Northern Illinois’ football games versus Temple on Oct. 9 at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb and at Western Michigan on Oct. 30 in Kalamazoo will be part of the Mid-American Conference syndicated ESPN Plus television package and kickoff at 11 a.m. (Central), the MAC office announced Tuesday as the league released its complete 2010 television schedule.
In addition, NIU announced that the Huskies’ game on Oct. 23 versus defending MAC champion Central Michigan is tentatively set to air on Comcast SportsNet Chicago beginning at 2:30 p.m. from Huskie Stadium, continuing a long-standing relationship between the regional sports network and Northern Illinois University.
Northern Illinois also announced its remaining game times as the NIU home opener on Sept. 11 versus North Dakota will kickoff at 6 p.m., as will the final home game of 2010 when the Huskies play host to Toledo on Tuesday, Nov. 9. That contest will air on ESPN2 beginning at 6 p.m.
The Huskies’ Homecoming game versus Buffalo on Oct. 16 will kick off at 2:30 p.m. NIU will celebrate its 104th Homecoming versus the Bulls, while Northern Illinois’ newest Hall of Fame Class will be honored during Hall of Fame Weekend when the Huskies take on Central Michigan Oct. 23.
Tuesday’s release from the MAC includes game times for the Huskies’ road contests at Akron (Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.) and Ball State (Nov. 20 at Noon) with only the kickoff time for the Eastern Michigan game on Friday, Nov. 26 still to be set. In non-conference action, the 2010 season opener at Iowa State will begin at 7 p.m., and the Illinois game Sept. 18 kicks off at 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network. The Big Ten Network will also carry the Huskies’ game at Minnesota on Sept. 25 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
NIU will have as many as seven games televised in 2010, including the ESPN2 contest versus Toledo, the Central Michigan game on Comcast SportsNet Chicago, a pair of games on the Big Ten Network and two syndicated games through the MAC’s agreement with ESPN Plus. The Eastern Michigan game on Nov. 26 will be televised on ESPNU or carried live online at ESPN3.com.
“We are very pleased to be able to finalize our 2010 home game times,” said NIU Associate Vice-President and Director of Athletics Jeff Compher. “There is something for everyone with a pair of night games, two mid-afternoon starts and an earlier kickoff for the Temple contest, which will feature two 2009 bowl teams. I want to offer our appreciation to [MAC Commissioner] Dr. Jon Steinbrecher and his staff for finalizing this schedule, and encourage our fans to get their tickets now for every Huskie Stadium home game.”
Season tickets for all five of Northern Illinois’ 2010 home games are currently on sale. NIU season football tickets are one of the region’s best values at just $85 for all five games. NIU faculty and staff, Varsity Club (former letterwinners), NIU Alumni Association members and senior citizens can purchase season tickets for only $74. The three-game mini-plan allows fans to choose any three 2010 games, including Homecoming, and get the same reserved seat for all three games for just $50. Tickets can be ordered online at www.NIUHuskies.com (click the “Tickets” link on the top of the page), on the phone at 815-752-6800 or in person at the NIU Convocation Center Ticket Office in DeKalb.
For more information on Northern Illinois’ 2010 road game tickets and the Huskie Fan Bus Packages, the Huskie Athletic Support Fund, or to purchase 2010 NIU Football Season Tickets, call the HASF Office in the NIU Convocation Center at 815-753-1923, or contact them via e-mail at sbinegar@niu.edu.
