Seth A.
Yelp
I had a thrilling experience attending a college football game here at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, one of the most iconic football universities in all the United States.
Although the game was against Rutgers, who may not be the most popular opponent on Nebraska's Big 10 schedule, it was still a Memorial Stadium sellout with over 87,000 in attendance. And to say it was a "sea of red" would be putting things lightly, lol.
One thing, I initially purchased a ticket on StubHub for Section 23 and Row 42 down in the lower bowl section. It cost $66 with taxes and fees. Unfortunately the seller of the ticket never warned me that there were significant obstructions of views. And when I arrived at my seat, I was disappointed. But..I quickly pivoted and purchased another seat back on StubHub ($40) in the 600 level. Wow, lol, I didn't know 600 level sections existed in stadiums, but I believe that's the case at major colleges like here in Nebraska, Penn State, LSU and Georgia. Yet, the 600 level offered terrific views. I didn't think it was too high up. I could see the entire field and...there were actual comfortable seat backs and not bleacher style benches. Back in Section 23 were old fashioned benches. So don't be deceived by where you may sit. I give my blessings to the 600 section, lol.
Regardless...I had an amazing time. And I'm from Florida, I'm just a fan of college football. No allegiances or attachments or loyalties. Purely here for the love of the game.
The gates to Memorial Stadium open 90 minutes before kickoff. Outside the stadium is plenty of tailgating around the grounds. Nebraska players get welcomed and walk through the Athletic Hall of Fame and enter Tom Osborne Plaza (the famous Nebraska coach who put Nebraska on the football map) before the game. Fans surround the Hall of Fame walkway and cheer proudly.
For parking for the game, I found a random side street about 1 mile away from Memorial Stadium. So I got to park for free and do a little walking myself which I didn't mind on a beautiful early fall, October day. I did see parking lots nearby the stadium for $25 entry.
Pregame introductions were terrific. There were fireworks blasting off from one of the end zones as things got started. That added to the electricity. I was told that there would be an epic flyover by the military, but that never happened. That's okay.
I liked how fans chanted "husker" from one side of the stadium, and the other side responded with... "power". It displayed good unity.
Every 3rd down for Rutgers had Nebraska fans standing up and out of their seats and making noise against the road opponent. But that is typical at most games. Still, I guess, Nebraska only giving up 7 points in this one had me feeling like the crowd willed the Cornhuskers defense to the win.
Extra notes I can think of...
- They sold game day programs for $5. Wow, I didn't think those existed anymore, lol.
- Staff were actually checking tickets for the 600 level. If you didn't have a seat in the 600's, you were denied access to the escalators. That was surprising. Usually no one makes a fuss about who sits where in the upper deck.
- Tom Osborne Plaza is the primary entrance area to Memorial Stadium. It's good for taking photos.
- Nebraska kept up its tradition of consecutive sellout games. I believe they're up over 400 in a row. I was proud to be a part of this continuous sellout.
Overall, it was a joy to attend a Nebraska football game. The Cornhuskers have a historic college football legacy and the experience at Memorial Stadium totally lived up to my expectations. Thank you for having me Lincoln.