Drew Hare
Students, alumni, fans and friends are invited Saturday, April 19, to check out the 2014 Northern Illinois University football team AND get a glimpse of what’s in store for fans prior to every game in “The Yard” this fall at the 2014 Huskie Bowl Spring Football Game.
The scrimmage, which will close out 2014 NIU spring football practices, starts at 3 p.m. in Huskie Stadium with the Cardinal team, coached by cornerbacks coach Kelvin Sigler, taking on the Black team, led by offensive line coach Joe Tripodi.
Admission is free, and a limited concessions menu will be available in the main concessions area. All seating will be on the West Side of Huskie Stadium.
From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., prior to the Huskie Bowl action, fans are invited to “The Yard” the new official pregame tailgate home of NIU Athletics, located on the West Lawn.
Inside The Yard, kids will enjoy the inflatable games and other activities in the Kids Zone, adults can stop by the beer garden to enjoy a beverage and fans of all ages can meet new Huskie mascot Mission and members of several NIU teams while listening to music from DJ Toxic.
At approximately 2 p.m. in The Yard, hear from NIU head coach Rod Carey and Sean T. Frazier, associate vice-president and director of athletics, about the new initiatives planned for 2014-15 and beyond.
Also in The Yard, tables will be set up where fans can find out more information, or turn in their 2014 renewal forms for the Huskie Athletic Fund and 2014 NIU football season tickets, including the new premium seating areas available this year in Huskie Stadium.
Matt McIntosh
Parking spaces on the West Lawn – now designated as part of “Zone A” parking – will be lined out to show donors the new configuration for 2014.
The day will provide a great opportunity to turn in your 2014 Huskie Athletic Fund renewal form, as all donors who renew or “Commit to NIU” by (or on) April 19 are invited to a special post-Huskie Bowl reception with the NIU football coaches and other Huskie head coaches and staff. The reception will be held in the Barsema Hall of Champions following the Huskie Bowl.
Beginning at 12:30 p.m., enjoy a pregame meal, catered by Fatty’s Pub & Grille, inside the large tent in “The Yard.” Cost for the buffet, which will feature “tailgate fare,” including Fatty’s famous Cajun Fried Potato Salad, as well as water and soda, is $15 for adults and $10 for children (12 and younger) for pre-registered guests. On the day of the event, the prices will be $20 for adults and $15 for children.
Pre-registration runs through Wednesday, April 16. To pre-register, call the Huskie Athletic Fund at 815-753-PACK (7225) between 8 a.m. and 5 .m. Monday through Friday.
Anthony Maddie
April 19 also will mark the very last chance to purchase a personalized brick in the Yordon Family Huskie Pride Plaza, located outside the Kenneth and Ellen Chessick Practice Center, and information on taking advantage of this last chance opportunity will be available in The Yard.
Due to the soft ground and extended winter weather, parking for the Huskie Bowl will be limited to the streets and paved lots around the stadium. Fans are also invited to stop by Ralph McKinzie Field on Saturday, where the NIU baseball team will be taking on Central Michigan beginning at 1:05 p.m. in the second game of a three-game weekend series.
Catch a live radio broadcast during the Huskie Bowl on WLBK AM (1360) and FM (98.9) in DeKalb and on NIUTube online. Huskie Radio Network team Bill Baker, Mark Lindo and Andy Garcia will describe the action from the spring game and visit with special guests from 3-5 p.m.
For more information, call (815) 753-PACK (7225).
