Oct. 5, 2008

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern is undefeated heading into its Big Ten home opener this weekend, so you won't want to miss the remaining action at Ryan Field. Take advantage of the Big Ten Three-Pack Plan to receive one ticket to Wildcat home games against Michigan State (2:30 p.m., Oct. 11), Purdue (11 a.m., Oct. 18) and Illinois (time TBA, Nov. 22) for only $120. That's $30 off the single-game ticket prices. By purchasing a Three-Pack Plan you also will receive preferred seating over single-game ticket purchasers.

Plus, members of the Wildcat football team will be giving away FREE purple t-shirts to all fans who purchase the Three-Pack Plan during the Wildcats' extended Ticket Office hours this Thursday. Arrive between 5 and 7 p.m. to meet members of the team, purchase tickets and receive your free purple t-shirt.

Wildcat alums who graduated between 2004 and 2008 are encouraged to take advantage of the Three-Pack Plan in order to guarantee their seats in Section 135 near the student section. When young alums use the exclusive promo code when ordering on NUsports.com, they will receive this special seating. To receive the code, please e-mail wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu. Tickets must be ordered by noon on Friday, Oct. 10.

If you can't make it to all of the Wildcats' home games, you can still enjoy the gameday experience by purchasing single-game tickets. Good seats are still available for all of the home games except Ohio State. Tickets start as low as $35 and are less if you bring a group of 50 or more. Tickets for these groups are only $25 each for sideline seats and they will also receive five free game programs and a welcome message on the scoreboard during the game.

In addition to cheering on the 'Cats, fans can also enjoy all of the fun that surrounds a Wildcat gameday. Special fan elements at the Three-Pack Plan games include:

Michigan State (October 11th at 2:30 p.m.)
• The Wildcat Wrestling and Field Hockey teams at Wildcat Alley
• Special Boy and Girl Scout activities at Wildcat Alley and during the game
• The Wildcats' 1949 Rose Bowl Team honored
• Foam noodles distributed to select fans compliments of American Airlines
• Player of the Year awards presented to Hannah Nielsen of the Wildcats' National Champion Lacrosse team
• Field Hockey and Wrestling coaches featured in the Chipotle Challenge on Walker Terrace at halftime

Purdue (October 18th at 11 a.m.)
• The Men's and Women's Basketball teams at Wildcat Alley
• Former Wildcats Steve Tasker (NFL Pro Bowler), John Kidd (NFL Punter) and Chris Hinton (NFL Pro Bowler) will be honored before the game
• Pat Fitzgerald's College Football Hall of Fame recognition before the game
• 15,000 Fitz Fans distributed to fans on the way into the stadium
• Coach Carmody and Coach McKeown featured in the Chipotle Challenge on Walker Terrace at halftime
• Meet former Wildcat swimmer and Olympic gold and silver medalist Matt Grevers
• On Walker Terrace during halftime, get autographs and pictures with Steve Schnur, the Wildcats' quarterback of the 1995 & 1996 Big Ten Championship teams
• Crowning of the Homecoming Court at halftime

Illinois (November 22nd)
• The Softball and Baseball teams at Wildcat Alley
• 12,500 stocking caps distributed to fans on the way into the stadium compliments of U.S. Cellular
• Softball and Baseball coaches featured in the Chipotle Challenge on Walker Terrace at halftime
• On Walker Terrace during halftime, get autographs and pictures with former Wildcat greats

In addition to these special gameday elements, fans can always enjoy the staples of a Wildcat Football gameday. Walk With Us is a Wildcat tradition that started in 2006 to honor late head coach Randy Walker by joining the band, cheerleaders, Willie the Wildcat and other Wildcat fans on Walker Way two-and-a-half hours before the game to greet the team when they arrive at Ryan Field.

Plus, this is your chance to catch the official Walk with Us t-shirt from the cheerleaders!

After greeting the team, fans head over to Wildcat Alley to take part in several other fan-friendly and family-friendly pregame festivities. There will be a bevy of activities taking place, including face painting, interactive games, the AthletiCo Skill Zone, contests, giveaways, the Goose Island Beer Garden, a performance by the Marching Band, Hecky's BBQ and more. Best of all, Wildcat Alley gives fans a chance to create special memories with unique opportunities like having their picture taken with some of the Wildcats' Big Ten Championship trophies, meeting Willie the Wildcat, hanging out with NU sports teams and having their cell phones engraved with the Wildcat logo. And if you are a young fan experiencing a football gameday at Ryan Field for the first time, you can have a personalized certificate made to commemorate the day.

The fun doesn't stop when Wildcat Alley shuts down because there are even more activities on Walker Terrace during the game. This mini-Wildcat Alley is open to all fans at no charge and allows fans to play while also watching the game. During halftime Wildcat coaches compete against fans in the Chipotle Challenge, which means they you have a chance to win Chipotle burrito coupons if you beat our coaches in the bean bag toss!

Bring your friends and your family out to Ryan Field for an unforgettable afternoon of fun and football. The Wildcats appreciate the fan support and they are sure to show it by singing the fight song near the WildSide student section after every victory at Ryan Field.

For more information or to purchase tickets, NUsports.com, 847.491.CATS or cat- tix@northwestern.edu.

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