Sept. 28, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's football game at Ryan Field against Miami (Ohio) on Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. gives college football fans the best ticket deal of the season. For every adult end zone ticket purchased at $25, fans will receive two free children's tickets in the end zone. That breaks down to less than $9 per person for a Big Ten Conference football game. This offer is only valid on the day of the game so stop by the special Take A Kid to the Game Ticket Booth outside Gate J beginning at 9 a.m. to purchase your tickets. Children must be in the eighth grade and under.
Once you have your tickets enjoy all of the pageantry of college football beginning with the free pregame fan fest area, Wildcat Alley, which is located just a few yards north of the stadium. Wildcat Alley features the NU Marching Band, cheerleaders, Willie the Wildcat, interactive games, Wildcat varsity teams, the AthletiCo Skill Zone, face painting, the Goose Island Beer Garden and much more.
If you are looking for a place to tailgate with friends, check out the free parking in the North Beach Lot near Sheridan and Lincoln, which is the closest public parking lot to Ryan Field. In addition to traditional tailgating activities put on by fans, the Wildcats will have a DJ spinning tunes up until the start of the game. It's a short walk to the stadium on a nice fall day or fans can take the free shuttle buses to and from the game.
"We are trying to provide a variety of tailgating options so we can appeal to as many fans as possible," said Tracie Hitz, associate athletic director for sales and marketing. "We are always adding elements to Wildcat Alley and this year we are focusing on the North Beach Lot, including a jumbotron showing games before the Penn State and Wisconsin games."
Once you are inside the stadium, all fans can enjoy Walker Terrace in the north end zone. The Terrace features games, photo opportunities and picnic tables all while still enjoying a unique view of the game. During halftime, fans can win Chipotle burritos by taking on Wildcat coaches in the Chipotle Challenge bean bag game.
If you need something while you are at the game, stop by the Harris Bank Helper Stations located on Walker Terrace and inside Gates E and P or ask the closest Wildcat usher for help.
Let us know what you think about your Wildcat Football gameday experience by filling out the online fan survey. Everyone who completes a survey is automatically entered for a chance to win $500 with a new winner selected every month.
We want to hear from you as well as see you, so please e-mail wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu with photos of your Wildcat spirit at the football games and we will post them on our Northwestern Athletics Facebook page. Randomly selected fans each month will have the chance to attend a football practice and meet Coach Fitz this season. You can also get to know Coach Fitz by following him on Twitter!