DeKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University football fans can now tailgate in comfort prior to the Huskies' midweek #MACtion football games this fall as The Yard, NIU's free official tailgate area, moves inside the Kenneth and Ellen Chessick Practice Center for the final three home games of the year.
 
Enjoy music from popular local bands Red Woody (Oct. 26), the Cal Stage band (Nov. 9) and Back Country Roads (Nov. 15), let the kids play on the Huskie inflatables, and purchase food and drink, including beer, all inside the Huskies' indoor practice area, located just yards away from the stadium entrance.  Enter from the doors on the West Side (across from the baseball field).   
 
Be there when the Huskie Marching Band, cheerleaders, Silverettes and Mission stop by at 5 p.m. this week.  The giant video screen and the Huskie Athletic Fund tent, featuring the same amenities as the outdoor Yard, also will be relocated inside the Chessick Center.  Meet both current and former NIU student-athletes, from the Teams of the Week to the Huskie Legends and get fired up to cheer on the Huskies.
 
The Yard will open two hours before game time, and close 15 minutes prior to kickoff on Thursday, October 26, Thursday, November 9 and Wednesday, November 15 as NIU battles for the MAC West Division title versus Eastern Michigan, Ball State and Western Michigan, respectively. Both the Eastern Michigan and Ball State games kickoff at 6 p.m. (CT) with the Western Michigan Senior Day game slated to start at either 6 or 7 p.m.
 
Tickets to NIU's three remaining games are on sale now for as little as $10 each.  Go online to NIUHuskies.com/myhuskies, call 815-753-PACK (7225) or stop by the NIU Athletics Ticket Office in the Convocation Center weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.  Look for special promotions following each Huskie win with Buy One, Get One Free offers. 

-- NIU --