Northern Illinois University Athletics

     

 

Most importantly, all funds raised through this unique and celebratory evening, will benefit NIU Athletics, specifically the Huskies’ ongoing commitment to provide full cost of attendance scholarships to more than 400 student-athletes in 17 sports programs.

Through the silent auction and/or by sponsoring student-athlete tickets to the Victor E. Ball, everyone can participate in this important fundraising event, whether or not you are in attendance on April 14! 
 

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PROGRAM

Adam Grabowski, a two-time National Comic of the Year who regularly performs at colleges and universities across the country, returns to emcee the 2018 Victor E. Ball.  Nationally-known actor and comedian Brett Walkow whose credits include TV appearances on Comedy Central, HBO, and NBC, among others, will bring his “high-octane” and energetic act to the auctioneer role for the live auction.

Doors open at 5:30pm where guests can mingle with NIU student-athletes and coaches, university dignitaries and the VIP guests during the Cocktail Reception, hosted by Acquaviva Winery, while perusing – and bidding on – some excellent silent auction items.

Beginning at 7 p.m., the program will feature several of NIU’s impressive current student-athletes, as well as the presentation of the Core Values Awards before the Chicago Sports legends take the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime panel discussion.  Hear from Super Bowl Champion Dan Hampton, 22-year major league baseball veteran and former Chicago Cub Bill Buckner and three-time NBA Champion Bill Wennington of the Chicago Bulls as they offer unique perspectives and tales from their storied careers. The panel will be led by NIU alumnus and Chicago sports journalist Barry Rozner.

Dinner, provided by My Chef Catering of Naperville which was recently rated as one of the top caterers in Illinois, will follow the program and live auction. The evening will conclude with dessert and closing remarks.
 

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VENUE

This year’s Victor E. Ball moves to the NIU Naperville Conference Center, located at 1120 E. Diehl Road in Naperville, Illinois, a multi-use facility that routinely hosts major events from weddings to meetings, conferences and more.

Parking is convenient and plentiful, and the indoor spaces – from the naturally-lit atrium, where the cocktail reception and silent auction will be set, to the elegant ballroom with floor to ceiling windows – provide a perfect backdrop to the event.   

The NIU Naperville Conference Center is easily accessible from Interstates 88 and 355, is less than five miles from the Naperville Metra Train Station and is located approximately midway between DeKalb and the heart of Chicago, making it an ideal location for the Third Annual Victor E. Ball. 

Get Directions.

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REGISTER TO SUPPORT

Registration for the Third Annual Victor E. Ball is now open. Purchase tickets now as seating at the Naperville Conference Center is limited. 

Click HERE to register for individual tickets, to purchase a table and/or to provide a ticket for one current NIU student-athlete to attend the 2018 Victor E. Ball.

Individual tickets to the Victor E. Ball are $450 each, while the cost to provide a ticket for one student-athlete to attend the evening is $350, which includes the amount to support Cost of Attendance funding for one NIU student-athlete for one month.

Tables are $3,500 each and feature seating for eight guests, plus one current NIU student-athlete and one NIU dignitary or head coach. There are three VIP tables available, priced at $7,500, which include the opportunity to sit with either Dan Hampton, Bill Buckner or Bill Wennington. To purchase these tables, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis, contact the Huskie Athletic Fund directly at 815-753-1923.   

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AUCTIONS

The Victor E. Ball will feature both silent and live auctions with unique experiences and items provided by a wide range of contributors, including local vendors and NIU Athletics sports programs, signed memorabilia from Chicago favorites and more.

The silent auction will take place online and will begin at 8 a.m. on April 2, two weeks prior to the Victor E. Ball. Everyone, whether you attend the evening or not, can take part in the silent auction and bid on fantastic items while also supporting Huskie student-athletes.  The auction will conclude on the evening of the event. Bid HERE

A limited number of live auction, one-of-a-kind experiences and resort vacations will be auctioned off at the 2018 Victor E. Ball. Bidders must be present to participate. Click here to see the fantastic list of auction items up for bid at the live auction.   
 

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COST OF ATTENDANCE AND THE CAMPAIGN TO SUSTAIN

In 2015, NIU Athletics committed to awarding scholarships that include cost-of-attendance for all sports. For student-athletes, cost-of-attendance funds cover expenses beyond room, board, tuition, and books. For NIU coaches and sports programs, cost-of-attendance allows the ability to recruit and retain premier student-athletes who will continue the storied history of NIU Athletics.

For more information on Cost of Attendance and other ways to support Huskie Athletics and NIU student-athletes through the Campaign to Sustain, go to niusustain.com or call the Huskie Athletics Fund Office at 815-753-1923.
 

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LODGING

NIU has worked with the Hampton Inn in Naperville to provide a special rate to Victor E. Ball guests on the night of the event.  Please mention “Victor E. Ball” when making reservations to receive the discount.

Hampton Inn (1087 Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois)
Rate: $104 plus tax (reserve by March 17); $129 (after March 17)
Reservations:  Call 630-505-1400
Deadline:  Reserve by March 17 to receive the discounted rate
 

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A LOOK BACK

The Victor E. Ball is an annual event not to be missed!  Want to know more? Take a look back at the recaps, photos and videos from the first two editions of what is quickly becoming a "can't miss event" on the NIU Athletics calendar. 

December 2015 Victor E. Ball
April 2017 Victor E. Ball