Nov. 1, 2006

DeKalb, Ill. - Tuesday night's ESPN2 game between Mid-American Conference foes Northern Illinois and Toledo in Huskie Stadium will have a special "opening act" as long-time Chicago favorites "Marty Casey & The Lovehammers" will perform a pre-game concert on the stadium's East Side.

The pre-game concert will take place in a tent on the East Side of Huskie Stadium beginning at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7 on the Northern Illinois campus, and is presented by NIU Athletics, Fatty's Pub and Grill and the Northern Star Radio. Tickets into the tent are $5 for general admission, while a $10 VIP ticket includes food and beverages along with the concert. Tickets can be purchased at the NIU Convocation Center and at Fatty's Pub and Grill in DeKalb.

The Huskies and Rockets will square off in front of a national television audience on ESPN2 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Huskie Stadium. John Saunders, Doug Flutie and Craig James will call the game for the network as NIU will enjoy "prime time" exposure as the only football game scheduled for Tuesday night. Fans are encouraged to come out early for their chance to appear on national television while supporting the Huskies (5-4, 3-2) in their second-to-last home game of the year. Tickets for the game are on sale at the NIU Athletics Ticket Office in the Convocation Center, on-line at www.niuhuskies.com, over the phone at 312-559-1212 and through all Ticketmaster outlets.

"Marty Casey & The Lovehammers" are led by lead singer Marty Casey, who enjoyed a remarkable run on last summer's hit television show "Rock Star: INXS." Casey became a fan favorite with his electrifying performances and his single "Trees" was a No. 1 download on msn.com. The entire band performs an amped up version of "Trees" and other exciting new tracks now available on their major label debut CD, "Marty Casey & Lovehammers."

Once inside the stadium, the halftime entertainment will feature more traditional football bands as both the Northern Illinois and Toledo bands will perform, while halftime closes with a fireworks show.

For more information on the game or to purchase tickets, go to www.niuhuskies.com.

-- NIU --