By Associated Press - Wednesday, March 16, 2016

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Illinois football coach Lovie Smith will lead his team onto the practice team for the first time on April 1.

Because of the delayed start to spring football, an open practice will be the substitute for the traditional Orange and Blue game.

A news release from the school on Wednesday said admission and parking for the open practice on April 16 will be free.



Illinois will hold 15 practices between April 1 and 26.

Illinois postponed spring football when coach Bill Cubit was fired on March 5.

Smith took over two days later.

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