Founded in 1899 in Charleston, Illinois, Eastern Illinois Panthers football has produced champions and quarterbacks who lit up Sundays. The Panthers captured the 1978 NCAA Division II national championship and finished national runner-up in 1980, then stacked Ohio Valley Conference titles in 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2012 and 2013, with frequent FCS playoff appearances.

Icons Tony Romo and Jimmy Garoppolo both won the Walter Payton Award while at EIU, a testament to the program's quarterback pedigree. Each fall, the Mid-America Classic against Illinois State fuels bragging rights across the state. O'Brien Field turns electric on game day as tailgates ring the stadium, the Panther Marching Band sets the tempo, and a loud student section drives the noise. If you want close-to-the-action seats and a community that knows its football, Panthers Country delivers.

Eastern Illinois Panthers Football Stadium and Game Day Information

Home venue: O'Brien Field on the Eastern Illinois University campus in Charleston, Illinois.
Capacity: 10,000 for college football games.
Parking: Campus lots around O'Brien Field and Lantz Arena offer general, permit, and ADA spaces, with limited day-of-game sales in select lots. Arrive early, check EIU Athletics for lot maps and pricing, and consider rideshare drop-off near Lantz Arena since public transit in Charleston is limited.
Nearby eats and attractions: Dirty's Bar and Grill, Pagliai's Pizza, Smoky's House BBQ, and Jackson Avenue Coffee are a short walk or quick ride from campus. Tarble Arts Center on campus and the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site are easy side trips.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eastern Illinois Panthers Football Tickets & 2026 Schedule Details

How much are Eastern Illinois Panthers Football tickets?

No matter what you're looking to spend, Vivid Seats has tickets to fit your budget. Currently, EIU tickets start at $. Prices vary by opponent, date, seat location, and game type (regular season, rivalry, bowl games, playoffs). All EIU tickets are backed by the Vivid Seats 100% Buyer Guarantee.

Where do the EIU play?

The EIU play home games at O'Brien Field.

Can I buy parking passes for Eastern Illinois Panthers Football games?

Vivid Seats has Eastern Illinois Panthers Football parking tickets for Eastern Illinois Panthers Football home games at O'Brien Field.

When do Eastern Illinois Panthers Football tickets go on sale each year?

Regular-season tickets typically become available after the NCAA Football schedule is released, typically in the summer. Check back often as inventory updates throughout the season.

Can I buy suite tickets for Eastern Illinois Panthers Football home games at O'Brien Field?

Yes, Eastern Illinois Panthers Football suite tickets are often available for Eastern Illinois Panthers Football home games at O'Brien Field, although availability varies by matchup and demand. Select your game, then use the map and filters to view suites, club, or box listings.

What do suites and club seats include at O'Brien Field for Eastern Illinois Panthers Football games?

Amenities vary by listing, but suites and clubs at O'Brien Field commonly include private entry, luxurious seating, TVs, Wi-Fi, and a private restroom. Review each listing’s notes for seat quantity, parking passes, and food and beverage details before checkout.

When do Eastern Illinois Panthers Football playoff tickets go on sale?

>p>Eastern Illinois Panthers Football postseason tickets become available on Vivid Seats once official bowl or playoff matchups are announced. Inventory updates as teams qualify, so check back often for the latest options.

Is Vivid Seats legit for Eastern Illinois Panthers Football tickets?

Yes! Vivid Seats is a trusted ticket marketplace used by over 100 million fans. When you buy Eastern Illinois Panthers Football tickets on Vivid Seats, every order is backed by our 100% Buyer Guarantee. That means your purchase is safe, your tickets will arrive before the event, and they'll be valid or your money back.

Are tickets guaranteed on Vivid Seats?

Absolutely. Every Eastern Illinois Panthers Football ticket sold on Vivid Seats comes with our 100% Buyer Guarantee, which ensures:

Your transaction will be secure.
Your tickets will be delivered before your event.
Your tickets will be valid and authentic or your money back.

Our mission is to make buying EIU tickets stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your event.

Are fees included in the price I see on Vivid Seats?

Vivid Seats uses All-In Pricing, so you'll see the full cost of a EIU ticket, including fees, upfront as you shop. No surprises at checkout.

Will my group be seated together?

Yes, we guarantee that tickets purchased together will be together, unless otherwise noted in the listing.

What happens if my event is canceled or postponed?

If your event is canceled, you'll receive a full refund. If an event has been postponed or rescheduled, rest assured that your tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date. For some rescheduled events, the primary source of the tickets will reissue all previously purchased tickets with new bar codes. If this occurs, the seller will notify us, and we will deliver new tickets to you and remind you to discard your old tickets.

Does Vivid Seats have a rewards program?

Yes! Vivid Seats offers a leading ticket loyalty program: Vivid Seats Rewards. Fans earn credit on every purchase, which can be redeemed for future tickets. The more events you attend, the more perks you can unlock:

A free 11th ticket after 10 purchases
Birthday rewards
Seat upgrades and VIP parties
Exclusive experiences like on-ice or on-field passes to your favorite team

What are the best seats at O'Brien Field for EIU games?

The best seats at O'Brien Field for EIU games are typically near midfield in the lower bowl. Fans looking for value often prefer upper-level seats between the 30-yard lines for a full-field view and lively crowd atmosphere.

How can I watch the Eastern Illinois Panthers Football?

NCAA football games air across ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and each conference’s dedicated network (like SEC Network or Big Ten Network). Streaming options may also be available via ESPN+ or Peacock.

What time do doors open for Eastern Illinois Panthers Football home games?

Gates for Eastern Illinois Panthers Football games typically open 90 minutes to 2 hours before kickoff.

Eastern Illinois Panthers Football Schedule and Ticket Prices

Eastern Illinois Panthers Football Dates will be displayed below for any announced 2026 Eastern Illinois Panthers Football dates. For all available tickets and to find events near you, scroll to the listings at the top of this page.

DATE	CITY	VENUE	LOWEST PRICE
08/27/2026	Murray, KY	Roy Stewart Stadium	$58
09/03/2026	Minneapolis, MN	Huntington Bank Stadium	$57
09/19/2026	Normal, IL	Hancock Stadium	$111
10/10/2026	Boiling Springs, NC	Ernest W Spangler Stadium	$47
10/17/2026	Peoria, IL	Dozer Park	$47
10/31/2026	Martin, TN	Graham Stadium	$58
11/14/2026	Nashville, TN	Nissan Stadium	$96
11/21/2026	Charleston, IL	O'Brien Stadium	$47