© 2024 WNIJ and WNIU
Northern Public Radio
801 N 1st St.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-9000
Northern Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Tension Arises Over NIU Cannon Removal, Possible Relocation

WNIJ

Northern Illinois University Athletics announced the cannon that would signify a touchdown at home games will no longer be in the stadium starting this season.

But how is the community and student body responding?

NIU will replace the cannon with a hospitality tent on one end zone and a fireworks show on the other...but not everyone is happy about the stadium renovations.

Amanda Shaffer is a senior education major at NIU. She created the petition addressed to three NIU officials -- including President Doug Baker -- for the cannon almost two weeks ago.

It has garnered more than 900 signatures since then.

 "And every time someone signs, all three of them now get an e-mail,” Shaffer said. “So I'm sure they're enjoying their inbox."

Supporters to the petition say home game attendance has been an issue and there's no need to take away the cannon tradition for an additional suite.

But NIU officials -- like associate athletics director Donna Turner -- say taking away the cannon altogether was not their intent.

"Um, we have been made aware of the petition, and...eliminate was not the word we used," Turner said. 

Turner says nothing is set in stone, but there is discussion about alternatives for either the cannon or the National Guard's involvement in future games. 

But opposers say better seating could bring in more wealthy fans...who could eventually become big donors.

Construction for the Endzone Club's patio at the stadium has already begun. It will be ready in time for the first game is Sept. 5.