The NIU Football team begins 2026 spring football practices on Wednesday, April 1. Practices will be open to the media during the first hour of practice beginning on Tuesday, April 7 with interim head coach Rob Harley, student-athletes and assistant coaches available at the end of practice for interviews.

See below for the guidelines for media. Parking is available in the lots around the Chessick Practice Center and Huskie Stadium. Details on securing a daily digital parking pass (not needed for Saturday practices) are also included below and attached.

The Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 25 will have a similar format to previous years with drills and scrimmage periods but no game. More details on events surrounding the Showcase will be made available as they are finalized.

NIU Athletics Spring Press Conference – Harley begins at 27:55

2026 NIU Football Spring Practice Schedule

Day, Date            Event                           Time

Wednesday, April 1    Practice #1                    7 a.m.
Thursday, April 2       Practice #2                    7 a.m.
Saturday, April 4       Practice #3                    12 p.m.
Tuesday, April 7        Practice #4                   7 a.m. / Open to media until 8:05 a.m.
Thursday, April 9       Practice #5                    7 a.m. / Open to media until 8:05 a.m.
Saturday, April 11      Practice #6                    12 p.m. / Open to media until 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, April 14        Practice #7                    7 a.m. / Open to media until 8:05 a.m.
Thursday, April 16      Practice #8                    7 a.m. / Open to media until 8:05 a.m.
Saturday, April 18       Practice #9                    12 p.m. / Open to media until 1:05 p.m.
Monday, April 20        Practice #10                 7 a.m. / Open to media until 8:05 a.m.
Tuesday, April 21       Practice #11                  7 a.m. / Open to media until 8:05 a.m.
Thursday, April 23       Practice #12                  7 a.m. / Open to media until 8:05 a.m.
Saturday, April 25       Spring Showcase        12 p.m.
Wednesday, April 29    Practice #14                  7 a.m. / Open to media until 8:05 a.m.
Thursday, April 30       Practice #15                 7 a.m. / Open to media until 8:05 a.m.

Schedule Subject to Change; Practices held in Chessick Practice Center or Huskie Stadium.                

Media Guidelines for NIU Spring Football Practice Coverage:

1. Please inform a member of athletic communications staff in advance if you plan to attend practice as schedule is subject to change.
2. Practices will be held in Huskie Stadium or the Chessick Practice Center.
3. Media are asked to check in with NIU athletics communications personnel after arriving.

4. Practices will be open to the media for the first hour of practice.

5. In general, cameras (video & still) are permitted to shoot practice.
6. Cameras must remain on sidelines at all times (no tripods). Please do not leave equipment unattended due to the proximity of the playing surface.
7. All interviews with coach Harley, student-athletes and assistant coaches to be held after practice (subject to availability, class schedules, etc.). Practices will last approximately 2 hours.
8. Media (not cameras) are asked to remain away from team personnel in corners of West Sideline or in North End Zone for practices in Huskie Stadium.
9. Media (not cameras) are asked to remain along walls and away from team personnel for practices in the Chessick Center.
10. No tweeting/reporting on injuries without talking to coach Harley.

11. Only players who participate in that day’s practice in full are available for interviews.

Media Parking Passes (media use only, SELECT lots around Huskie Stadium only)

Promo code for Athletics media outlets coming to campus: NIUATMEDIA22 Please note that it is case sensitive.

Go to aimsmobilepay.com (or see MobilePay QR Code)

Click on or enter “NIU Huskie Stadium” as the location

Enter the information including vehicle and type in the promo code NIUATMEDIA22

With code, price will change to 0.00, click “continue” and you are set.

See the attached screenshots for more information.  The PDF of the QR code will take you directly to the mobile pay site.

If a media outlet chooses not to register their vehicle, they will receive a $10 ticket for No NIU Registration.

NIU Athletics Spring Press Conference: