On February 21, 2007, Chief Illiniwek made his last appearance as the official symbol of the University of Illinois. During halftime of the men's basketball game against Michigan, the Chief danced and inspired more than 16,000 orange-clad fans at Assembly Hall, leading to an emotional and long standing ovation that signaled the end of an era for Fighting Illini supporters. Chief Illiniwek: A Tribute to an Illinois Tradition celebrates the history of the Chief, from his first performance on October 30, 1926, in Philadelphia, to his stirring, memorable, and tear-filled final appearance in Champaign. Packed with full-color photos detailing the many individuals to portray the Chief, the different costumes that have been used, and the dance that thrilled Illinois fans at major sporting events for parts of nine decades, this unique hardcover book is the perfect way to remember and honor a symbol that celebrated the Native American heritage of the state of Illinois.