Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium

The stadium is at 1245 Stadium Drive South on NIU's west campus. Interstate 88 is the principal route from Chicago's western suburbs, with Exit 91 at Annie Glidden Road leading north toward campus. Illinois Route 38/Lincoln Highway approaches from both east and west and serves the Convocation Center entrance west of the football complex.

Driving & Parking

• Prepay for value
  All football lots charge for parking. In 2025, Convocation Center general parking cost $20 in advance and $25 on game day; verify current rates before purchasing.
• Opening times
  Donor and public lots open five hours before Saturday kickoffs and three hours before midweek games. Once a vehicle enters, lot reentry is prohibited.
• Convocation Center lots
  The largest public inventory sits west of Huskie Stadium. Enter from Lincoln Highway and use the football shuttle rather than attempting to park near a donor gate.
• Shuttle service
  Saturday shuttles begin three hours before kickoff and run about every 10 to 15 minutes between Convocation Center Entrances 2 and 5 and the southwest stadium corner.
• Accessible parking
  Lot L on the east side serves guests displaying a valid placard. A wheelchair-accessible van connects Lot L with east and west stadium entrances.
• RVs and buses
  Motor homes, buses and RVs require advance coordination through the Huskie Athletic Fund and may be placed in West Lawn, East Lawn or Lot PS inventory.
• Weather changes
  Grass lots can close or move after heavy rain or snow. Review NIU's game-specific advisory on the morning of the game instead of relying solely on the season map.

Public Transit

• No direct Chicago train
  DeKalb has no Metra station. The nearest commuter-rail stop is Elburn, more than 20 miles east, so a Chicago day trip requires a connection.
• Elburn Shuttle Route 12
  DeKalb's Huskie Bus Line connects the Elburn Metra station with downtown DeKalb and the NIU campus. Weekend departures are limited and must be matched carefully with kickoff and postgame timing.
• Local Huskie Bus Line
  City-operated routes serve NIU residence halls, Lincoln Highway, campus and Convocation Center areas. Consult the live route map because academic-break and weekend service differs.
• Football shuttle is separate
  The free game-day lot shuttle circulates between the Convocation Center and stadium; it is not a regional service from Chicago or the Metra line.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

• Choose a west-campus landmark
  The Convocation Center or an announced Stadium Drive curb is easier for drivers to reach than a generic field pin inside the restricted football perimeter.
• Pregame drop-off
  Ask the driver to approach from Lincoln Highway and follow event staff. Annie Glidden Road and Stadium Drive become slow as lots open.
• Postgame pickup
  Walk to the agreed Convocation Center entrance or another permitted, well-lit curb before requesting the car. Stadium traffic can prevent a driver from reaching the original drop-off point.
• Limited supply
  DeKalb has fewer late-night drivers than Chicago. Reserve when possible and maintain a taxi, hotel shuttle or local friend as backup after a midweek game.

NIU gives visitors two easy options: a traditional parking-lot tailgate or The Yard, its free official fan gathering. On Saturdays, The Yard opens about three hours before kickoff on the West Lawn; colder November and weather-affected editions may move inside the Chessick Practice Center. Food, drinks, music and the pep rally continue until roughly 30 minutes before kickoff.

Tailgating

• The Yard
  Free and open to all ages, the official zone combines live entertainment, sponsor displays, food, beer and the Pup Club Kids' Zone.
• Pep rally
  The Huskie Marching Band, Silverettes, cheerleaders, Victor E. Huskie and live mascot Mission appear during The Yard show before fans enter the stadium.
• Parking-lot gatherings
  Tailgate only inside the assigned parking footprint, protect roadways and dispose of trash and charcoal in the provided containers.
• Container rules
  Plastic bottles and cans are allowed in the lots, while glass, kegs and party balls are prohibited. Fryers and fire pits are not permitted.
• Saturday versus midweek
  Lots open five hours before Saturday games but only three hours before weekday kickoffs. The Yard also uses a compressed indoor schedule for late-season games.
• No lot reentry
  Once the vehicle enters, it cannot leave and return. Pack food, cold-weather clothing and clear stadium bags before passing the parking checkpoint.

Pregame Bars & Restaurants

• Fatty's Pub & Grille
  At 1312 West Lincoln Highway near campus, Fatty's is the classic NIU game-day bar for burgers, wings, beer and televisions. Expect long waits on Homecoming.
• The Yard vendors
  For the least complicated option, buy food and drinks inside NIU's free west-side fan zone and remain within walking distance of the gate.
• Downtown DeKalb
  Restaurants and bars around Lincoln Highway and Second Street provide more variety than the immediate stadium edge. Drive or arrange transport because the walk is lengthy.
• Egg Haven Pancakes & Cafe
  This Sycamore Road breakfast restaurant is useful for early kickoffs and has participated in NIU Homecoming promotions. It requires a short drive from campus.
• Campus dining
  NIU dining locations can work for students and visitors, but football Saturdays and academic breaks produce limited hours. Check the live dining schedule first.

• The Doghouse
  Players and coaches use the nickname for Huskie Stadium's close, blunt atmosphere. The best expression is a full red-clad crowd during a conference night game.
• Huskie Marching Band
  The band performs in The Yard, pregame and halftime and supplies the recognizable musical spine of the day.
• Mission and Victor E.
  Mission is NIU's live Siberian husky mascot, while Victor E. Huskie works the crowd in costume. Both appear at the pregame pep rally when scheduled.
• Red Out
  Featured games ask the entire stadium to wear cardinal red, turning the contrasting east and west grandstands into one visual block.
• “Huskie,” not “Husky”
  NIU deliberately spells the singular mascot H-U-S-K-I-E. Fans use the distinctive spelling in cheers, merchandise and school identity.
• Midweek football
  November night games under national television lights became a defining NIU experience. Cold air, a compressed tailgate and conference stakes give these dates a different energy from Saturdays.
• Postgame alma mater
  Remain after the final whistle as players, students and band recognize the university together, especially after a home victory.

• Brigham Field
  The field honors Robert J. Brigham, whose half-century at NIU included roles as athlete, coach and athletics director.
• Wall of Honor
  The stadium display recognizes the student-athletes who have worn the Huskie uniform and rewards a slow pregame walk around the venue.
• Brigham Family Victory Plaza
  The north-end plaza links the spectator stadium with the Yordon Center and memorializes the Brigham family's contributions.
• Contrasting grandstands
  A concrete west side and 54-row steel-and-aluminum east stand make the building's phased development visible at a glance.
• Open south end
  The berm, videoboard and field-level hospitality preserve broad views and keep the stadium from feeling like a sealed bowl.

History & Notable Moments

• Opening and dedication (1965)
  NIU defeated Illinois State 48–6 on Homecoming in the delayed first game at the new stadium.
• Artificial-turf landmark (1969)
  The Huskies beat Idaho 47–30 in Illinois' first major-college football game played on artificial turf.
• East grandstand (1995)
  A $4 million, 10,500-seat project completed the modern two-sided layout.
• Maryland upset (2003)
  NIU rededicated Brigham Field and beat No. 15 Maryland 20–13 in overtime before a stadium-record 28,018.
• Eastern Illinois comeback (2013)
  The Huskies rallied from a 20-point first-quarter deficit to win 43–39 before a 23,595 sellout.
• Home winning streak (2014)
  A 17–14 victory over Kent State extended NIU's national-best home streak to 28 games.

Huskie Stadium is easy to read: the west stand carries the older concrete structure, press facilities and many premium products; the east stand rises in a long metal deck and includes accessible midfield platforms. The open ends make wind and temperature important seat-selection factors.

• West reserved sections
  Sections near midfield offer the classic sideline view and convenient access to the press-side concourse. Chairbacks and benchbacks cost more but improve comfort.
• West general admission
  The west-side value sections work well for families who want flexibility without joining the student crowd. Arrive early for the preferred row.
• East grandstand
  The taller east side gives a strong tactical angle and direct view of the home sideline area. Metal seating and wind exposure make a permitted cushion and layers worthwhile.
• Accessible midfield area
  Platforms between the east-side 40-yard lines include companion bleachers. Reserve in advance rather than requesting relocation at the gate.
• Coaches Club
  This climate-controlled premium area includes buffet service, televisions, a bar and private restrooms.
• Sky Box, Sky Club and Yordon Terrace
  Additional premium products vary between indoor and outdoor hospitality. Confirm included food, parking and elevator access with the exact ticket.
• South-end field hospitality
  Field-level products place groups near the open end and videoboard, producing proximity rather than an elevated tactical view.

Huskie Stadium is cashless for tickets, parking, food, drinks and merchandise. Main east and west stands handle traditional fare, while The Yard and premium areas add separate vendors and hospitality. Lines are usually manageable outside halftime, but the east side has fewer circulation choices than a modern continuous concourse.

• Main stands
  Expect hot dogs, brats, nachos, popcorn, candy and soft drinks at ground-level counters on both sidelines.
• Beverage points
  Smaller stands and portable stations help distribute water and drinks. Purchase early during hot September games or before a crowded halftime.
• The Yard
  Pregame vendors sell food and beer before the fan zone closes. This is often the best place to eat when variety matters more than watching warmups.
• Premium service
  The Coaches Club includes buffet service, while Sky Club and other hospitality packages have product-specific inclusions.
• Victor E. Threads
  NIU merchandise operates in The Yard and at stadium-side locations, with cards or mobile payment required.
• Water exception
  NIU has allowed one sealed plastic water bottle smaller than 17 ounces. Confirm the current fan guide before packing it because event policies can change.

• Each guest may bring one clear plastic tote no larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches or one clear one-gallon storage bag.
• One small clutch purse no larger than 5.5 by 8.5 by 3 inches is also permitted. Large purses, backpacks and other non-clear bags are prohibited.
• Medically necessary items receive an exception after inspection. Contact NIU in advance when equipment or supplies will not fit the approved dimensions.
• Outside alcohol, glass, coolers, weapons, artificial noisemakers, laser pointers and flag or banner poles are prohibited. Trained service animals are permitted.
• Download mobile tickets before leaving home, because cellular congestion near the gates can slow retrieval. Entry, parking, concessions and merchandise are cashless.
• Huskie Stadium does not provide routine storage for rejected property. Return noncompliant items to the vehicle and enter early for security screening.