DeKALB, Ill.  –Two new activities have been added to the already action-packed day at Northern Illinois University on Saturday, April 22nd as children (ages 2 to 13) are invited to meet and play games with NIU student-athletes across multiple sports during Victor E's Sports Fest, while parents, alumni and fans of all ages can check out the Gear Sale inside the Chessick Practice Center. 
 
Both activities will take place from 10-11:45 am prior to the NIU Football Spring Showcase which gets underway at Noon in Huskie Stadium. All events are free to the public!  Parking is available on the streets surrounding Huskie Stadium and in Lots P and PS across the street from Ralph McKinzie Field at Walt and Janice Owens Park.
 
During Victor E's Sports Fest, kids are invited to try their hand at different sports with NIU student-athletes from nearly every team on campus, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, tennis, golf and wrestling. Stations will be located on the basketball and tennis courts and grassy areas adjacent to the Chessick Practice Center, as well as inside the Chessick Center.
 
In addition to sports activities, face-painting, coloring stations and other games will be set up and manned by Huskie players and cheerleaders. Of course, Victor E. Huskie will be on hand for photos.
 
Also inside the Chessick Practice Center, the NIU equipment staff has cleared out its storage area and fans will find brand new cleats and athletic shoes, as well as game-worn jerseys and other items – both clothing and equipment - from multiple sports. These items are priced to sell!  Only cashless (credit/debit card) payment will be accepted at the Gear Sale.
 
The Spring Showcase will begin at Noon (CT) in Huskie Stadium and fans are invited to bring the family out to check out the 2023 Huskies, choose – or upgrade – season tickets and view the premium areas.  Come onto the field following the practice to hear from NIU head coach Thomas Hammock and get autographs from the Huskies on a 2023 schedule post. The Kids' Zone – with the Bounce House, Football Toss and more – will be set up in the North End Zone and concessions will be available for purchase.  NIU's flagship radio station – 94-9 WDKB in DeKalb – will be doing a live remote with interviews with special guests, coaches and more.
 
Following the practice and autograph session, season ticket members are invited to enjoy lunch in the Barsema Hall of Champions (between the Chessick Practice Center and Yordon Center) and hear from Hammock as well as offensive coordinator Eric Eidsness and defensive coordinator Nick Benedetto.
 
Saturday, April 22 at NIU
Victor E's Sports Fest (ages 2-13) – 10-11:45 am (inside & outside Chessick Center, adjacent courts)
NIU Athletics Gear Sale – 10-11:45 am (Chessick Practice Center)
NIU Football Spring Showcase – Noon-2 pm (including Kids' Zone in North End Zone)
NIU Football Autograph Session – 2-2:30 pm (on field)
NIU Football Season Ticket Member Lunch (featuring Coach Hammock & staff) – 2:15-3 pm
 
NIU Football 2023 season tickets are on sale now at NIUHuskies.com/MyHuskies, by calling 815-753-PACK (7225) or in person during the Spring Showcase. Through the new Build Your Membership plan, NIU fans can customize their game day experience by adding parking, hospitality passes and more to their season ticket orders on an a la carte basis. Premium seating opportunities – including in the chairback section and the SkyBox – are available. Find information on the opportunity to Build Your Membership or to directly support NIU Football through the Huskie Athletic Fund click here. 
 
Football season ticket prices for NIU's six-game home schedule in 2023 are unchanged from a year ago, beginning from as little as $97 annually (less than $11/month with the nine-month payment plan) for general admission (East Side) tickets. Reserved seat pricing on the West Side is still set at $144 (sections A, B, F) and $162 (sections C, D, E) annually or $16/$18 per month with the nine-month payment option.  Purchase four season tickets with Huskie Family 4 Pack for even greater discounts.
 
To review all the ticket options, including a new West Side general admission section, go to NIUHuskies.com/tickets.
 
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