Football | September 6

DeKALB, Ill.  – On Saturday, September 9, the 1-0 Northern Illinois University Huskies will take on downstate foe Southern Illinois in the 2023 home opener. The action in and around Huskie Stadium begins well before the 2:30 p.m. kickoff time and here are just a few things to know before you head to the game.
 
Get Your Tickets Now!
Purchasing tickets in advance offers a $5 savings off both East (general admission) and West  (reserved) Side tickets compared the game day (walk-up) price AND provides the option to select your seats!  Single game tickets are on sale now online at NIUHuskies.com/myhuskies or by calling 815-753-PACK (7225) weekdays between 9 am-5 pm for just $33 (East) or $38 (West) apiece.

This year, fans who choose to purchase tickets at the West Side Ticket Office on game day on a "walk-up" basis will be able to select their seating section only and will be assigned the best available seats within that section.

Once your tickets are purchased, and before leaving for the game, download them to your phone so that they can be easily pulled up and scanned at the gates.   

Remember, season tickets still provide the best value with West Side reserved tickets priced at $27 (sections C, D, E) or $24 (sections A, B, F) per game ($162/$144) and East Side general admission tickets available for only $16.17 per game ($97).
 
Free Parking, Really
One of the great benefits for NIU fans is the free parking available in the NIU Convocation Center lots provided with your ticket purchase. NIU also offers a shuttle from the Convo lots to Huskie Stadium and back on game day. The shuttle picks up from posted locations at all Convo lots beginning three hours before kickoff and also runs for one hour after the game to return fans to their cars. The ADA shuttle will also begin running three hours before game time and will make a regular loop from Lot L (handicapped lot). The ADA shuttle can be called to other lots on an as needed basis.
 
Tailgate Time
All donor and Convocation Center lots open five hours prior to kickoff, at 9:30 a.m. for Saturday's 2:30 p.m. game versus Southern Illinois.
 
Check Out "The Yard"
The Yard, located on the West Side of Huskie Stadium, is free and open to all with pregame entertainment, food and drink available for purchase, NIU sponsor giveaways and displays, the Huskie Athletic Fund tent and more. This week, enjoy live music by Whiskey Romance, a pep rally with the Huskie Marching Band, Silverettes and NIU Cheerleaders, and photo opportunities with Victor E. Huskie and Mission. Bring the kids to the Pup Club Kids' Zone with inflatables, football toss and other games. The Yard opens at 11:30 a.m. and closes at 2 p.m.
 
Remember, Clear Bags Only!
NIU's clear bag policy allows fans to carry in a Clear Tote Bag, no larger than 12"x12"x6" or a clear one-gallon plastic bag. Clutch purses are permitted but cannot be larger than 5.5"x 8.5"x3" (approximately the size of a half sheet of 8 1/2x11 paper). Please leave all other bags in your vehicle. All bags are subject to inspection.  
 
It's (Almost) Game Time!
Your bags (except clear bags or small clutches) are in your vehicle, your tickets are downloaded to your phone and it's time to get in the game! Kickoff is at 2:32 p.m. so be sure to leave plenty of time to get in, get to your seats and even make a stop at the concession stands before the action starts.
 
Eats and Drinks
Along with all your traditional favorites, check out some of the new offerings for concessions around Huskie Stadium. New vendors include Takis To Go (northeast side), Hy-Vee (at southwest entrance); Chicken Salad Chick (southeast side plus some product throughout the stadium); Sweet Butts Cotton Candy plus Tangled Roots and Pollyanna craft beer available at all grab 'n go locations.
Remember that ALL concessions stands are CASHLESS!
 
The NIU Huskies App Has It All
While NIU no longer prints game programs, find rosters, stats, links to buy tickets, listen to the game broadcast and more through the free NIU Huskies app! Download to your phone and have all the information at your fingertips!
 
Home Game Happenings: Bands, Socks, A 40-Year Reunion and Honoring a Legend

• NIU will celebrate its annual high school Band Day during the season opener with more than 1,500 students in attendance and on the field at halftime.
• The first 600 fans in the stands on Saturday will receive a pair of Huskie branded socks, courtesy of First State Bank.
• Welcome Back! Approximately 30 members of the 1983 Mid-American Conference and California Bowl Championship team are returning to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of that groundbreaking season. Catch them on the field between the first and second quarters.
• At halftime, stay in your seats to help NIU honor legendary "Voice of the Huskies" Bill Baker in his 44th and final season.

 
Listen In
This year, hear Baker's call of every 2023 NIU Football game on 94-9 WDKB FM in DeKalb, SportsFan 1330 AM in Rockford and on the NIU Huskies and The Varsity Network app. Also find a link to listen online on the football schedule page of NIUHuskies.com.
 
Have other questions or need more information, go online to NIUHuskies.com, call 815-753-PACK (7225) for ticket information, or email huskiestickets@niu.edu.  
 
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