DeKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University fans can now obtain a permanent remembrance of the Huskies' historic run to a sixth Mid-American Conference Football Championship by purchasing a commemorative MAC Championship ring while also contributing to a new project that will impact student-athletes, as well as NIU's ability to continue recruiting championship-level student-athletes, for years to come.

The 2021 Huskies made history with a dominating 41-23 victory over Kent State in the MAC Championship game at Ford Field in Detroit, becoming the first Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program to win its league championship game one year after going winless. The replica championship ring is being produced exclusively for Huskie fans by Baron, the same company producing the NIU team rings.

"Last season was historic," said NIU head coach Thomas Hammock. "The 2021 NIU team accomplished something that had never been done before. Now, we need to capitalize on the momentum of that MAC Championship and keep building this program. Our administration is committed to our success and to NIU student-athletes, our team and staff are certainly committed, and this ring is a great way for our fans to show their Huskie Pride and their commitment to our future."

The two-tone durilium ring is available for $2,000 with a substantial portion of the proceeds going toward the newest athletics project – the 1899 Club. Currently in the developmental stage, the 1899 Club will be an addition to the Yordon Center, designed to provide additional academic space for tutoring, and a training table area which will then be utilized on football game days as a premium hospitality area through the Huskie Athletic Fund and for team and university functions throughout the year. Renderings of this new space will be available in the near future. The name represents the first year of intercollegiate athletics competition at NIU.

"We're excited to provide Huskie fans with this opportunity to share in NIU's football success and to have a permanent reminder of an unforgettable season," said NIU Vice President/Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean T. Frazier. "Just as exciting is the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of the 1899 Club project with the purchase of the ring. There is no doubt, this area will make a tremendous impact on the academic and athletic development of NIU student-athletes every day. The 1899 Club aligns with the goals and priorities in our strategic plan, from student-athlete welfare to enhancing the fan and gameday experience." 
 
The ring, which will only be available for a limited time, features a large red NIU wordmark on the top side. The gold wrap around the ring reads "2021 MAC Champions" while "#The HardWay" and "6x MAC Champions" with NIU's dog head logo are on one side of the ring. The other side of the ring will be personalized with the donor's name above the MAC logo. The rings also make excellent gifts.

NIU football championship rings can be ordered online directly by clicking the link here. To order by phone or for more information, call the Huskie Athletic Fund at 815-753-9198.

Renew or purchase tickets for the 2022 NIU Football season now. Season tickets offer the best value as opposed to purchasing a ticket for just one or two games with prices less than $15 per ticket with the Huskie Plan (a minimum of four season tickets in section A, G for $88 each) while a reserved seat season ticket in sections C, D or E (between the 35s) is just $162 for a great seat to all six games. Discounts are available for seniors (62+), Varsity Club or NIU Alumni Association members as well as NIU faculty and staff.

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