Tailgaiting tents for NIU’s Homecoming game on Saturday have been sold out, according to the Athletics Department.

“The number of rented tents has easily doubled from last year,” said Mary Mihelich, NIU assistant athletic director of promotions and marketing.

Twenty tents are reserved for tailgaiting, and NIU is now using a Rockford company to rent tents to other customers.

During Homecoming 1988, 26 tents were rented. Twenty people rented from NIU and six groups brought their own tents, said Mihelich.

“The purpose of tent-a-gate is to give people a structured area to tailgate,” Mihelich said. “It’s a unique atmosphere.”

Tailgating tents started with the NIU Alumni Association, where some departmental colleges would rent tents and have a good time, she said.

Reservations are processed on a first-come, first serve basis, said Mihelich. Tent prices for NIU students, NIU faculty and staff and Huskies Athletic Association members are $125 per game or $625 for the season.

It costs the general public $175 per game or $625 per season. There is a $100 damage deposit for each tent reservation, Mihelich said.

Groups can bring their own tents, but there is a fee of $50 for the space.

Rental charges include tables, chairs, set-up and take-down of a 20 ft. by 20 ft., red and white tent and two parking spaces located next to the tent.