Football | October 17
DeKALB, Ill. – Saturday's football game between Northern Illinois University and the University of Toledo at Huskie Stadium highlights a week of activities during NIU's 117th Homecoming, the longest such tradition in the state of Illinois. Alumni across all areas are returning, from former football players to the alumni band and cheerleaders to fans.
Take advantage of Homecoming ticket deals, check in at The Yard for pregame fun and food, shop for Huskie gear and meet up with fellow alums and fans to cheer on the Huskies with kickoff at 2:30 p.m. Keep reading for more on all of Saturday's happenings.
ONLINE ONLY! Homecoming Pricing and Four Pack with Premium Parking
In honor of NIU's 117th Homecoming, East Side general admission tickets for the Toledo game are on sale for just $11.70 when purchased online in advance using promo code NIUHC24.
There are also a limited number of Welcome Back Four Packs available, offering four West Side reserved tickets and a premium parking space in the Stevenson Lot across from the baseball field for $125. Go online to NIUHuskies.com/WELCOMEBACK to take advantage of this deal.
Premium seats in the chairback and benchback sections on the West Side are available for single game purchase and are priced at $55 and $45, respectively.
Order tickets online now at NIUHuskies.com/tickets.
Huskie Dash
Prior to kickoff, NIU first-year students will participate in the Huskie Dash as they will lead the Huskies onto the field and run from end zone to end zone.
Student tickets for Huskie games are always FREE and can be downloaded through the NIU Huskies app.
Win a Signed Lynch or Turner Huskie Legends Jersey at Victor E. Threads
On Saturday, the Victor E. Threads location in The Yard is running a special promotion in honor of Hall of Fame Weekend. With the purchase of a Jordan Lynch or Michael Turner Huskie Legends jersey this Saturday, a limited number of lucky fans will win the opportunity to exchange it for a signed version. Only available at the Victor E. Threads in The Yard on gameday beginning at 11:30 am.
Victor E. Threads has five locations open on gameday and will be selling the NIU "Pride with Purpose" shirts benefiting student scholarships in addition to Fighting Huskie T-shirts and sweatshirts, hats, novelty items and more with sizes ranging from kids to 3 XL. "No Luck Needed" shirts commemorating the win over Notre Dame are still available as well. All Victor E. Threads locations are cashless.
The Yard (West Lawn of Huskie Stadium) - 11:30 am-2 pm
Recreation Center – 11 am-end of halftime
West Side of Huskie Stadium – 11:30 am-post game
East side of Huskie Stadium – 12:30 pm-post game
Inside Northeast Field Gate (accessible for Terrace Club and other guests) – 12 pm-2:30 pm
GameDay Timeline
9:30 am - Parking Lots Open (remember, parking in the Convo Lots is FREE!)
11:30 am - Huskie Stadium Ticket Offices (East & West Sides) Open
Parking Lot Shuttles (from NIU Convocation Center and Lot K) Available
The Yard, presented by Nutrl, Opens - featuring live music from Blind Date
Noon - Women's Basketball and Women's Soccer Team Autographs in The Yard
1 pm - Pep Rally in The Yard with the Huskie Marching Band, Silverettes and Cheerleaders
Huskie Stadium Gates Open
2 pm - The Yard Closes – Head for the Stadium!
2:15 pm - Pre-Game Show featuring Huskie Marching Band
2:32 pm - KICKOFF!
The Yard, presented by Nutrl
The Yard, in the West Lawn, is the perfect – and completely FREE - pregame gathering space for all Huskie fans. The Yard features live entertainment, the Kids' Zone with a balloon artist, the Huskie Athletic Fund tent and NIU sponsors, as well as food and beverages, including beer, available for purchase. This week, enjoy music from "Blind Date" and purchase food from Main Squeeze Lemonade and Papa John's. The Huskie Marching Band, Silverettes and NIU Cheerleaders will be there at 1 p.m. to stir up the Huskie Homecoming spirit.
REMINDERS: Download Digital Tickets/Clear Bag Policy/ Cashless Concessions/Keeping Cool
Before getting to the gates, and even before leaving home, download all digital tickets to your smartphone to avoid any wi-fi issues and ensure you get to your seats before kickoff! Remember, a clear bag policy is in effect for all NIU Athletics and NIU Convocation Center events. Only clear totes (no larger than 12"x 12"x 6"), one-gallon clear plastic bags and small clutch purses (no larger than 5.5"x 8.5"x 3") are permitted to be carried into Huskie Stadium. Concessions at Huskie Stadium are cashless so be prepared to make your purchases by credit card.
Fans may also bring in bottled water with a limit of one bottle per person, provided it is in a clear plastic commercial container no larger than one liter. The container must be new (not opened) or empty.
Listen and Watch
Again this season, all NIU Football radio broadcasts can be heard on 94-9 WDKB, the flagship station for NIU Athletics and will be streamed on 949wdkb.com. The game broadcasts will also be available on the TuneIn app and on the NIU Huskies app. Both are free to download. New Huskie play-by-play voice Andy Garcia is joined by veteran color analyst Mark Lindo, who is in his 40th season in the booth in 2024. Local broadcaster Terry Bonadonna mans the sidelines for the Huskie Sports Radio Network.
Watch the NIU-Toledo game live on ESPN+ (subscription).
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