Illinois Athletics Launches Champ AI Assistant and Gameday Text Line
Illinois Athletics and Relayed have launched Champ, an AI fan assistant, and a gameday text line that routes fan questions and reports to staff.
The Relayed partnership adds automated answers and a staff-routed channel for fans at athletics events.
Illinois Athletics has introduced two fan-assistance tools through a partnership with Relayed: a gameday texting line for questions and incident reports, and Champ, an AI-powered digital assistant on the department’s website and Fighting Illini app.
Fans attending Illinois events can text (217) 703-4465 to ask questions or report spills, maintenance and facility issues, safety concerns and other needs. Messages are routed to the appropriate athletics staff member, according to the department. Illinois said it will promote the number throughout its venues and gameday communications.
Champ is accessible through an “Ask Champ” icon on fightingillini.com and in the app. It answers common questions about tickets, parking, venue policies, accessibility, concessions, directions, and schedules. During events, the assistant can tell fans how to report an issue and route requests to staff when human help is needed.
