Outdoor donated over $6 million in public service messaging to various organizations in 2014.
@ISURedbirds @IllinoisStateU Love this billboard at Ogilvy Train station in Chicago! Spread the red #NoSleepTilFrisco pic.twitter.com/ZohpAUvAET
— Allen Kus (@AllenKus) January 7, 2015
Ryan Denham can be reached at rmdenha@IllinoisState.edu.
“Big Ed” Marcin is an alum who has always Backed the Birds, and supported the School of Communication, in many ways. Thanks Ed!
Big Ed will be attending the Birds vs. Bradley basketball game January 17. Can anyone get him a shout out? $$6 Million worth of exposure takes a lot of ticket sales and tuition payments…
Love it!!!!!!!
Big Ed is legit. Has to go down as one of ISU’s most prominent alums. Epic names like Collins, Coyne, Big Ed, Boomer Grigsby, Garrity, the 3rd girl from Destiny’s Child, Laurent Robinson, et al