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School
University
Stadium
Memorial Stadium
Capacity
85,458
Conference
Big Ten
The neighborhoods where Lincoln fans drink before, during, and after the game. Each district has its own vibe — here's where to find your crowd.
Historic downtown area with brick streets, bars, restaurants, and gameday central
Notable Bars
Urban core with additional bars and entertainment options near campus
Notable Bars
University of Nebraska campus area with student bars and tailgate spots
Notable Bars
Plan your game day around the University Nebraska Cornhuskers home schedule
Sep 5
Sep 12
Sep 19
Sep 26
Oct 3
Oct 10
Oct 17
Oct 31
Nov 7
Nov 14
Nov 21
Nov 27
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
Lincoln enjoys classic Great Plains fall weather — warm and sunny in September, beautifully crisp in October, and cold by November. October is the sweet spot for gameday comfort, with cool temps and stunning fall foliage.
80°
High
55°
Low
64°
High
42°
Low
48°
High
28°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Memorial Stadium.
Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.
The definitive guide to Lincoln's college bar scene — where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.
0.4 miles from Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Legendary Husker bar with wall-to-wall memorabilia and passionate fans
Known For
0.5 miles from Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Classic dive bar and Lincoln institution since 1933
Known For
0.6 miles from Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Popular pizza joint with craft beer and lively gameday crowds
Known For
0.7 miles from Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Burgers and beer bar with creative menu and great atmosphere
Known For
0.5 miles from Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Sports bar with multiple TVs and solid gameday menu
Known For
1.2 miles from Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Local chain with great wings and extensive beer selection
Known For
What makes Nebraska Cornhuskers game day unique — the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.
Nebraska's Tunnel Walk is one of the most iconic pre-game entrances in college football. As the team emerges from the tunnel to Alan Parsons Project's "Sirius," the entire stadium — all 85,000 fans — erupts in a wall of sound that shakes the ground. The Tunnel Walk has been a Nebraska tradition since 1994, and it's been called the greatest entrance in college football by ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and virtually every major sports publication.
Nebraska has sold out every single home game since 1962 — the longest sellout streak in college football history. On game days, Memorial Stadium becomes the third-largest city in Nebraska, with 85,000 fans in red filling every seat. The "Sea of Red" is one of the most visually stunning sights in all of sports, and wearing red on gameday is not optional — it's a sacred obligation for every Husker fan.
Nebraska fans are world-famous for their hospitality toward visiting fans. Husker faithful regularly welcome opposing fans, share tailgate food, and cheer for injured opposing players. This tradition of sportsmanship has earned Nebraska fans the reputation friendliest in college football, and visiting fans consistently rate Lincoln best gameday experience they've ever had.
The Haymarket District — Lincoln's historic downtown area with brick streets and restored warehouses — is the heart of Nebraska gameday. The Watering Hole, Duffy's Tavern, and Yia Yia's Pizza fill with red-clad Huskers fans hours before kickoff. The walk from Haymarket to Memorial Stadium — just 10–15 minutes on foot — is a sea of red that builds the pre-game energy to a fever pitch.
The "Blackshirts" — Nebraska's defensive unit — is one of the most storied traditions in college football. The designation is earned, not given: only the top defensive players are awarded a black practice jersey, and the honor is one of the most coveted in Husker football. Fans celebrate the Blackshirts with chants, signs, and black-themed gear, and the tradition has been a source of immense pride since the 1960s.
Top spots to eat before or after the game — ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.
Brewery & Grill · 0.5 miles from stadium
Lincoln institution in the Haymarket with house-brewed craft beers and a hearty smoked brisket sandwich that fuels Husker fans before the Tunnel Walk.
Burger Joint · 0.6 miles from stadium
Smash burgers made with Nebraska beef, served in the Haymarket. The Cornhusker burger with pepper jack and jalapeño aioli is a gameday staple.
Pizza · 0.6 miles from stadium
Rooftop patio and wood-fired pizzas in the heart of the Haymarket. The best people-watching spot in Lincoln on gameday — grab a slice and a Zipline Copper Alt.
Gourmet Burgers · 0.7 miles from stadium
Creative gourmet burgers and the best truffle fries in Lincoln. Pairs perfectly with a local Nebraska craft beer from Zipline or Empyrean Brewing.
Nebraska Original · 0.4 miles from stadium
Nebraska's iconic fast-food chain serving the Runza — a warm bread pocket stuffed with beef, cabbage, and onions. A true Nebraska gameday tradition since 1949.
BBQ · 0.8 miles from stadium
Slow-smoked Nebraska BBQ near the Haymarket. The pulled pork platter with house-made cornbread and baked beans is the ultimate pre-game fuel for a Sea of Red Saturday.
The top districts in Lincoln for game day bar crawls and nightlife.
Historic downtown area with brick streets, bars, restaurants, and gameday central
Urban core with additional bars and entertainment options near campus
University of Nebraska campus area with student bars and tailgate spots
Turn your love of Nebraska Cornhuskers football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at Memorial Stadium
Popular tailgate area near the baseball stadium, walking distance to Memorial Stadium.
Closest lots to the stadium. Permit required — reserve well in advance for premium tailgating.
Free parking with shuttle service to the stadium. Family-friendly with plenty of space.
Rideshare Drop-off
Stadium Dr & T St
Shuttle Service
StarTran provides free shuttle service from parking lots and downtown to stadium starting 3 hours before kickoff
Top hotels near Memorial Stadium for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about Lincoln game day bar crawls
Explore every bar district, find the best spots near Memorial Stadium, and discover where Nebraska Cornhuskers fans drink on game day.