NIU Convocation Center Sports Fan Tips
NIU Convocation Center is a venue in or near Chicago that is most often used for Basketball
Best restaurants near NIU Convocation Center?
Check out The Huddles Restaurant. Fabulous burgers, ask for your fries to be made extra crispy. They have a fantastic homemade BBQ sauce and a variety of other dipping/topping sauces. Great atmosphere, reasonably priced. Another one to try with excellent breakfast and lunch options is The Junction Eating Place. Family owned with good food, attentive wait staff, and terrific prices. This is a nice, no frills establishment and locomotive based so awesome for kids.
NIU Convocation Center parking?
The Convocation Center has 3,000 parking spaces immediately surrounding it. No street parking or local parking is available. Parking prices range from $3-$5. Additional fees apply for buses, limos, and other large vehicles.
Best Food and Drink at NIU Convocation Center?
Concessions are available at select events. Concession stands are in the north and south lobbies. There are 5 windows at the North Lobby that offer a variety of menu items; such as pizza, hot dogs, fries, chicken tenders, polishes, and desserts. Average prices for food and beverages ranges from $3 to $6.
NIU Convocation Center seating?
All the seats can be folded up or extended as needed. There are two levels. There is a running track surrounding the court which is a fun design. The seating level before the running track offers for a pretty great view. The seats above the running track feel more removed but still a good view. The upper seats remain pushed back and unavailable for most games. On either level, it's engaging for guests and leaves a good view of the court.
What to expect from the NIU Convocation Center crowd?
The seating bowl is typically 80%-85% full and tends to fill up slowly leading up to tip off. The pep band is located behind the east basket which is also where the student seating section is. The students are pretty noisy and involved in the game and participate actively in the usual chants. The community is a great support to the team and you'll find that a large number of fans are parents and families with kids. Major family/kid friendly environment.
Safety at NIU Convocation Center?
The Convocation Center performs bag and wand searches on all guests. Security is managed in-house along with the DeKalb Police Department and Northern Illinois University Police to provide protection for the facility, guests, and players. Their security system features indoor and outdoor closed circuit TV cameras, monitors, door alarms, and outdoor security lighting.
Best Insider tip at NIU Convocation Center?
There's a fun play area set up for children before games consisting of a basketball hoop and an inflatable bounce house. So if you have kids, get there early to allow them time to play. Another great tip is that the venue is able to make accommodations for special needs from parking to seating and anything else you may need as long as you call ahead and give them notice.
Best Bars near NIU Convocation Center?
Fatty's Pub & Grill has great food, live music, games, and trivia. The Cajun potato salad is like a party in your mouth. Large appetizer menu, lots of food options – burgers, sandwiches, salads, chicken, soups, chili - there is something for anyone here. Reasonable prices and added bonus – over 110 beers and counting! Tapa La Luna is more of a higher end type of restaurant. Perfect for a date night or for a small group of friends. Globally inspired tapas and wines available and lots of menu options from unique appetizers, small or larger entrees, and an awesome waitstaff.