The Northern Illinois University Huskies open the 2022 football season Thursday night versus Eastern Illinois. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. (CT) and the game can be seen on ESPN+.
Again this year, NIU is committed to providing fans with the best possible experience before and during games at Huskie Stadium, from the time they enter campus to park to listening to the postgame show on the new flagship station 94-9 WDKB following the game.
Read below to find a quick guide to some of the changes for 2022, as well as a reminder on the clear bag policy and more. Find maps, a complete list of prohibited items and more online on the Huskie Stadium Fan Guide page at NIUHuskies.com.
NEW: Cashless Concessions!
All concession stands at Huskie Stadium, including in The Yard and premium areas, are now cashless. Please be prepared to pay with credit card, Apple Pay or Google Wallet. In order to serve fans who may not have access to those forms of payment, NIU concessionaire Sodexo will have a location available on each side of the stadium where gift cards for the concession stands may be purchased using cash.
NEW: Enhanced Concessions Offerings
Sodexo Live!, hospitality partner to some of the world’s most iconic venues, has enhanced the game day menu at Huskie Stadium for 2022. Fans can look forward to their favorite classic menu items, as well as a few new specialty offerings including BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ pulled pork nachos, and cheese and pepperoni pizzas. Alcohol is available through the third quarter at stands located on both sides of the stadium. Proper ID is required.
REMINDER: Download Mobile Tickets to Wallet
Mobile tickets remain an easy, secure way to manage your Huskie ticket account and NIU’s new ticket partner, Paciolan, simplifies the process even more. Mobile tickets cannot be lost, allow fans to avoid Will Call lines and are easily transferable to friends or family members. The quickest way to get your tickets scanned and get into the game is by downloading your mobile tickets to your wallet PRIOR to coming to Huskie Stadium. If you plan to transfer tickets to another person, transfer the tickets FIRST and then download them to your wallet. Detailed instructions on how to manage NIU tickets on your mobile device are available here.
REMINDER: Clear/Small Bag Policy
Again this year, a clear bag policy is in effect for all guests at Huskie Stadium and the NIU Convocation Center. No large bags or purses will be permitted for NIU football, volleyball or basketball games. Approved bags include one clear plastic 12” x 12” x 6” stadium bag OR a one (1) gallon clear plastic storage bag OR one (1) clutch purse size 5.5” x 8.5” x 3” or smaller. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
NEW: New Flagship 94-9 WDKB Live from The Yard
The Huskies have a new flagship radio station in 2022 as 94-9 WDKB is the new home of the Huskies in northern Illinois. The station is helping fans get ready for kick off every game day this year by adding the “Toyota Huskie Nation Pre-Game Party Show” beginning 90 minutes before kickoff. For home games, the show will be broadcast LIVE from The Yard with special guests from the university, the community and Huskie Athletics dropping by to get everyone pumped up for Huskie Football. This week, The Toyota Huskie Nation Pre-Game Party begins at 5:30 p.m. before turning over the mic to the Huskie Sports Network team of Bill Baker and Mark Lindo for the pregame show at 6:30 p.m.
REVISED: Football Re-Entry Policy
This year, fans who leave Huskie Stadium will be permitted to re-enter after halftime. Guests who leave Huskie Stadium and intend to return MUST have their ticket electronically scanned out at the gate as they leave. Then, when returning, have your paper or electronic ticket available to be scanned to re-enter.
UPDATE: Mask Guidelines
Masks are no longer required in NIU Athletics venues. Fans are certainly welcome to wear masks or face coverings at their discretion and are encouraged to stay home if feeling ill.
REMINDER: Free Football Parking at the Convo
Once again in 2022, the cost of parking in the NIU Convocation Center lots is included in the cost of NIU football tickets or provided as a season ticket member benefit. As a result, there will be no charge for either season, mini-plan or single game ticketholders to park in the Convocation Center lots. To receive premium area parking in lots located closer to Huskie Stadium, contact the Huskie Athletic Fund at 815-753-1923.
DON’T FORGET: Get the NIU Huskies App
Download the free NIU Huskies app on your Android or iOS smart phone to access rosters, your ticket account, live stats and social media feeds for all sports, and on football game days, links to the live radio broadcast.
Purchase NIU Football tickets now online at NIUHuskies.com or by calling 815-753-PACK (7225) during regular business hours. Ticket options include season tickets to see all six Huskie home games, Mini-Plans featuring either the All-Saturday ($90) or All-Weekday ($78) package, and single game tickets, priced from $18-$40 depending on the game. Season tickets provide the best value with prices as low as $14.67 per ticket with the Huskie Family 4 Pack (do not have to be related), $97 for East Side general admission seating or $144 for West Side reserved seats. Premium area tickets are also available on both a season and per game basis. For more information and to see all the options and prices, click here