DeKALB, Ill. – With the nation and the state of Illinois making continued progress in reducing cases of COVID-19 as more people across more age groups are vaccinated, the Northern Illinois University Department of Athletics is making plans to welcome all fans back to Huskie Stadium for NIU Football games in 2021.
On Friday (May 14), the state will enter the Bridge to Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan, which will allow NIU to fill seats at Huskie Stadium at 60 percent capacity. In addition, barring any significant reversals in the key COVID-19 statewide metrics, the state is expected to enter Phase 5 and fully reopen in June, allowing 100 percent capacity for the fall.
At a minimum of 60 percent capacity, NIU will be able to accommodate all Huskie Football season ticket members while still observing social distancing guidelines. Fans who purchased football season tickets in either 2019 or 2020 and have not done so already are encouraged to renew their season tickets prior to the June 1 deadline. If any seat locations have to be adjusted based on social distancing guidelines this fall, priority and preference will be reserved for those ticket holders who renew by the June 1 deadline.
In Phase 5 – projected to begin as early as June 11 – Huskie Stadium will be at 100 percent capacity and all season ticket members, as well as mini-plan, single game and group ticket purchasers, will be admitted. At 100 percent capacity, season ticket members will retain their preferred or current location.
"We are encouraged with the Bridge to Phase 5 reopening plan and are certainly hopeful that Huskie Stadium will be at 100 percent capacity with normal seating for the upcoming football season," said
Collin Bruning, NIU assistant athletic director for ticket operations. "With this news, season ticket members can be optimistic that they will be back in their familiar seats at Huskie Stadium in 2021. We look forward to welcoming them back beginning September 11."
The Huskies open the 2021 home schedule on Saturday, September 11 versus Wyoming and will play six home games, including four on Saturdays in September and October. Season ticket prices start at just $85 each for East Side general admission tickets. On the West Side, reserved seats in sections A, B, F and G are $132 for all six games with senior citizens (62+), NIU Faculty/Staff, NIU Alumni Association and Varsity Club members will pay $132 for season tickets in any non-premium area on the West Side. For all others, reserved seats in sections C, D and E on the West Side are $150. Benchback and chairback seats in sections C, D and E on the West Side are $150 and require a per seat payment.
Returning season ticket members can renew their season tickets online at
NIUHuskies.com/MyHuskies or by calling the NIU Athletics Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225) Monday through Friday during business hours. If you reach the ticket office voicemail, leave a message and a member of the staff will return the call the next business day. The ticket office can also be reached via email at
huskiestickets@niu.edu.
Like many venues throughout the country, NIU Athletics will transition to mobile tickets in 2021 and will not print decorative, collectable tickets in order to limit contact between staff and fans. Physical tickets will be printed on generic ticket stock and must be specifically requested from the NIU Athletics Ticket Office. More information on the new mobile ticketing process will be sent to ticket purchasers later this summer.
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