Join Your Fellow Huskies at Mission's Grove Before Select Home Football Games
A key component in the mission of the NIU Alumni Association is to create opportunities to connect and interact with the University community.
The NIUAA will unveil its newest opportunity for its alumni, family and friends on Thursday, Sept. 1, as the “Mission’s Grove” alumni tailgating area will open at 4 p.m., prior to the NIU/Eastern Illinois football home opener at Huskie Stadium.
Mission’s Grove is located in Oderkirk Field, which is adjacent to the Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center, located at 231 N. Annie Glidden Rd. in DeKalb, Illinois, 60115. This event is free of charge.
“Mission’s Grove will give alumni and friends of the University a chance to reconnect and celebrate the Huskie community together,” said Executive Director of Operations and Alumni Relations Reggie Bustinza. “I am so excited to see what this designated space will do for Huskie fans and their families, and I hope it brings us together in a meaningful way, as we celebrate our defending Mid-American Conference champions.”
Mission’s Grove will open three hours prior to kickoff for each game. In addition to a variety of food and beverages available for purchase, attendees will also be able to purchase NIU alumni merchandise at our Alumni Gear table. Last call for beverage purchases will be 45 minutes prior to kickoff, food trucks will end service 30 minutes before kickoff.
Keep the fun and energy from Mission’s Grove going as you make your way to the game! Join Mission, the NIU Huskie Marching Band and your fellow Huskies on “Mission’s March” to Huskie Stadium 45 minutes before kickoff.
Read more.
Be sure to visit our partners, Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling and Waterman Winery & Vineyards at each game this year.
Mission's Grove will also feature various food trucks at each of the dates below.
Information for each game is available below, click on each section to expand for details.
Saturday, October 8 - NIU vs. Toledo (115th Homecoming Game; Mission's Grove Opens at 11:30 a.m.)
• Second Annual NIU Homecoming Brunch - 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Kickoff 2:30 p.m.
• Tickets
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| Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling | Waterman Winery & Vineyards | Wild Carrot Cooking Co. | We Got U |
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| Home Run Hot Dogs | Aijo Kitchen | Culinary Gangster | |||
Visit the NIU Homecoming landing page for more information about all homecoming activities.
Mission's Grove Map and Parking Information
FREE parking for Mission's Grove will be located at the Chick Evans Field House located across Annie Glidden Road from the Barsema Alumni and Visitor's Center.
NIU Foundation donors who have questions about parking and parking passes should reach out to Renata Catlett at rcatlett@niu.edu.
Tent Rental (SOLD OUT FOR 2022 SEASON) and Other Information
Mission’s Grove will be enclosed by a 40’ x 60’ tent, which will include four 20’ x 20’ tents available for group rental. For tent pricing and availability, please contact the NIU Foundation and Alumni Events Director, Dana King, ’05, at dking1@niu.edu or 815-753-5421.
Get more information on NIUAA football events and tailgating here. For up-to-date information on NIU Football, please visit the team website.