NIU to keep up to $500K of gate at US Cellular grid match

DEKALB, Ill. (AP) - Northern Illinois University will keep up to $500,000 in revenue from its football contest in November at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.

The (DeKalb) Daily Chronicle reports (http://bit.ly/1nlmgDY ) that NIU has inked an agreement with the stadium's owner, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. Any revenue over $500,000 will be split with the authority.

The Huskies drew an average 14,000 fans at six home games last year with revenue of $229,000. NIU athletic director Sean Frazier says it's not unrealistic to expect 30,000 fans in Chicago.

The Nov. 9 game with Toledo has been dubbed the Chi-Town Showdown - the first gridiron matchup on the home field of the Chicago White Sox.

The sports facilities authority will collect on concessions, catering, alcohol and parking. But NIU may sell Huskie paraphernalia.

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Information from: The Daily Chronicle, http://www.daily-chronicle.com