DeKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University will kick off the Thomas Hammock era at home in Huskie Stadium on Saturday, August 31^st at 6 p.m. (CT) versus Illinois State as nine of the Huskies' 2019 kickoff times, along with broadcast information for the season's first three weeks, were released by the Mid-American Conference Thursday.
 
The Huskies' season opener will mark the head coaching debut of NIU alumnus Hammock, who was named the 23^rd head coach in NIU history in January.  The game will be the 57^th all-time between NIU and Illinois State as the Huskies have played the Redbirds more than any other opponent.  However, the 2019 game will be the first between the teams since 2000.  
 
NIU's 113^th Homecoming game versus Akron on Saturday, October 26^th will kick off at 2:30 p.m. The Huskies will close out the regular season with a pair of home #MACtion games. On Tuesday, November 19^th, NIU will play host to Eastern Michigan at 6:30 p.m. in a nationally televised game on ESPN2 or ESPNU. The Huskies and Eagles have played overtime games in each of the last three seasons, with NIU winning all three contests.
 
One week later, on Tuesday, November 26, NIU will kick off pre-Thanksgiving festivities with a 6 p.m. Senior Night match-up versus MAC West opponent Western Michigan on an ESPN platform.
 
In addition to the home games, game times and television networks for NIU's contests at Utah (Sept. 7) and at Nebraska (Sept. 14) were announced Thursday. The second half of the Huskies' home and home series with the Utes will kick off at Noon (CT)/11 a.m. (MT) on Pac-12 Networks, while the Huskies and Huskers renew their series with a 7 p.m. game at Memorial Stadium on FS1.
 
NIU's games at MAC East opponents Ohio (Oct. 12) and Miami (Oct. 19) will kick off at 2:30 p.m (CT) and 1:30 p.m. (CT), respectively with broadcast information to be determined. The Huskies' game at Toledo on Wednesday, Nov. 13, annually one of the top-rated #MACtion midweek broadcasts, will once again air on ESPN2 or ESPNU with kick off at 7 p.m. (CT).
 
In all, Thursday's announcement included kickoff times for nine of the Huskies' 12 regular season games. Kickoff times and broadcast information for NIU's three remaining games, including the home contest versus Ball State on Saturday, October 5, are scheduled to be announced 12 days prior to each game.
 
Season tickets for the 2019 NIU Football home schedule are on sale now, starting at as little as $60 for an East Side (general admission) season ticket. Purchase four tickets for family or a group of friends on either the East or West Side for as little as $55 or $75 per person with the Huskie Family Pack, including the ability to purchase tickets at those rates for additional people.  For groups of less than four, reserved seats on the West Side are priced at either $125 (sections C, D, E) or $110 (sections A, B, F, G) each, while senior citizens (62+), NIU Faculty and Staff, members of the NIU Alumni Association or the NIU Varsity Club can purchase a ticket in any West Side section for $110.
 
To renew or purchase new season tickets and #JointhePack for 2019, click the links above, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tickets are also available by calling 815-753-PACK (7225), emailing huskiestickets@niu.edu or stopping by the NIU Athletics Ticket Office in the Convocation Center which is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
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