One of the facts that can help illustrate how Nebraska football gamedays are simply different from any other college football gameday throughout the country is that when the Huskers are playing in Memorial Stadium on a Saturday (or sometimes a Friday) that for a few hours it is considered the third largest city in the entire state.
On a Husker Saturday, the city ranking by population is:
1. Omaha, NE
2. Lincoln, NE
3. Memorial Stadium in Lincoln
4. Grand Island, NE
5. Kearney, NE
That is my attempt
to set the stage if you plan on attending a Nebraska football game at Memorial Stadium this coming season.
Before we start I do have to tell you to wear Red. That is unless you’re a fan of the visiting team. Otherwise, might as well join the “Sea of Red.”
So without further ado, below is my best attempt at a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know if you plan on going to a Nebraska football game in Lincoln.
First: The Bare Necessities
Assuming you have your tickets, here are some need to know bits from the Huskers.com website. Click here if you want to see more information otherwise here are a few of the things that would have wanted to know if I was going to my first Nebraska game.
- Gates Open 90 minutes before kickoff
- No Re-entry: Prior to 2025 what a lot of fans would do is leave at halftime and go back out to their tailgate spot and then go back in. Well that is no longer an option. Once you exit after scanning your ticket then your ticket is invalid.
- Clear Bag Policy: One clear plastic bag or one-gallon clear Ziploc-style freezer bag plus one small personal “clutch” bag. No backpacks, large purses or fanny packs.
- Alcohol: Sold in the stadium but requires a photo ID for every purchase.
- Everything is Cashless: Everything purchased in the stadium requires the use of a debit or credit card.
Sell Out Streak: It’s Still Going but for How Long?
One of the great claims to fame for Nebraska football fans is that the Huskers have sold out every home game since 1962.
That sell out streak is currently sitting at 410 consecutive sellouts.
That does not always mean that the stadium will be completely full, but it means that every ticket was sold. Now sometimes donors will buy up remaining tickets or local businesses will do so as well just to keep the sellout streak going.
If Nebraska football improves and can turn itself back into a Top 15 program, which I do not think should be too much to ask, then the sell out streak will be taken care of easily.
However, if they continue to struggle like they have over the past decade then at some point the sell out streak just needs to die.
At this point season tickets can still be purchased for Nebraska football games but for those who aren’t interested in season tickets there is a mini-plan they are offering. This is from Huskers.com:
In addition to the season ticket availability, fans will have any opportunity to purchase 2026 three and four-game mini plans beginning on June 9. The three-game mini-plan allows fans to choose two Big Ten games and one non-conference game, and will be sold for $185. The four-game plan for $225 includes a pair of Big Ten games and two non-conference contests. Single-game tickets will be available for purchase on Tuesday, June 30.
Check the Weather Before You Go
The south has heat and humidity all year long.
The west has 70s and sunny.
The north has frigid temperatures and snow.
If you go to every Nebraska game during a football season then you likely will experience them all.
It is very possible that Nebraska’s first game this season against Ohio could be in the 90s where everybody is sweating and the emergency services are doing wellness checks because it is so hot in the stands.
It is also extremely possible that the last home game of the season against Ohio State on November 21st could be snow and negative temperatures.
We have it all in Nebraska. So I suggest checking the weather and dressing appropriately.
Sidetrack Band: Check Them Out
The Sidetrack Band is legendary for playing the night before a game at the old Sidetrack Lounge.
Joyce Durand started the band in 1980 after opening her bar the Sidetrack Lounge. She passed in 2020 at the age of 84 but the band is still trying to live on. She sold the bar around 2001. They have now been performing at 10th and P at the same building (935 O Street) through transition in ownerships starting with Single Barrel, Rosie’s and now Big 10.
Everybody I know that has gone to hear them play has said that they have a great time.
A friend of mine even said she got their (while Joyce was still with us) autographs.
While they used to play the nights before games, it is my understanding that they play only on gamedays now. They still enjoy the “rush” of Nebraska fans coming in to watch them play.
Parking for a Husker Game Is Not Great but there are Options
It would be great if there was a parking lot surrounding Memorial Stadium that would be comparable to the parking lot outside of Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
But there is not. In fact, I have always parked in and around the neighborhoods on 23rd and Vine Street and then walk to Memorial Stadium. It is about a 20-25 minute walk to Memorial Stadium from there but it is free.
There are other options around Memorial Stadium but a lot of the parking spots are already spoken for or are meant for donors. If there is a parking garage or parking lot that is near the stadium it is almost always reserved for donors.
There are some available parking garages that open six hours before kickoff and can be $15-25. Check out this parking lot map to see where some of the general admission lots are for gamedays.
Tailgates: Just Start Walking Around but Maybe Start Here…
On the east side of Memorial Stadium there is a large parking lot. It’s in the shape of a large ‘U’. It butts up right to the stadium. If you aren’t shy and would love to meet some great Husker fans I suggest starting there.
Nebraska fans are well known to be overly generous and friendly to opposing fans so I suggest walking up and introducing yourself. If the ‘U’ parking lot doesn’t work out just make your way two any of the other sides of the stadium and find some tailgaters.
The Tunnel Walk
Growing up and going to a lot of Nebraska football games, I was always looking forward to the Tunnel Walk.
The players are on the field going early during their warmups prior to the game but about 15 minutes before the game the players all leave the field to go back to the locker room for one last chat with the head coach.
Then with about eight minutes left before the game is to start you will hear chants of “Husker!” and “Power!” depending upon which side of the stadium you are sitting.
Then the rumbling sound of the Tunnel Walk starts. The uninitiated know the Tunnel Walk sound as “Sirius” by the Allan Parson’s Project.
There was one season where they tried changing the tunnel walk and it did not go over well. I for one actually thought it was awesome. Nebraska changed it back to the original and it continues to this day though they like to play with the music a bit but it is still worth your time.
It starts with the rumbling and then there is the usual graphics and highlight reel. Then we get the live video feed of the players walking down the tunnel from the locker room and the stadium goes wild. Nebraska was the original and all other schools try to copy it but fail in comparison.
This alone is the reason to make sure you get in the stadium early.
Seats are Small
Yep. It true that we really do not fit in these seats anymore. The last few times I have shown up to the game (right before the Tunnel Walk) I am looking for seats #6 and #7 in my row. Then I look down and I see seats #5 and half of seat #6.
This is something they definitely need to change when it comes to the upcoming renovations. I’ve said multiple times that they can keep the physical rows the same but just cut off a seat or two and then all the sudden I’m more likely to show up to games.
At this point, I generally only come with my kids who are younger because it’s easier to fit.
It kind of feels like trying to sit in an airplane but smaller.
The Old Style Seat Back Chairs are the Worst
While on the subject, it used to be that people could rent the old seat back chairs. Now I see more of the upright seat back chairs that people bringing in to the game. I have no problems with the new ones. It is the old ones that I hate.
The people who rent those, for some reason, feel they can lounge back into my knees. Like above, it reminds me of sitting on an airplane where people put their seat all the way back into my face.
Maybe we should have a controlled burn of all the old style seat back chairs at the fifty yard line after the season is over. Maybe that will get rid of the Frank Solich curse.
But maybe they are no longer allowed but I just haven’t noticed.
Still we should burn the chairs.
Show after the Third Quarter: It’s a Good Time
Between the third and the fourth quarter there is a light show.
A couple seasons ago there were whispers of something happening after the third quarter of the first home night game of the season. I was at that game.
At the end of the third quarter everybody was still in their seat and then all the sudden the lights went out.
Complete darkness. Then AC/DC Thunderstruck started playing. Lights started flashing and you couldn’t help but feel young again.
The best part was looking down at the field and players from both teams were definitely enjoying themselves. There were no team huddles. Both teams were dancing to the light show. The Huskers use drones to do some impressive things above north stadium, which is not my cup of tea but it is still impressive.
Like so many college football programs doing their version of the Tunnel Walk, I think this was Nebraska trying their own version of “Jump Around” by Wisconsin.
Major Renovations are Coming
After this season, south stadium is going to see some major renovations and things are going to look a lot different. So if you read this for the 2027 season then just be aware of potential headaches.
Here is a illustration and view of what is to come for South Stadium.
Where Should You Eat?
There are a ton of options in Lincoln. The traditional local favorite for those who have not been to Nebraska or to Lincoln are (this is not an exhaustive list):
- Valentino’s Pizza: I love this pizza but it is expensive. I know a lot of people who do not love this pizza. You can find slices of it in the stadium on game days.
- Runza: Probably one of the “bucket list” items for people who are not from Nebraska. They are known for their Runzas which is a mixture of beef, cabbage and onions stuffed in some bread. The chain restaurant has a bunch of different variations.
- Amigos: I’m not sure you can call it “Mexican” food anymore but is it dependable for some straight forward soft tacos later at night.
Other places I might suggest:
- Muchachos: Great guy. His place is close to downtown Lincoln and does a BBQ/Mexican fusion. Very popular.
- D’Leons: Open 24/7. Burritos and tacos. I suggest the Hashbrown Burrito.
- La Kripa (Indian & Nepali Cuisine): My wife and I’s favorite Indian restaurant in Lincoln. We are new to Indian food but we love this place.
- Misty’s: A Steakhouse and a lot of people love.
- Round the Best Steakhouse: I know the owner, so I’m biased, but it’s halfway between Lincoln and Omaha. They are known for their portion sizes and it is the home of the Testical Festival.
- Lazlo’s Brewery:
- Ginger: Likely Lincoln’s Best Sushi Restaurant. It also has a Mongolian Grill. Good stuff.
- Casa Bovina: I have not been but it’s an Italian inspired menu that uses Nebraska beef. Hard to beat that.
- Lead Belly: Some say it’s the best burger in Lincoln.
- Honest Abe’s: Other’s say this is the best burger in Lincoln.
- Ty’s BBQ and Smashy’s: This place is starting to get a following in Lincoln. I have no been to it yet but it is out of a gas station I believe and it is real good.
- Buzzard Billy’s: A cajun option for Lincoln.
