EIU Will Have Several Tailgating Opportunities This Season

Eastern Illinois football fans will have several options for parking and tailgating for the upcoming season which kicks off next Thursday, Sept. 1 against Western Illinois.

Returning this year, fans will be able to reserve a 40x40 designated tailgate spot in EIU's tent city for use by their group for $40 per game  (group must supply their own tent, tables and chairs).  This cost will also allow for one vehicle to park in that area to upload and set up that group's tailgate supplies prior to tailgate opening.  Interested groups can contact Trevor Bittenbender, tlbittenbender@eiu.edu or 217-581-7151 to reserve one of these prime location spots.  The number of available spots is limited per game.  (Homecoming will have an even more limited number of spots available to reserve).  Payment can be done by credit card and must be received no later than Thursday at 3 pm the week of the game.

Once again this year fans may pay to park in the grass lot located between the O'Brien Field parking lot and the EIU Facilities/Operations fence line.  These spots are available for $20 per vehicle with money collected at the entrance.

Panther Club member parking is available based on designated giving levels.  The O'Brien Field parking lot (to the west of the stadium) is designated for Panther Club members with Gray level parking with Tailgate Alley set up along the back rows.   The J Lot (just north of the stadium) is reserved for Panther Club members with Blue level parking.   All Panther Club members should have received their membership parking pass for the upcoming season.  If you have questions on your membership level or to join the Panther Club – call 217-581-2310.

Free parking is available to fans attending games with spots available in the grass lot west of the football practice fields and the paved lots located south of the campus pond.  Entrances to the gravel lot are located off of 4th street and through the Facilities/Operations entrance on Grant Street.

Billy's Backyard Kid's Zone will be located inside the south end zone during the entire day of every home game this season with Billy's Backyard opening 90 minutes prior to kickoff each game.   The area will include inflatable bounce houses, obstacle course and other kid friendly games.

Season and single game tickets are on sale by calling the EIU ticket office at 217-581-2106 or online atwww.eiupanthertickets.com