Getting There
The primary gateway for DeKalb is Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), located approximately 62 miles east via I-88 West. Driving from ORD takes roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes under normal traffic conditions and is by far the most practical option for sports fans. Rideshare services like Uber operate the ORD-to-DeKalb route with an average fare around $100 and a trip time of about 65 minutes, making it a viable if pricey alternative to renting a car.
Getting Around
DeKalb is a small college city with limited public transit infrastructure, and most venues, bars, and restaurants are spread out enough that a car or rideshare is strongly recommended. Uber and Lyft both operate in DeKalb, though availability can be limited late at night after games, so plan pickups in advance. The Annie Glidden Road corridor near campus and the Lincoln Highway commercial strip are close enough to Huskie Stadium that fans staying nearby can walk to the game.
Where to Stay
The best area for sports fans is the Annie Glidden Road and Lincoln Highway corridor immediately adjacent to the NIU campus, which puts you within easy walking distance of Huskie Stadium. Options here include the Home2 Suites by Hilton DeKalb at 575 S. Annie Glidden Rd. and the Comfort Inn DeKalb University Area, both within a 10-minute walk of the stadium. Hotel rates in DeKalb are affordable by college-town standards, with rooms typically starting around $70-$100 per night, though game weekends can push prices higher and availability is limited, so book early. Fans looking for overflow options can check Sycamore, just 4 miles away, where budget motels like Motel 6 offer lower rates.
Sports Fan Notes
DeKalb is a true single-sport college football destination, with NIU Huskies games at Huskie Stadium forming the entire anchor of the local sports calendar. The Huskies compete in the MAC (Mid-American Conference) and have a history of punching above their weight, including a Fiesta Bowl appearance, which gives the fan base a genuine underdog pride worth experiencing. Visiting fans should know that the bar scene on Lincoln Highway and around the downtown corridor, including spots like Otto's and The House Cafe, serves as the pre- and post-game hub. For fans wanting a multi-sport weekend, Chicago is roughly an hour east and offers the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks depending on the season.
Venues in DeKalb
NIU Convocation Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from ORD to downtown DeKalb?
The fastest and most practical option is to rent a car at ORD and drive roughly 62 miles west on I-90/I-88, which takes about 1 hour 10 minutes under normal traffic. Uber averages around $100 and 65 minutes for the trip. A Greyhound bus route exists but requires transferring in downtown Chicago, making the total journey over 3 hours and costing $8-$90 depending on timing — practical only if you have no other option.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in DeKalb for a sports trip?
Stay on the Annie Glidden Road and Lincoln Highway corridor adjacent to the NIU campus. This area is within walking distance of Huskie Stadium, close to the main pregame bar scene, and has the highest concentration of hotels in the city, including the Home2 Suites and Comfort Inn University Area. It keeps you car-free for game day and close to the postgame action.
Which sports teams play in DeKalb?
DeKalb is home to the Northern Illinois Huskies football team (NCAAF), who play at Huskie Stadium on the NIU campus. The Huskies compete in the MAC West Division and have a history of notable bowl appearances, making them one of the more competitive mid-major programs in college football.
Is DeKalb a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, DeKalb is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Kansas City, Missouri, roughly 500 miles southwest of DeKalb.
Sports cities near DeKalb
Close enough to pair with a DeKalb trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.