Go Big Red! A Fan’s Guide to Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Gameday

Join The Sea of Red during a Nebraska football game day at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Memorial Stadium. With a home sellout streak spanning over 400 games since 1962, Husker football fans have proven their dedication while forming a deep bench of in-game traditions. As another football season kicks off, secure your Nebraska Cornhuskers tickets or Memorial Stadium tickets and brush up on the biggest Nebraska football traditions and tailgating tips below.

Pre-Game Traditions

Before kickoff, there are several pregame rituals every Nebraska fan must observe. First, attend the free Pregame Spectacular performed by the Cornhusker Marching Band, otherwise known as The Pride of All Nebraska, at Memorial Stadium five hours prior to kickoff. If morning plans get in the way, catch the band again at Kimball Recital Hall one hour ahead of the game.

Two and a half hours before kickoff, fans gather outside Memorial Stadium to greet the players as part of The Unity Walk. Entering through Gate 20 near the Husker Legacy statue, the Nebraska football team passes through a tunnel formed by fans, the Cornhusker Marching Band and Nebraska Spirit Squad. With plenty of time still before the game, join a tailgate or explore can’t-miss landmarks on the Lincoln campus like Morrill Hall and the Maxwell Arboretum. Just make sure you get to your seat before The Tunnel Walk.

Tailgating Tips

On game day, a Husker football tailgate could be happening anywhere in Lincoln. Although many Nebraska fans assemble at popular hubs like the historic Haymarket District, 10th Street or The Railyard, pregame festivities line the path to Memorial Stadium. Meanwhile, tailgates taking place in on-campus parking lots typically open between four to six hours ahead of kickoff. Parking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis can be found in the Haymarket Park and Pinnacle Bank Arena lots, while paid parking ranging from $10 to $30 can be located in Haymarket Park and university parking lots east of 14th Street. Official on-campus tailgates include the Husker Fan Zone and The Bone Yard Tailgate.

For a premium Nebraska football tailgating experience, fans can request access to a Blur party or book the AKRS Champions Club via REVELxp. Elsewhere, the “Do the Dock” tailgate is open for free in the lobby of the Embassy Suites on P Street.

If you’re hosting a Husker tailgate, prepare to meet some friendly competition: a quirky tradition at each Nebraska football game day calls for a Tailgate of the Game winner. Gain favor with tailgate staples like the runza, a Nebraska-born delicacy of bread stuffed with seasoned beef, cabbage and onions. Next, wash it down with Lincoln-based brews from Boiler Brewing Company, Kinkaider Brewing Company or White Elm Brewing Company. Most importantly, cover yourself and your tailgate space in the team’s Scarlet and Cream colors.

Inside Memorial Stadium

Since Memorial Stadium’s opening in 1923, several in-game traditions have been passed from one generation of Nebraska football fans to the next. Before diving into The Sea of Red, make note of the big moments to look out for during a home game as well as the entry rules and bag policies for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football stadium.

The Tunnel Walk

When the opening notes of “Sirius” by The Alan Parsons Project begin to play, the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team is not far behind. For over a century, players have touched a ceremonial horseshoe hanging above the locker room before taking the field, while other aspects of the tradition have been added over the years like the iconic intro music and the preceding “Husker Power” cheer.

“Husker Power”

Perhaps the most famous cheer at a Nebraska football game, the “Husker Power” chant features opposite sides of Memorial Stadium taking one word each and shouting it back at each other. Together, the call-and-response “Husker Power” cheer signals The Tunnel Walk and makes for one powerful, fan-driven introduction.

Blackshirts 

Under head coach Bob Devaney in the ’60s, the starting Nebraska defense became known as The Blackshirts for their distinctive black jerseys at practice. The nickname carried into games, with players and fans embracing the intimidating label with skull-and-crossbones signs and a X-shaped hand gesture called “Throwing the Bones.”

Red Balloon Release

Let the balloons fly! After the first Nebraska touchdown at home, fans release red balloons from all across Memorial Stadium. The Cornhuskers tradition originated in 1963, and after several years on pause due to a global helium shortage, returned in 2024 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Nebraska’s 1994 championship. Going forward, balloon-raising will be brought back for select, special occasions.

“There is No Place Like Nebraska”

It’s easy to remember that “There is No Place Like Nebraska” on a Huskers football game day. After each touchdown, the Cornhuskers Marching Band performs the school fight song while fans sway their arms back and forth, creating massive ripples within The Sea of Red at Memorial Stadium.

Applauding the Visiting Team

No matter the final outcome, Nebraska fans traditionally applaud the opposing team as they exit the field. Meant as a gesture of good sportsmanship, the round of applause creates an unexpectedly positive postgame atmosphere between both teams’ fans.

Post-Game Activities

To keep the party going after a Nebraska football game day, head to Husker hotspots like the Haymarket District or The Railyard. For after-game eats, stop by local Lincoln favorites like Misty’s Steakhouse & Lounge, Yia Yia’s Gate 25, Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill and Barry’s Bar and Grill. At the same time, pubs that are ready to pour you another include Brewsky’s, The Old Pub and Harry’s Wonder Bar (try a Frosty Mug).

Nebraska Cornhuskers Game Day Schedule

Catch every moment of a Cornhuskers game day by checking out Nebraska’s regular season football schedule.