Beloved emo rock band American Football have secured one of the most important buildings in music history.

The band teamed up with Polyvinyl Records, Atiba Jefferson, Chris Strong, and Open House Contemporary to purchase the home featured on their influential 1999 self-titled studio album. Located on 704 W. High Street in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, the home has been visited by emo fans around the world.

Polyvinyl Records said this about the purchase:

“Built in 1893, the home has become a historical monument to not only the band, but every fan who's listened to their era-defining debut that established its quaint facade as iconic midwest imagery. When we heard in the fall of 2022 that the house was for sale, we made a pact with our friends to protect the house from developers and likely demolition. A few days ago, we held true to this promise and formally signed the closing papers, preserving both the space and its unique legacy within the community that shaped its existence.

Besides being a literal home to its many tenants throughout the years, The American Football House has come to represent a nostalgic dream of possibility and the beauty of the beginning. We could not let that dream go.”

In 2014, an official music video for “Never Meant” was shot both inside and outside the home. For American Football’s 2016 studio album, the album cover was the inside of the beloved home.

American Football will spend the early part of July with headlining performances and festival appearances in the U.K. Tour dates can be seen below.

American Football tour dates

Jul 1 The Old Market Hove, UK SOLD OUT
Jul 2 Finsbury Park (w/ The 1975, The Japanese House, Bleachers) London, UK SOLD OUT
Jul 5 Brudenell Social Club Leeds, UK SOLD OUT
Jul 6 The Garage Glasgow, UK SOLD OUT
Jul 8 2000trees 2023 Cheltenham, UK
Aug 13 Four Chord Music Festival 2023 Washington, PA