With the 2022 fall sports season almost in full swing, it’s important for fans to be aware of items they can and should bring to NIU’s wide variety of athletic events.

The gameday experience at Huskie Stadium, home of the reigning Mid-American Conference champion NIU football team, comes with its restrictions. Stadium policy prohibits visitors from bringing in alcoholic products and/or animals (with the exception of trained service animals).

NIU Athletics has also previously implemented a clear bag policy dating back to 2016. Visitors are only permitted to bring to enter the stadium with one of the following approved bags: One clear plastic stadium bag not exceeding 12” x 12” x 6”, one gallon clear plastic storage or one clutch purse no larger than 5.5” x 8.5” x 3.”

Prohibited bags under NIU’s clear bag policy include, but are not limited to: backpacks, computer bags, coolers and duffel bags. All bags are subject to inspection by stadium security. More information on this policy can be found in the Huskie Stadium Fan Guide on the NIU Huskies website.

Fans are allowed to bring in cameras to capture their experiences at and around the stadium. Banners are also permitted unless they display derogatory comments, profanity or otherwise impede on others’ gameday experience.

Those planning on frequenting Huskie football games during the season should take time to plan for weather conditions. Umbrellas are not permitted in the open-air stadium, so spectators should have raincoats handy on game days with inclement weather forecasted.

Visitors should also have warm clothing handy for games scheduled closer to the colder months. The handful of night games scheduled in the month of November can bring about the frigid temperatures commonly associated with Illinois weather. NIU’s home finale last season against Western Michigan University on Nov. 23, 2021, had a temperature of

The Convocation Center

The NIU Convocation Center, located on the west side of campus, serves as the main venue for multiple Huskie athletics teams. The arena on the facility’s main floor is the host of events for NIU’s basketball and gymnastics squads. Victor E. Court, housed in the facility’s lower level, is the home of NIU’s volleyball and wrestling teams.

The facility shares an identical bag policy to the one in place at nearby Huskie Stadium. Strollers, along with banners, flags, signs or similar items are not permitted in the facility. All bags are checked by security personnel upon entry into the building. A full list of acceptable and prohibited items can be found on the Convocation Center’s website.

The NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex located west of the Convocation Center does not have any policies readily available online. Fans are advised to abide by the policies similar to those at Huskie Stadium and the Convocation Center.

For those who might find the seating options available in Victor E. Court or at the Soccer and Track & Field Complex uncomfortable, visitors may bring a stadium chair or similar product.