On Saturday, April 26 Northern Illinois University fans, friends and families are invited to enjoy a full day of Huskie sports action, NIU gear sale shopping, games and more. Get a first look at the 2025 NIU football team at the annual Spring Showcase and catch the Huskie softball, baseball and men’s soccer teams in action at home with no charge to attend any of the events. Free parking is available for all events on Saturday in Lot C2 of the NIU Convocation Center, as well as in Lots PS, L and K. Click here for the parking map.

Before the NIU teams take the field, join fellow Huskie fans at the Huskie Tailgate in Lot 31A, located between the Chessick Practice Center and Ralph McKinzie Field at Walt & Janice Owens Park, and check out the deeply discounted items available at the NIU Athletics Surplus Sale inside the Chessick. The Tailgate and Surplus Sale get underway at 10 a.m. and will close at 11:30 a.m.

In addition to the Surplus Sale inside the Chessick Practice Center, Victor E. Threads is holding a “Blowout Sale” at the Tailgate as fans have their last chance to get apparel commemorating the Huskies’ historic win over Notre Dame. Get “No Luck Needed” T-shirts for just $10 and “Boneyard” hoodies for $25 – a 50 percent discount from the regular pricing. The Surplus Sale includes gear from multiple Huskie teams, including jerseys, shoes, hats, shirts, shorts and more starting at just $5.

During the Tailgate, children can enjoy the inflatables and games, and several NIU Athletics sponsors will be on hand with giveaways and information. Food and drink will be available for purchase with several local food trucks on hand, along with NIU concessions which will be offering beer for $5 and seltzers for $6 at all locations on Saturday. Purchase 2025 NIU football and volleyball season tickets and don’t miss a game of the Huskies’ final season of competition in the Mid-American Conference.

All concessions, gear sales at both the Surplus Sale and Victor E. Threads and ticket sales are CASHLESS with payments accepted via credit/debit card or mobile payment only.

Gates on the West Side of Huskie Stadium will open at 11 a.m. with concessions available throughout the Spring Showcase at the stand located in the North Lobby. Fans may bring in outside food and beverages, except for alcohol. Fans are invited to visit the Coaches Club on the West Side where beverages and alcohol will be available for (cashless) purchase.

Contact the Huskie Athletic Fund at the Showcase or in advance at 815-753-1923 or huskieathleticfund@niu.edu for a tour of the premium areas at Huskie Stadium, including the Sky Box and Sky Club, where a limited number of seats remain on sale for the 2025 season.

The NIU football team will take the field for approximately two hours with extensive 11-on-11 scrimmage segments featuring officials, as well as one-on-one drills between receivers and defensive backs and offensive and defensive linemen, special teams periods and more. Download the NIU Huskies app and pull up the roster (under the Teams tab) at the scrimmage to get to know the 2025 Huskies.

Following the Spring Showcase, Huskie Athletic Fund and NIU football season ticket members are invited to the Hall of Champions for lunch, where NIU head coach Thomas Hammock and members of his staff will provide a wrap up of spring practice. To register for the luncheon, click here, complete the form sent via email or call the HAF Office at 815-753-1923.

April 26 Schedule of Events                                                       Location                                                                                            

10 am   Tailgate Opens                                                                 Lot 31A, West Side of Chessick Practice Center

                NIU Athletics Surplus Sale                                        Inside Chessick Practice Center

11 am   Huskie Stadium Gates Open

Noon    NIU Football Spring Showcase                                 Huskie Stadium

1 pm     NIU Softball versus Akron                                          Mary M. Bell Field

2 pm     NIU Baseball versus Western Michigan               McKinzie Field at Owens Park

                HAF/Season Ticket Luncheon                                  Hall of Champions

3 pm     Men’s Soccer Scrimmage vs. Lewis                      NIU Soccer/Track & Field Complex

Season ticket prices for the Huskies’ six 2025 home games begin at as little as $110 each for a general admission ticket. With the purchase of the Huskie 4-Pack (four or more tickets), pay $110 each for a reserved seat in sections A, B or F on the West Side. Reserved west side seating begins at $152 with discounts available for NIU alumni, NIU faculty/staff, DeKalb County residents, seniors (62+) and members of the Varsity Club (former student-athletes).

Renew or purchase tickets for the 2025 NIU Football season now online at NIUHuskies.com/tickets. For more information, call the NIU Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225) weekdays between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or email huskiestickets@niu.edu.