NIU Reveals New Turf Design for Huskie Stadium’s 50th Anniversary

With installation of the new turf at Northern Illinois University’s Huskie Stadium nearly complete, NIU on Thursday unveiled the final design that fans will see during the stadium’s 50th Anniversary season in 2015. The new design is the first significant change to the look of the field since FieldTurf was originally installed on the surface in 2001.

A reflection of both Huskie Athletics and Northern Illinois University, with a nod to NIU’s home state and city, the new design also retains the popular Huskie head logo, the word “Huskies” in the end zones, and the Brigham Field moniker.

The sharp new, black end zones will remind many of those used on the field at the 2013 Orange Bowl, one of the greatest feats in the Huskies’ long football history.

Each element that NIU chose to integrate in the new field design was carefully chosen to best reflect the university’s most visible brand and one of its landmark buildings. NIU Football games have been nationally televised from Huskie Stadium 10 times since 2008. Over the last two years, nearly every NIU home game has been made available through an ESPN platform and is seen by fans across the nation.

End Zones
— “HUSKIES” is written in NIU official font
— Huskie head logos in both end zones for the first time
— Black background reminiscent of NIU’s appearance in the 2013 Orange Bowl
State Image
— Shaded state of Illinois reinforces NIU’s status as pre-eminent program in our home state
— State image also references the Illinois High School Association Football Championships, held biannually at Huskie Stadium
— NIU values its status as a public, state institution
— Star establishes our team’s bond with NIU’s home city of DeKalb and commitment to “communiversity”
— Star serves as a subtle reminder of the school’s proximity to Chicagoland and connection to the region

Additional Markings
— “NIU” logo across the center clearly identifies the school and team to any viewer
— “Brigham Field” appears twice and is clearly visible in the white border
— MAC logos will be painted on prior to the season (same as currently)
NIU Associate Vice-President and Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier said that he has seen the passion that Huskie fans have for NIU Football during the social media campaign that has built up to Thursday’s final unveiling and wants to see that same dedication to attending games this fall.

“This topic has garnered great discussion among our fans and we’ve seen tremendous engagement on our social media channels. Frankly, I’m encouraged by what I have seen and heard,” Frazier said. “Obviously, we have many fans, alumni and students who have very strong feelings about NIU, which is outstanding. Now, we need our fans to show that their passion for our football program is as strong as their connection to the playing field. We need to see and hear it every time our team takes the field on that new turf this fall. I look forward to seeing all of them at the games.”

NIU will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Huskie Stadium in 2015, which opened in 1965, this season beginning at the season opener versus UNLV on Sept. 5. Season tickets for all six 2015 home games are available at prices starting at just $99, a 61 percent discount off the single game price. Other ticket options include two different three-game mini-plans for just $75, the new Huskie Family Pack, which includes four season tickets in sections A, B, F or G of Huskie Stadium for just $299 or the Young Alumni Ticket, with two East Side season tickets for $115 for all 2014-15 NIU graduates. Faculty and staff, senior citizens (62 and over) and NIU Alumni Association members can purchase season tickets for just $115.

To become an NIU season ticket holder and enjoy the best college football at the best value in Chicagoland six times this fall, go online to NIUHuskies.com/tickets or call 815-753-PACK (7225).

— NIU —