DeKALB, Ill. – All Northern Illinois University fans, alumni and local community members are invited to join the NIU football coaching staff, current student-athletes, including consensus All-American Sutton Smith and Academic All-American Max Scharping, and Huskie stars of the past, including current NFL Huskie Kenny Golladay and Tommylee Lewis for "NIU Football Stories from the Sidelines" on Sunday, February 18 from 3-5 p.m. in Altgeld Auditorium on the NIU campus.

Golladay (Detroit Lions), Lewis (New Orleans Saints) and Ryan Diem (Indianapolis Colts, retired) have joined the program for this special event and will be part of the panel discussion. Golladay just completed his first season with the Lions, Lewis saw significant time in his second season in New Orleans, while Diem spent 11 seasons with the Colts. 
 
Tickets for this afternoon celebrating the past, present and future of Huskie football are $75 per person or $550 for a table of eight.  Everyone in attendance will have a chance to meet and interact with the student-athletes, former student-athletes and coaches. There will be a silent auction, a cash bar, and heavy hors d'ouvres will be served. 
 
During the afternoon, fans will learn about the newest class of Huskies signed in December and February, get a preview of the 2018 team going into spring football, and meet and mingle with the 2018 NIU coaching staff.  Beginning at 4 p.m., the program, moderated by "Voice of the Huskies" Bill Baker, will feature both the former Huskies and current players providing an inside look into their time in a Huskie uniform.  Fans in attendance will also have a chance to submit questions for the players and coaches.
 
This exclusive season ticket member event takes the place of the Signing Day Party after the addition of the December signing period in 2017 altered the recruiting calendar. To register, CLICK HERE or call the Huskie Athletic Fund at 815-753-1923.  Altgeld Auditorium is located on the second floor of Altgeld Hall – the main administration building on the NIU campus - with free parking available in the nearby lots. Registration closes on Monday, February 12, so reserve your place today.
 
NIU finished the 2017 season with an 8-5 record and played in the postseason for the ninth time in the last 10 years.   In 2018, the Huskies will return 15 starters off the team that claimed the first win by a Mid-American Conference team over Nebraska in Memorial Stadium in September.  NIU opens the 2018 season on Saturday, Sept. 1 at Iowa.  Season tickets for the 2018 campaign go on sale February 1. 
 
-- NIU --