"There is no place like Nebraska, dear old Nebraska U. . ." This song is mystically carried by the wind throughout the state of Nebraska as the Husker football team takes to the field. Memorial Stadium is the only place to be on these enchanted fall afternoons as the stadium is transformed into the state's third-largest "city," where the "Best fans in College Football" come nationwide to be a part of the magic.
Nebraska's home sellout streak started on Nov. 3, 1962. Since that game, Husker fans from across the nation have poured into Memorial Stadium for an NCAA record 201-consecutive "sold-out" games. Last year's Homecoming game with Colorado marked the 200th straight home contest in which the Husker zealots have packed the venerable Memorial Stadium. Red-and-white clad Husker enthusiasts will make the "pilgrimage" to Lincoln for seven afternoon games this autumn, featuring three squads that played in bowl games a year ago.
Big Red "fever" not only affects the faithful who jam Memorial Stadium, but the "epidemic" spreads throughout the land as loyal legions of fans gather around radios and television sets to cheer on their beloved Huskers.
On game day, the pulse of the city quickens as chants of "Go Big Red" echo through the streets of Lincoln. Season after season, year after year, Memorial Stadium on the University of Nebraska campus is one of the truly special places to enjoy a college football game.
A year ago, a new tradition started at Husker games. With the addition of the HuskerVision replay boards and NU's new state-of-the-art sound system, Husker fans can now watch NU players make their way from the "tunnel walk," down Husker boulevard and onto the field, as the Allan Parson Project's "Sirius" brings the frenzied, sellout crowd to a feverish pitch.
Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Sports Information Office
July 1998 - The University of Nebraska quickly paid for a luxury box addition by selling the 10 closest to the 50-yard line for $2 million apiece.
THE ULTIMATE SPORTS ROAD TRIP
By: Andrew Kulyk & Peter Farrell
October 29, 2005 - When it comes to big time sports in the State of Nebraska, nothing, but NOTHING, beats out Nebraska Cornhuskers football. And here in Lincoln, the capital of Nebraska, Memorial Stadium stands proudly as the landmark on the northern edge of downtown, welcoming football fans from across the state. And Nebraska football has an amazing sellout streak, a current NCAA record, which began in 1962 and which will reach 275 games by the end of the 2005 season.
Lincoln has much of the feel of a college town…the stadium and campus are on the north end of the city, and the university blends in nicely with the downtown core and the state office buildings and facilities. Tucked adjacent to the campus is Historic Haymarket, an old warehouse district stretching over several blocks and bound by brick streets. The neighborhood is replete with antique and specialty shops, sidewalk cafes, sports bars, hotels and restaurants. On game days the streets are packed with fans and folks just looking for a good party.
Also not to be overlooked is Haymarket Park, just a ½ mile west of Memorial Stadium, another in the wave of retro minor league ballparks and home for Huskers Baseball and the independent league Lincoln Saltdogs. Their parking lots are open on game days for tailgating and the ballpark offers pregame entertainment and concession stands are also open for business.
Memorial Stadium opened in 1923 as a much smaller facility, and numerous expansions and upgrades bringing the venue to a capacity of over 81,000 by the 2006 season. The current renovations will include additional seating in the north end zone, state of the art video scoreboards and premium seating. Nonetheless, take a walk around the outside perimeter of the building, and much of the original façade remains in place just as it was when it was built. Inscriptions are carved above each corner of the stadium, commemorating those Nebraskans who served and sacrificed in conflicts going back to the Civil and Spanish American Wars.
In addition to a colorful tailgate scene, pregame activities include a music stage on the practice field north of the stadium and food stands a plenty. The west side of the stadium has a fine museum with plenty of photos and exhibits… definitely worth checking out.
One of the cool traditions here at Nebraska is the “Tunnel Walk”, where Cornhuskers players mingle with the fans through the end zone concourse as they make their way onto the field.
Besides the sea of red jersey clad fans, you know you are in a special place just by looking at the façade in the seating bowl and seeing the list of 5 national titles and 43 conference titles. The storied program boasts of many academic all-Americans and football stars.
Lincoln, Nebraska is off the beaten path in terms of America’s sports cities, but make no mistake – Nebraska Cornhuskers football is one of THE elite and special college football experience and a must see for the sports traveler. We would be happy to return here any time!
