Football | October 2

DeKALB, IL – The Northern Illinois University football team hosts its 118^th Homecoming Game this Saturday as it takes on the Miami RedHawks for the Mallory Cup. Kickoff for the Huskies' Mid-American Conference opener is at 2:30 p.m. This game day guide gives you the latest information on what's happening at Huskie Stadium and what you need to know prior to game time.
 
Save Money by Prepaying for Parking
A parking charge is in effect for all NIU Football Gameday lots this season, including the NIU Convocation Centers lots. Fans can purchase parking for the Convocation Center lots online at NIUHuskies.com/tickets for $20 prior to Saturday. On game day, the cost of parking in the Convocation Center lots increases to $25. Please note that parking lots will open at 9:30 a.m. and this season there is no re-entry once you have entered the parking lots. 

Guests needing handicapped parking may park in Lot L on game day for $25 by showing their handicapped parking placard. Handicapped parking may also be purchased in advance for $20.
 
Parking is also available at Chick Evans Field House on gameday for $25.

Shuttle service will begin from all lots three hours prior to kickoff.  

NIU is Going Cashless
Huskie Stadium is a cashless venue this season. Fans looking to purchase game tickets, parking, concessions and souvenirs, make sure that you bring your credit or debit card with you to Huskie Stadium this Saturday and all season long. 
 
Reminders: Download Digital Tickets/Clear Bag Policy
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"x12"x6"), one-gallon clear plastic bags and small clutch purses (no larger than 5.5"x8.5"x3") are permitted to be carried into Huskie Stadium.
 
The Yard, Presented by Cutwater
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, the Huskie Athletic Fund tent and NIU sponsors, as well as food and beverages, including beer, available for purchase. The Huskie Marching Band, Silverettes and NIU Cheerleaders will be there at 1 pm to stir up Huskie spirit. 
 
The Fat Talkin food truck will be in The Yard Saturday, offering funnel cake fries, hamburgers and fries, chicken tenders and fries, corn dogs and fresh strawberry lemonade. Music in The Yard will be provided by 102.3 The Coyote.
 
Huskie Seltz-Up
Available at Huskie Stadium during NIU Football games in 2025, Huskie Seltz-Up is a crisp and refreshing cherry-lime hard seltzer, crafted by Penrose Brewing in Geneva in proud collaboration with NIU. Bursting with real fruit flavor, it blends juicy cherry sweetness with a zesty lime twist for the perfect game day sip. NIU Athletics receives a portion of each sale of the new cherry lime hard seltzer.
 
Victor E. Threads
Stop by the Victor E. Threads locations on both the east and west sides of Huskie Stadium to purchase the latest Huskie gear, including official adidas items.

This week Victor E. Threads is having a special "buy one, get one half off" sale on select Huskie football jerseys, including the Huskie Legends line. 
 
Check out the New Wall of Honor
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Huskie Stadium, a "Wall of Honor" has been established on the west side of Huskie Stadium, near the south entrances, featuring the names of the 13 head coaches and 1,425 football letterwinners in the first 60 years of Huskie Stadium (1965-2024). Fans are encouraged to check out the "Wall of Honor" to see all the names of the student-athletes who have worn the Huskie uniform over the last 60 years. 

Game Day Timeline
9:30 am – Parking Lots Open
11:30 am – The Yard, Presented by Cutwater, Opens
11:30 am – Huskie Stadium Box Office Opens
11:30 am – Parking Lot Shuttles Begin
1:00 p.m. – Stadium Gates Open
1:00 p.m. – The Yard Show Begins, featuring the Huskie Marching Band, Silverettes and NIU Cheerleaders
2:00 p.m. – The Yard Closes – Head inside the stadium!
Approx. 2:07 p.m. – Skydivers from Chicago Skydiving Center drop in to Huskie Stadium
2:30 p.m. – Kickoff! 
 
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. Andy Garcia returns for his second season as the play-by-play voice of Huskie football while Mark Lindo begins his 41st season in the booth. Terry Bonadonna will be on the sidelines for his second season. Saturday's contest will also be available on ESPN+. 
 
--NIU--