Illini basketball fans are being treated to a once-in-a-generation moment this weekend: the Final Four.

Why it matters: It's rare for a Chicago-area college team to reach one of the biggest stages in sports.

• The only local program to do it in the past decade was Loyola Chicago's 2018 Cinderella run.

The big picture: Illini fans are flooding Indianapolis and Lucas Oil Stadium to support the team against the UConn Huskies tomorrow.

Zoom in: The Illini have thrived under pressure this season — but Saturday presents a new test.

• They'll play in front of 70,000 fans in a football stadium.

At home: Thousands of students and alumni will travel to the game, but watch parties are expected to pack sports bars across Chicago.

What they're saying: "We are doing this for you," head coach Brad Underwood told fans Wednesday as the team departed Champaign-Urbana.

• "The memories we are creating hopefully last a lifetime."

Zoom out: Illinois hasn't reached the Final Four since 2005 — before many current undergrads were born.

• "I've rooted for the '89 Flying Illini and the 2005 team," Illini alum and Chicago area resident Paul Friedman told Axios.
• "But this group has so much depth and shooting — when they're on, they can beat anyone."

The intrigue: This team's identity is rooted in roster turnover.

• Underwood rebuilt through international recruiting, adding several European players to a group that hadn't played together.
• Freshman standout Keaton Wagler has emerged as a breakout star, boosting his NBA draft stock.

What's next: Illinois tips off against UConn at 5:09pm Saturday.

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Starting Monday, Metra riders can show their ticket or Ventra app before they hop on the train.

Why it matters: Metra says the pilot is to test the speed, functionality and durability of new handheld devices conductors use to scan fares.

• It will also collect data on how many riders are using the app vs. paper tickets.

Yes, but: Conductors will still validate tickets on the trains.

State of play: The pilot will take place at Union Station for two weeks before heading to other downtown terminals, spokesperson Michael Gillis tells Axios.

• Metra is not announcing which train lines are included in the pilot, Gillis says.

Between the lines: The agency is using the test to help inform how Metra can integrate its fare with CTA and Pace, a goal of the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) launching this year.

📧 Tell us: how it goes next week, Metra riders.

Illinois Holocaust Museum founder and survivor Samuel R. Harris died Wednesday at the age of 90. (Tribune)

🏢 The former Chicago Daily News building on Madison Street near the Chicago River has been recommended for landmark status. (Sun-Times)

🏀 Illinois State University's men's basketball team lost to Auburn 88-66 in the semifinals of the NIT. (Indy Star)

Hope springs eternal on the South Side — if the weather (and the rebuild) cooperate.

The latest: The White Sox home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays was postponed from yesterday to today due to the weather.

• While the forecast is grim, the team's outlook isn't, thanks to a new Japanese slugger.

The reason for optimism: Rookie Munetaka Murakami. The Sox didn't fare well on their opening road trip (1-5), but he hit three long balls in his first three games, exciting fans desperate to find something to cheer for.

Reality check: The Sox aren't going to compete for a title this season. They are mired in a multiyear rebuild, hoping a slew of minor league prospects will change the team's fortunes sooner rather than later.

Zoom out: Fans won't find a lot of changes at The Rate this season, beyond the usual menu tweaks. The ballpark still reigns supreme for its food options.

Between the lines: The biggest long-term question isn't on the field. Last month, it was announced that owner-in-waiting Justin Ishbia's firm announced it's in the process of buying the 47-acre Amtrak railyard in the South Loop.

The bottom line: The Sox are improving, but still a long way from celebrating in October.

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Chicago philanthropist Chaz Ebert will be honoring folks who spread forgiveness, empathy, compassion and kindness at the first annual FECK Awards held downtown tomorrow.

Why it matters: Ebert, the widow of late film critic Roger Ebert, is highlighting the work of at least four Chicagoans for their efforts to improve life around the city as part of this national award.

What they're saying: "Their stories remind us that each of us has the power to uplift others and help create a kinder and more compassionate world," Ebert said in a statement. "

Zoom in: Chicago area honorees in the "compassion" category include Jayera Griffin, 22, of Riverdale, for her work "organizing CPR and AED training for young people, collecting clothing for seniors, and organizing school supply drives and holiday programs for neighborhood families," the awards committee says.

The "kindness" award goes to South Elgin resident David Luplow Jr., who was born with Down syndrome and each year "saves his earnings to purchase toys for his local fire district's Toys for Tots drive."

If you go: The FECK Awards start at 6pm Saturday at the Ritz Carlton Hotel; tickets start at $250.

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👋 Hey, it's Justin back with another Kaufmann quiz!

State of play: This week, I had the distinct pleasure of hosting Axios colleagues who were in town for a conference.

• Of course, I took them to some of the legendary watering holes in the city.

Today's quiz: Dive bars!

We had so many winners for our department store quiz. Congrats to Matt. R., Matt A., Barbara S., Fred S., Jennifer M., Kevin S., Nancy M., Michael B., Mary W. and John Z.

• If you get a perfect score, email me a screenshot and I'll shout you out next time.

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