Tailgating at NIU football games is an event in and of itself. Grills sizzle, footballs fly, the Huskie Fight Song blares and old friends renew acquaintances. Kids head to the Fan Fest area for inflatable games, face painting and more, while in the “Tent-a-Gate” area, fans enjoy camaraderie and a catered meal before heading to their seats. With a home record of 37-14 since 2000, more often than not, the Huskies have sent the crowd home, or maybe just back to the tailgate lots, happy.
Huskie Athletic Scholarship Fund members meet at the tent on the stadium’s west side for the pregame “chalk talk” as the Huskie Marching Band and cheerleaders stop by to fire up the crowd. Old friends and alumni listen to the pregame show on the stadium speakers, shop for souvenirs and stop by the concession stands before heading to their seats.