Call it a five-year reunion if you want, as NIU will return to Soldier Field in 2011.

On Sept. 17, 2011, five years and 16 days after the Huskies last played in Chicago, NIU will return to Soldier Field to face Wisconsin.

The Huskies were supposed to host Wisconsin at Huskie Stadium on Oct. 24, 2009 and then return to Madison on Sept. 17, 2011. By readjusting the schedule, NIU will now be opening next season at Wisconsin on Sept. 5, 2009.

The Badgers were looking for a way to balance their 2009 home and away schedule, which helped to lead to the Soldier Field date between the two schools.

“For the past several months, we have been working with the folks at Wisconsin on finalizing the details for the continuation of our series, highlighted by the tremendous opportunity to play another home game at Soldier Field,” said Jeff Compher, associate vice president and director of athletics. “This is an opportunity for our fans to fill the stadium and make it a true home field advantage for the Huskies. I have every confidence that they will make this a great event for our team.”

NIU last played at Soldier Field on Sept. 1, 2007 in a 16-3 loss against Iowa. The Huskies sold out the 61,500 seat venue, setting a MAC home field attendance record.

In addition to Wisconsin, the Huskies will face Purdue, Idaho and Western Illinois in their 2009 out of conference schedule.