Aug. 28, 2015
GameDay Central on NIUHuskies.com
DeKALB, Ill. – There’s more to a Northern Illinois University Football GameDay than the action on the field, beginning in the tailgate lots surrounding Huskie Stadium, to the activities, food and beverages in The Yard, to giveaways, the Huskie Marching Band, skydivers, fireworks, unique video, special guests and more inside the stadium. The only place to get the complete Huskie Football experience is AT THE GAME!
NIU is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Huskie Stadium throughout the 2015 season, beginning with the season-opener versus UNLV on Saturday, Sept. 5th. The game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. (CT), but the action begins in the tailgate lots, which open at 1:30 p.m. and continues at 3:30 p.m. in The Yard, the official pregame tailgate of Huskie Athletics, located on the West Lawn outside of the stadium.
The Huskie team will wear 1965 Throwback Uniforms versus UNLV and the jerseys worn by the Huskies will be auctioned on NIUHuskies.com beginning Monday, Aug. 31 at 8 a.m. NIU will welcome back more than 20 members of the 1965 team, which posted an undefeated (9-0) regular season record.
Fans are also encouraged to download NIU’s new free rewards app, Red Black Rewards, and be sure to check in at every NIU Athletics event you attend this season to accumulate points and win prizes. Red Black Rewards is available on Google Play (Android) or in the App Store (iPhone).
Information on all of the activities surrounding the game are available each week, online at GameDay Central on NIUHuskies.com. See below for a list of what’s in store for fans at the season opener:
HUSKIE FOOTBALL GAMEDAY GUIDE: NIU versus UNLV (Sept. 5, 2015)
Season-Long Promotion: 50th Anniversary of Huskie Stadium
Ticket Promotion: $19.65 Tickets, presented by Hy-Vee (available through online purchase only, CLICK HERE.
Game Promotions: Ag Day, DeKalb County Day, 1965 Team Reunion, 1965 Throwback Uniforms
UNLV Game Giveaway: Get a free pair of NIU-branded sunglasses as you enter the stadium on the East and West Sides of Huskie Stadium while supplies last.
Student Promotions
• Join the Huskie Marching Band in Central Park (near Grant and Stevenson) before every game and follow them to The Yard!
• Download RedBlack Rewards, the new interactive loyalty rewards app for Android and IPhones and use it to check in at every NIU game this season. Win prizes, interact with other fans and move up the standings!
• Mission 6: If at least 6,000 students are in attendance for all six 2015 home games, one student who attends every game will win free tuition for the Spring 2016 semester.
• Student Tailgating on the East Side – get a group of friends and put together your own pre-game party before coming into the stadium to cheer on the Huskies!
• WEAR RED for the UNLV game and each of the first five home games this season.
Before the Game
• Tailgate Lots open at 1:30 p.m. for the UNLV game. Get directions and parking information HERE.
• Visit The Yard beginning at 3:30 p.m. (see more below)
• The Keurig tent outside the West Side of Huskie Stadium will have free coffee.
• Pick up your copy of Huskie Illustrated with a special “50 Greatest Players in Huskie Stadium” cover!
In The Yard, NIU’s Official Pregame Tailgate (3:30-6:15 p.m.)
See the complete schedule and details on The Yard page on NIU Huskies.com.
• Live music from the band “The Student Body”
• Meet members of the Team of the Week: NIU Women’s Soccer, and Huskie Legends from the 1965 NIU Football Team
• Free Kona Ice for Pup Club members wearing their T-shirt (also available for purchase)
• Special for Ag Day: Miniature horses from Mane in Heaven and a Crop Sprayer
• Every week: Watch games on the big screen, visit the beer garden, purchase food from Lukulo’s and Fanatico, VCB, Kids Zone, sign-making, face-painting, inflatable games, the NIU Bounce House, pre-game Pep Rally
Pregame (In the Stadium)
• Fireworks!
• First-year NIU students take the field with President Baker
• Pup Club members form the team entry tunnel
• Skydivers flying in with the 2014 Football MAC Championship flag
During the Game
• Fireworks for every Huskie score!
• Kish Health Kickoff Kid
• Compass Mortgage Touchdown T-shirts
Fans will notice several changes inside Huskie Stadium as well. The ribbon boards on the East and West facades have been extended by 80 feet and now extend between the 20-yard lines. The new End Zone Club in the South End Zone provides a completely new viewing experience for fans who want to see, hear and feel the game. Season, as well as single game and group passes are available for the End Zone Club. Click here for complete information.
In the North End Zone, new flags celebrate the Huskies’ history as each of NIU’s conference championship teams is now recognized with a flag, including the College Division and Mid-American Conference titles. Finally, a brand new team entrance video and a special 50th Anniversary video will make their debut on the scoreboard prior to and during the UNLV game.
It is not too late to purchase your NIU Football 2015 season tickets, starting at just $99. Other ticket options include two different three-game mini-plans for just $75, the new Huskie Family Pack, which includes four season tickets in sections A, B, F or G of Huskie Stadium for just $299 or the Young Alumni Ticket, with two East Side season tickets for $115 for all 2014-15 NIU graduates. Faculty and staff, senior citizens (62 and over) and NIU Alumni Association members can purchase season tickets for just $115.
To become an NIU season ticket holder or to purchase mini-plans, the Family Pack or single game tickets, go online anytime to NIUHuskies.com/tickets or call 815-753-PACK (7225) Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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