Northern Illinois Huskies Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Rashon Burno

Team Mascot: Victor E. Huskie, Mission Huskie

Year Opened: 2002

Capacity: 10000

City / State: DeKalb / Illinois

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Northern Illinois Huskies vs Ball State Cardinals

Rival Team: Ball State Cardinals

While the Bronze Stalk isn’t on the line when Northern Illinois and Ball State meet on the court, there are still plenty of bragging rights up for grabs. The Huskies and Cardinals don’t get along meaning you’re in for a treat whenever they bud heads.

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Northern Illinois Huskies vs Toledo Rockets

Rival Team: Toledo Rockets

Toledo is one of Northern Illinois biggest rivals on the gridiron, and you won’t find any love between these two on the hardwood either. You’ll be in for a good matchup when the Rockets come to DeKalb, so make sure to get tickets when NIU and Toledo square off.

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Northern Illinois Huskies vs Eastern Michigan Eagles

Rival Team: Eastern Michigan Eagles

It’s always a hard-fought contest when the Huskies and Eagles get together. Not only is a W on the line, but so are bragging rights. Come out and support the Huskies when the slug it out against MAC rivals Eastern Michigan.

Northern Illinois Huskies Stadium Guide

In Game

A Northern Illinois basketball game offers college hoops fans in the Chicago area and MAC basketball fans an excellent opportunity to see a game for cheap. A trip to DeKalb will typically cost you under $25 making it one of the better entertainment values in the area.

It’s not just the value that makes attending an NIU basketball game a good experience, the crowd at Huskies game provides a great atmosphere. The student section known as the Red Riot is especially loud, and even though the Huskies haven’t been to the tournament since 1996, you’ll still find a good turnout at just about every game.

Finally, make sure to stop by Fatty’s during your trip to DeKalb. No trip to DeKalb is complete without having a burger or melt from the local favorite. You can also grab drinks here as well making it the perfect pregame or postgame destination.

A trip to DeKalb is a fun time for any MAC basketball fan, and best of all it won’t put much of dent in your wallet.

Things to check out

Unique Court Design

The court design at NIU’s Convocation Center is quite the sight to behold. The floor here features a unique design that depicts the eyes of a husky lurking in the shadows and is a must-see for any college hoops fan.

NIU Athletics Hall of Fame

Stop by the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame before tip-off to learn more about the greatest athletes in Huskies history. The hall of fame is a can’t miss for anyone attending a Huskies basketball game, so stop by and check it out.

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NIU Alumni Shop

The Alumni Shop is your one stop shop for all thing Huskies. Here you’ll find just about any NIU gear you could ever want, so stop by and pick up a souvenir from your trip to DeKalb.

NCAA Tournament Banners

Hanging above the court are banners honoring NIU’s three NCAA Tournament appearances. The banners celebrate the best teams in program history so take a second to view them and remember all of your favorite Huskies memories from over the years.

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Red Riot

The Red Riot is the nickname given the Huskies student section. The section fills quickly every game and is one of the loudest student sections you will encounter in the MAC. There is always a riot in the student section with raucous chants and infectious energy that is contagious throughout the arena.

NIU Mascot

You can see the Huskies costumed mascot roaming the sidelines at any NIU basketball game. The mascot does an excellent job engaging with the crowd and is a can’t miss so keep an eye out for him at the game.

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Huskie Band

The Huskie Band always knows what tune to play to energize the crowd helping create one of the best home court advantages in the MAC. Their tunes will get everyone in the building pumped, so don’t miss out on this incredible band when attending an NIU game.

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Fight Songs

  1. Huskie Fight Song

    Huskies, come on you Huskies
    and make a score or two

    Huskies, you’re Northern Huskies
    the team to pull us through

    Forward, together forward
    there’s victory in view

    Come on you Huskies, Fight on you
    Huskies and win for N.I.U.

  2. NIU Chant

    The signature chant from the Huskies fans is a very loud N-I-U

    N-I-U!

    N-I-U!

    N-I-U!

Northern Illinois Huskies Bars & Restaurants

  1. KJ’s Tap & Grill

    KJs Tap Grill

    A place that has darts, great drinks, and good food!

    518 E Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-772-8788

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. O’Leary’s Ale House

    O Learys Ale House burger

    Enjoy a fabulous meal, a refreshing drink and a time worth sharing with friends.

    260 E Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-748-0000

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Hometown Sports Bar and Grill

    Hometown Sports Bar and Grill

    Good Food, Good Sports and Good Friends!

    241 E Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-217-3325

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  4. Molly’s Eatery & Drinkery

    Mollys Eatery and Drinkery

    For NIU students it's the closest bar in the area to go to that has the best food and events in the area.

    1000 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-517-0335

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  5. Fatty’s Bar & Grill

    Fattys

    The official bar of the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls

    1312 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-758-7737

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  6. Pizza Pro’s

    Pizza Pros

    We provide the best pizza around town and are a favorite among the locals here.

    1205 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-758-4776

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  7. The Huddle

    The Huddle burger

    Gourmet Burgers, Fresh Cut Fries, Hot Dogs, Chicken, Soups, Salads, Smoothies, Bubble Tea, Coffee & more!

    817 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-758-8899

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Lincoln Inn Family Restaurant & Bakery

    Lincoln Inn Family Restaurant Bakery

    Fresh baked muffins, pastries and breads make The Lincoln Inn a unique, enjoyable restaurant for all occasions.

    302 Grove St, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-756-2345

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Barb City Bagels

    Barb City Bagels

    Barb City Bagels is a newly renovated, cozy cafe that redefines the bakery experience.

    118 E Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-754-5211

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  10. World Famous Pizza

    World Famous Pizza

    World Famous Pizza is known for its mouth-watering food all the way from Texas to Illinois.

    142 E Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-756-8718

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  11. Vinny’s Pizza

    Vinnyz

    Welcome to Vinny's Pizza & Wings, in DeKalb, Illinois! Home of the Hurricane Pizza! Fast HOT Delivery of DeKalb's BEST Pizzas, Pastas & Wings!

    221 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-787-6200

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  12. Fanatico

    Fanatico

    If you're looking for the #1 Premium Experience in DeKalb County, then you've come to the right place. Stop by to enjoy the finest authentic Italian meal in the area, then onto a few drinks at the bar.

    1215 Blackhawk Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-517-1740

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  13. Pizza Villa

    Pizza Villa

    Family owned and operated, we serve delicious pizzas baked on homemade dough and topped with fresh, quality ingredients.

    824 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-758-8116

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  14. Lukulos

    University Broiler Grill

    Amazingly delicous food at very decent prices plus excellent service!

    890 Pappas Dr, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    734-627-1580

    Bar website

    european - $

  15. The Junction

    The Junction

    Specialize in serving great food at a reasonable price. Freshly prepared hand-cut steaks cut lean, just the way you like them.

    816 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-758-5441

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. Hillside Restaurant

    Hillside Restaurant

    Smell the changes in the menu every time the wind blows a new direction, and taste homemade foods, breads and famous desserts just at the end of Pie Street.

    121 N 2nd St, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

    815-751-6054

    Bar website

    american - $$