Northern Illinois University Athletics and the Huskie Athletic Fund have once again paired up with the Sycamore Education Foundation to present the SEF Huskie Royale, an evening of fun, food and games with this year’s “Summer Solstice” theme celebrating the long, hot days of summer. This 2025 event is set for Friday, June 6 from 6-11 p.m. at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center on the NIU campus.

Fans, friends and community members are invited to come together to enjoy an evening of entertainment featuring casino-style games, a Brazilian steakhouse-themed buffet and a private concert by Chicago country music artist Mackenzie O’Brien.

Proceeds from the 2025 SEF Huskie Royale support NIU Athletics and educational opportunities in the community through the Sycamore Education Foundation.

Tickets to the event are $150 each with a “Couples Package” available for $475 that includes two tickets and 20 High Roller raffle tickets, which will be on sale for purchase to anyone in attendance at a cost of $100 for 10 tickets if purchased in advance or seven for $100 at the Huskie Royale. Attendees will enjoy an open bar cocktail hour featuring select beer and wines from 6-7:30 p.m., the buffet with food available throughout the evening, music, and $100 in entertainment casino chips with unlimited refills.

Play blackjack, roulette, craps and more while mingling with Huskie coaches and staff, including football head coach Thomas Hammock, new women’s basketball head coach Jaycee Brooks and Sean T. Frazier, vice president and director of athletics and recreation. With the Huskie Summer Circuit on hiatus this year, the SEF Huskie Royale is the perfect place to check in with your favorite coach and program in a relaxed and fun-filled setting while supporting Huskie Athletics and the local community.

Note that casino games are set up for your enjoyment and entertainment only and do not have a monetary value.

Several unique experiences will be up for bid for those in attendance at the event, while the Huskie Royale silent auction is now open to anyone at NIUHuskies.com/HuskieRoyale25 and offers travel experiences with NIU teams, including NIU football trips to Mississippi State and Maryland, exclusive packages during home games and more. Click the link to see details.

Attendees can purchase High Roller raffle tickets, either in person at the event (7 for $100) or online in advance (10 for $100), for a chance to win items like a signed Huskie football helmet, $150 Victor E. Threads shopping spree, suites at NIU basketball or a Kane County Cougars game, items commemorating NIU’s historic win at Notre Dame, specialty gift baskets and more.  Raffle winners must be present to win. Stay tuned to the Huskie Athletic Fund social media platforms for more on the raffle items.

Purchase tickets, including raffle tickets, to the 2025 SEF Huskie Royale online at NIUHuskies.com/HuskieRoyale25 today.  For more information or to register by phone, call the Huskie Athletic Fund at 815-753-1923.