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‘Nelson Club’ to debut at February hoops games

February 4, 2014
Natecia Augusta

Natecia Augusta

NIU Athletics will debut a new way for fans to enjoy their experience at Huskie men’s and women’s basketball games by opening “The Nelson Club at NIU.”

The Nelson Club features enhanced food and beverage options throughout the game, different menus for each game and the opportunity to interact with athletic department, university and community special guests.

Located in the Nelson Suites at the top of the Convocation Center seating areas and featuring a great view of the court below as well as television monitors, the Nelson Club at NIU will have its grand opening Sunday, Feb. 9, during the Huskie basketball doubleheader.

The NIU women’s team will take on Ball State at 1 p.m., followed by NIU vs. Western Michigan in Mid-American Conference men’s basketball action with tip-off at approximately 3:30 p.m.

On Sunday, the Nelson Club will open at noon and food will be served throughout both games. The menu will feature pizza, wings, pasta salad, mostaccioli and snacks including popcorn, a cheese tray and dessert. A cash bar will be available as well as assorted non-alcoholic beverages.

Seats in the Nelson Club at NIU will be sold in advance only for $26 (men’s games) and $24 (women’s games). The ticket includes full access to the buffet and the cash bar throughout the game, as well as a seat in the Nelson Club area. In addition, courtside ticket holders and donors to the Huskie Athletics Support Fund at the $1,000 level and above who are also basketball season ticket holders can purchase tickets to the buffet only for $16 per person.

Deadlines to purchase seats in the Nelson Club or access to the buffet (for groups listed above only) must be made in advance by calling (815) 753-1923 during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday). The deadline to RSVP for seats in the Nelson Club for the grand opening this Sunday is Wednesday, Feb. 5.

NIU men's basketball team

Future games will feature enhanced menu options among the buffet offerings in the Nelson Club. During each Nelson Club game, a cash bar will be available and a line-up of special guests will join fans in the suite prior to and during the game. Some of the guests currently being scheduled are NIU Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Sean Frazier and his family, NIU men’s and women’s sport head coaches (separate nights), the NIU football coaching staff and more.

The Nelson Club at NIU will be open for the following games (doors open one hour prior to tip-off).

  • Sunday Feb. 9 (doubleheader). Reserve by Wednesday, Feb. 5
    • Women vs. Ball State, 1 p.m.
    • Men vs. Western Michigan, 3:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Feb. 20. Reserve by Friday, Feb. 14
    • Men vs. Eastern Michigan, 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 22. Reserve by Monday, Feb. 17
    • Women vs. Central Michigan, 7 p.m. Reserve By: Feb. 17
  • Wednesday, Feb. 26. Reserve by Friday, Feb. 21
    • Men vs. Toledo, 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 8. Reserve by Wednesday, March 5
    • Men vs. Ball State, 3:30 p.m.

In addition to the Nelson Club area, private suites are available for individual purchase for many remaining home games. Suites include 20 tickets plus access to the Nelson Club buffet (a separate menu may also be ordered). Call (815) 753-1923 for information.