DEKALB, Ill. – You have been waiting all summer and now its here, the 2025 season of Northern Illinois University Huskie football kicks off Saturday at Huskie Stadium. Game time against Holy Cross is slated for 2:30 p.m. but this game day guide gives you the latest information on what's happening and what you need to know prior to coming to Huskie Stadium on Saturday.
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.
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.
First Saturday in Huskie Stadium Ticket Promo
Celebrate the first Saturday in Huskie Stadium with a special ticket promotion for Saturday's contest. Get four west side reserved tickets and a lot C parking pass for just $150. This special promotion is available through Friday at NIUHuskies.com/FirstSaturday.
Wear Red
Saturday's game is a "Red Out" with all fans encouraged to Wear Red to show your support for the Huskies! Don't have enough red? 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.
To celebrate the season opener, Victor E. Threads is having a special "buy one, get one half off" sale on select Huskie football jerseys, including the Huskie Legends line.
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 the Huskie spirit.
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, featuring DJ NRG
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!
2:30 p.m. – Kickoff!
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.
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+.
