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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.