🔍 Need a custom plan for your Cornhuskers gameday?
Use our Gameday Guides AI to get personalized tips on where to sit, what to eat, and where to stay near Memorial Stadium.
Best Seats At Nebraska Football Games
Think about what Alabama has meant to college football for the past two decades — the dominance, the championships piling up, the feeling that you were watching something generational. That’s exactly what Nebraska was in the 1990s. Under Tom Osborne, the Cornhuskers won three national titles in four years (1994, 1995, 1997), and their 1995 squad is still debated as one of the greatest college football teams ever assembled. The program hasn’t returned to that mountaintop, but Memorial Stadium — opened in 1923, sold out every single game since 1962 — carries that history in every brick. Walking into a Sea of Red with 85,000 people dressed the same color and all leaning into the same traditions is one of the most complete gameday experiences in college football. One honest reality: the facility is showing its age, and bench seating remains the rule across most of the bowl — but a landmark $600 million renovation is officially approved and coming. Here’s how to get the best out of the stadium as it stands today, and what to expect when it transforms by 2028.
Seating Guide
Memorial Stadium is divided into four directional stadiums — East, West, North, and South — with a current capacity of 85,458. The field runs roughly north-south, meaning East and West are your sideline options. The single most important thing to understand at this stadium: West Stadium is where you want to be. The Nebraska team bench runs along the east sideline, so West Stadium fans watch the offense drive toward them all game, and the West side sits in afternoon shade while the East side bakes.
This is a bench-seating stadium for the most part, which affects how you plan. The only chairback seating in the main bowl right now is in the upper West Stadium club sections (200-level and 300-level). If you’re attending an afternoon game in September or October, the side of the stadium you choose matters more than almost anything else.
Best Non-Premium Seats
Lower West Sideline (West Stadium, Sections 1–35, rows 1–47): This is the sweet spot of Memorial Stadium. You’re on the shaded side, you’ve got a direct sideline view of the Husker offense coming at you, and the atmosphere in this section is the loudest non-student portion of the bowl. The downside is you’re on bench seating like everyone else, and closer rows have support pillars beginning around row 39 that can clip sightlines in the corners. Aim for rows 1–35 on the sideline to avoid that issue.
Upper East Sideline (East Stadium upper level): The East upper deck is actually one of the better-kept secrets at Memorial Stadium — it’s the only part of the non-premium bowl that comes with built-in backrests, which is a meaningful comfort upgrade on a three-hour game. You’ll be in the sun during afternoon kickoffs, and the view is closer to traditional upper-deck football. Bring sunscreen for early-season games. But for the price and the chairback comfort, it genuinely competes.
Lower South End Zone (South Stadium): South Stadium is your budget sideline alternative that still puts you close to the action. It’s been the last major section of the stadium that never underwent serious renovation — it’s aging visibly — but the views toward midfield are fine for the money. One bonus: this is where the jumbotron sits atop North Stadium, so it’s squarely in your line of sight.
Best Value Seats
Upper West Stadium (Sections above row 47): The highest rows on the West side are value seats because you keep the shade and the sideline orientation while paying significantly less than lower-bowl prices. You lose some field intimacy, but the atmosphere at Memorial Stadium — the noise, the Sea of Red stretching in every direction — actually plays better from height.
Budget Options
North Stadium (Student Section, Sections 10–14): This is the designated student section, so non-students won’t be sitting here during sold-out games. But in lower-demand matchups where tickets hit the secondary market, this end zone area is where you’ll find the cheapest entry. The energy is electric — this is where the Tunnel Walk emerges onto the field — but sightlines to the far end zone are rough. Go once for the atmosphere, not the view.
Our Pick
Lower West sideline, rows 10–30, between the hash marks. You get shade, the best sightline in the stadium, Husker offense headed your direction, and the full Sea of Red effect on both sides of you. If you only take one piece of advice from this guide, that’s it.
Weather & Shade Reality
The field runs north-south, so East Stadium faces west and West Stadium faces east. For afternoon games — especially early-season September kickoffs when it’s still warm — the East stands receive direct afternoon sun from roughly noon onward. It can be brutal on a warm day and borderline blinding during a late-afternoon kickoff. West Stadium sits in shade by the time most afternoon games get into the second half, and often earlier depending on the angle. If you’re temperature-sensitive or going with young kids, the West side shade premium is worth every penny.
What to Avoid (and What’s Worth Trying Once)
East Stadium Lower Bowl, rows 30–47, corner sections: These rows put you in full afternoon sun with a corner viewing angle and support pillars in your peripheral vision. You’re paying mid-range prices for some of the worst sun exposure and most awkward sightlines in the stadium. Not worth it when better options exist on the West side for similar money.
South Stadium upper rows: South Stadium has never had a serious renovation. The infrastructure is the oldest in the building, concourse access is limited compared to the other sides, and the viewing angles from the top rows are angled enough to make it genuinely unpleasant for a close game. Budget pick for the lower rows; avoid the top of that section.
Worth It Once — North End Zone: The student energy in the North Stadium sections is unlike anything else in this building. You won’t see much of the far end zone, and it’s standing-room intensity for four hours, but experiencing the Tunnel Walk from within that section — watching 85,000 people collectively lose it as the team walks out to “Sirius” — is something you tell people about for years. Do it once.
Premium Seating and Clubs
Memorial Stadium’s premium offerings are concentrated in the West Stadium upper levels, where the 200-level sections feature outdoor club seats and the 300-level sections offer interior club access. These have historically been tied primarily to season ticket holders and donor relationships rather than wide-open single-game availability, but single-game club options do come to market. Check Nebraska’s official ticketing platform for availability.
Best Club — West Stadium 300-Level (Indoor Club): The enclosed club level on the West side is the top premium option in the current building. You get climate control (meaningful in early September and late November), chairback seating, and an interior concourse experience that’s a significant step above the open-air bench seating in the rest of the bowl. If you’re going to spend premium money at Memorial Stadium before the renovation transforms everything, this is where to spend it.
Best Value Club — West Stadium 200-Level (Outdoor Club Seats): The 200-level is the outdoor chairback club section on the West side. You’re still in the open air but with chairback seats and access to club-level amenities. It’s the middle ground between the general bowl and the full indoor experience, and it tends to price more accessibly on the secondary market than the 300-level when it surfaces.
Suites & Group Options: Luxury suites at Memorial Stadium are located primarily in the West Stadium upper structure. Suite inventory is tight and typically reserved through Nebraska Athletics’ premium services department via huskers.com. Expect full-game catering and private viewing for groups of 12–24 depending on configuration. The renovation will significantly expand and modernize premium inventory when completed in 2028.
Memorial Stadium Seating Chart
Nebraska Memorial Stadium boasts an impressive seating capacity that can accommodate around 90,00 enthusiastic fans. For a detailed visual representation of the stadium’s seating arrangement, you can explore the Memorial Stadium Seating Chart Here.
Tickets To Nebraska Football
Memorial Stadium has sold out every game since 1962 — over 410 consecutive sellouts entering the 2026 season. That’s not just a marketing stat; it means face-value tickets to Husker home games are genuinely difficult to come by without a season ticket or donor relationship. The secondary market is your primary path for most visiting fans.
Prices vary sharply by opponent. Big Ten rivalry games (Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State when scheduled) and marquee non-conference matchups push secondary prices well above face value weeks out. Weaker non-conference opponents and lower-profile Big Ten visitors can get you in below face value, especially in the 48-hour window before kickoff when season-ticket holders offload unused seats. The Big Ten scheduling cycle creates occasional matchups where local demand softens; those are your buying windows.
Click Here for Nebraska Football Tickets! With our partnership you can get tickets to Nebraska Football Games or just about any event on the planet.
Memorial Stadium Bag Policy
Nebraska enforces a clear bag policy for all ticketed events. Only clear tote bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ are permitted. Small non-clear clutches may be allowed at staff discretion but clear is the safest bet. One-gallon clear zip-lock bags are an always-accepted alternative. Medical bags are permitted subject to inspection.
Other Policies To Know
Cashless or Cash? Memorial Stadium is 100% cashless — concessions, merchandise, ticket windows, backrest rentals, everything. There are no ATMs inside or directly outside the venue. Load your card or mobile wallet before you arrive; there is no cash-to-card conversion option on site.
Accessibility ADA seating is available throughout the stadium with companion seating. Elevator access is available at multiple gates, and walk-through gate screening technology should make entry more efficient for guests with mobility devices than older manual screening. Breastfeeding and pumping stations are available near Gate 19 and in first-aid areas on the northwest concourse and southeast field level. Check huskers.com for full accessibility information and to arrange specific accommodations in advance.
NO Re-Entry: Memorial Stadium introduced a no re-entry policy in 2025 — once you leave the building, your ticket is invalid.
For full policies check out the official Memorial Stadium Gameday page.
Getting To Memorial Stadium in Lincoln
Memorial Stadium sits in the middle of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus, which puts it close enough to downtown Lincoln that walking, transit, and rideshare all work well. Driving is the least preferred option for most fans.
Driving & Parking: Campus garages and university surface lots are the primary options. The 17th & R Garage, 19th & Vine Garage, and university surface lots east of 14th Street are your main targets. Lots fill quickly for noon and 2:30 p.m. kickoffs — plan to arrive 2+ hours before game time if driving. Parking runs $15–$30 depending on lot and game. Cheaper street and lot options exist in residential neighborhoods 10–15 minutes on foot from the stadium if you’re willing to walk.
Pro Tip: Park near the Nebraska State Capitol (around 15th and K Street). Parking in this area is generally free on gamedays (always check the signs) and its about a mile walk. When the game ends you walk away from the chaos and can get out there easy to HWY 77 or Interstate 80. You’re welcome.
Walking from Haymarket: If you’re staying downtown or spending pregame time in the Haymarket district, the stadium is an easy 10–15 minute walk west to east. This is the most pleasant option on a fall afternoon. Parking here fills up fast thought.
StarTran Big Red Express: Lincoln’s city bus service runs the Big Red Express shuttle specifically for game days, operating from multiple park-and-ride locations across the city. It’s the easiest option for fans staying outside walking distance of campus. Check StarTran’s game-day schedule at lincoln.ne.gov — routes and service levels vary by game.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft both operate in Lincoln. Drop-off is straightforward near the stadium perimeter but expect surge pricing in the 30–45 minutes before kickoff and immediately after the final whistle. The stadium is walkable from the Haymarket district — rideshare is most useful for fans staying farther out in the suburbs.
Memorial Stadium Gameday Insider Tips
Memorial Stadium is one of those places where the experience starts well before kickoff and doesn’t really end when the clock hits zero. The Tunnel Walk, the Sea of Red, the Husker Legacy Walk, a fan culture nationally recognized for genuine warmth toward visitors — these aren’t selling points, they’re things that will genuinely catch you off guard. The 2025 season brought the biggest gameday overhaul in decades: alcohol sales for the first time in stadium history, a complete concessions rebuild, no re-entry, and a Fan Fest that gives you a destination from the moment you arrive. Add the freshly approved $600 million Big Red Rebuild and you’re walking into a program and a venue at an inflection point. Here’s how to make the most of every minute.
The Big Red Rebuild: Last Chance to See the Original
The biggest news in Memorial Stadium history just broke two days ago. On April 24, 2026, Nebraska’s Board of Regents unanimously approved a $600 million transformation called the “Big Red Rebuild.” Construction begins after the 2026 season. South Stadium is demolished and rebuilt with a massive new scoreboard. The West Stadium seating bowl comes down too, replaced with premium seating, a connected student section, and — for the first time in the stadium’s history — a full connected concourse looping the entire building. Capacity drops from 85,458 to 80,000 as bench seating gives way to 20,000 new chairbacks. The project hits roughly 50% completion for the 2027 season and finishes fully for the 2028 opener. The $600M is funded by $250M in philanthropy and $350M in private bonds — no taxpayer dollars. The 2026 season is the last time you’ll see Memorial Stadium as it’s looked for the past 100 years. If you’ve been sitting on a trip to Lincoln, that’s your reason to go now.
Traditions & Rituals
The Tunnel Walk — Don’t Miss This. Since 1994, Nebraska has entered the field to the opening bars of “Sirius” by the Alan Parsons Project, and 85,000 people in red lose their minds in unison. The Husker Power call-and-response chant — half the stadium shouts “Husker,” the other half responds “Power” — fills the bowl in the minutes leading up to it. This is the single most important tradition at Memorial Stadium. Be in your seat 20 minutes before kickoff. The person who misses the Tunnel Walk because they were in line at Blackshirt BBQ is a person who made a poor decision.
The Red Balloon Release — Read This Before You Go. One of the most photographed moments in college football is the release of thousands of red helium balloons at the first Husker touchdown. But the full story makes this tip more useful: the tradition dates to the 1940s–1960s era
Here’s the key detail about the balloon release — its triggered by the first Husker touchdown, not a field goal. And it’s not guaranteed at every game; the athletic department has reserved it for select special occasions, approximately two per season including homecoming. If you’re going to a marquee game, check in advance whether balloons are planned. If they are, grab yours at the gates — they’re distributed free outside by athletics staff. When it happens, you’ll understand immediately why people talked about it for 60 years.
The Marching Band & Visiting Team Respect. Before every home game, the Cornhusker Marching Band — nicknamed “The Pride of All Nebraska” — performs the fight song of the visiting team while the PA announcer says, “We welcome our friends from [school name].” There’s no other major program in college football that does this. It’s a little thing, but it sets the tone for everything that follows.
The End-of-Game Applause. Nebraska fans have a tradition of applauding the visiting team off the field at game’s end. It started during the 1990s dynasty years when the Cornhuskers were regularly beating opponents by 40+ points and wanted to honor the teams that showed up to compete. In 1980, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden was so moved by his team’s treatment after beating Nebraska that he wrote a letter to the university describing it as nearly unheard of in modern sports. The tradition continues today. Fans near the visitor tunnel make a point of it. If you’re a visiting fan, this is not condescension — it’s real.
Husker Power & Chant Culture. The call-and-response extends throughout the game. “Go Big Red” is everywhere. The student sections in North Stadium sustain noise levels that visiting quarterbacks consistently describe as disorienting. Get there for the opening sequence and let yourself be pulled into it — first-timers consistently say the volume surprises them even when they thought they were prepared.
Nebraska Nice: What It Actually Means
There’s a reason this fanbase carries a national reputation and it’s not just marketing. Above each of Memorial Stadium’s 24 gates, the inscription reads “the greatest fans in college football” — and visiting coaches have made the case for years. Matt Rhule, who has coached at Temple, Baylor, and the Carolina Panthers, said his daughters sit in the stands during games because “the people here are the best people in the world.” Visiting fans regularly report being invited into strangers’ tailgates as they walk by, having beers bought for them at downtown bars, and being offered directions before they’ve even asked. The crowd self-polices; if someone near you is behaving badly toward a visiting fan, the people around them will step in. Lean into the culture — talk to the people in your section. If you’re wearing the wrong colors, you’ll still have a good time.
Arrival & Access
Get There for the Legacy Walk. The Nebraska team arrives approximately two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff via the “Husker Legacy Walk,” walking from 14th and Vine streets through campus to the stadium. Players come off buses, walk past Nebraska Coliseum, through the Athletics Hall of Fame, and into the Osborne Legacy Complex. Fans line the entire route. Arrive early and stake out a spot — it’s the most accessible moment you’ll have with the players all day.
Start at the Fan Fest. The Cornhusker Kickoff Fan Fest presented by Bud Light opens inside the Hawks Championship Center just outside the stadium gates four hours before kickoff (or 8 a.m. for 11 a.m. starts). Live music, food, drinks, merch, and autograph sessions with current and former players and coaches. It closes when the game begins. This is a genuinely good use of early-arrival time and far better than sitting in a parking lot.
Gate Assignments Matter; Plan Accordingly. Gates 3, 4, 10, and 20 handle the main general seating bowl. Know your gate before you leave the car. The walk-through screening technology has dramatically improved entry speed versus past years, but the 30-minute window before kickoff still backs up. Aim to clear the gates at least 45 minutes early.
No Re-Entry is Non-Negotiable. New in 2025: once you leave Memorial Stadium, your ticket is invalid. No exceptions. Use the restroom before kickoff, get your food early, and settle in. Entry is also cut off at the start of the fourth quarter. Plan like you’re not coming back in, because you’re not.
Food & Drink: The New Era
Aramark took over concessions in recent years, invested $7 million in new kitchens and distribution infrastructure, and transformed what had been a fairly limited menu into something worth navigating strategically. Everything is section-specific for the specialty stands, so know where you’re sitting.
The Nebraska Originals — Start Here. Runza and the Wimmer’s Fairbury Red Hot Dog are non-negotiable. Runza is a ground beef and cabbage pocket in baked bread dough; the chain started in Nebraska and this is its natural habitat. Get one. The Fairbury Red Hot Dog — try it with hot aioli corn sauce — is the other thing locals tell out-of-towners about. These are available at GBR Classics stands scattered throughout the concourse. Hit them right when gates open. By halftime the lines are long.
Blackshirt BBQ (Sections 7, 16, 26, 38). The standout new concept from the Aramark overhaul. The brisket mac — BBQ brisket over four-cheese cavatappi with scallions — and the brisket sandwich (pickled red onion, BBQ sauce, potato roll) are the items earning the most word-of-mouth. If you’re in the West sideline sections, Section 7 or 26 are the closest.
Tunnel Walk Tacos (Sections 2, 34, 339, 604). Smoked chicken or beef barbacoa, pico de gallo, queso fresco, chipotle crema, flour tortilla. Stadium taco options are routinely disappointing; these are not. Section 34 in the South is the most accessible from mid-stadium.
New to Know: Herbie’s Burger Co. (Sections 23, 39) serves burgers on red buns with Omaha Steaks beef patties. The red bun is gimmicky; the beef is not. 1923 Cheesesteak (Section 28) is worth a trip if you’re already on the West side. Cob Co. (Section 5) does grilled corn done right.
Valentino’s pizza is the other local institution alongside Runza. Lincoln-born chain, been a Memorial Stadium staple for decades. Available at GBR Classics locations throughout.
The Mashgin Self-Checkout Hack. Aramark installed Mashgin AI-powered self-checkout scanners at several concession locations — you place items on the scanner and tap your card. Average checkout time is reportedly 15 seconds. These lines move dramatically faster than traditional staffed registers. Look for them and use them.
Alcohol at Memorial Stadium — Its Here!
For over 100 years, Memorial Stadium was dry. That ended in 2025. Beer and vodka seltzers are now sold throughout the stadium at “Walk Thru Bru” locations. National brands include Bud Light, Modelo, Busch Light, Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, and Miller Lite. Local options are the ones worth seeking out: Zipline Brewing’s “Dear Ol’ Nebraska Brew” and Kros Strain’s “Cornhusker Crusher” — a citrus wheat ale brewed specifically for this venue. The Cornhusker Crusher is the right call. You need a valid government-issued ID, purchases are limited to two beverages per transaction, and sales end at the conclusion of the third quarter. A designated driver program is available at guest services on both the east and west concourses if needed.
Instagramable Spots and Photo Ops
The Sea of Red Pre-Kickoff. The best photo at Memorial Stadium is from the upper concourse looking down at the bowl just before kickoff — 85,000 people in matching red completely filling every section. Get to the upper-level concourse 25–30 minutes before kickoff and shoot before the team comes out. This is the defining image of this venue and the light in early afternoon games is excellent.
The Husker Legacy Walk. Position yourself along 14th Street about 2.5 hours before kickoff. The walk is unhurried, players are accessible, and you can get candid close-up shots that aren’t possible from the stands.
The Balloon Release (When It Happens). Shoot upward from inside the bowl the moment the first touchdown is scored on balloon games. The visual of thousands of red balloons against the Nebraska sky is what it is.
West Stadium Exterior at Night. The brick facade on the West Stadium exterior along Stadium Drive, lit up for a night game with I-180 in the background, is one of the better stadium exterior shots in college football. If you’re headed back to your car or hotel, take five minutes.
Gear, Merch & Tech
Team Store Timing. The official Nebraska team store is on the West side of the stadium and accessible without a game ticket on non-game days. On gameday it’s busiest in the 90-minute pregame window. Either visit on Friday afternoon if you’re in town early or wait until midway through the first quarter when traffic thins significantly.
Cell Service Upgrade. Verizon doubled antenna density inside Memorial Stadium for the 2025 season and added 5G Ultra Wideband coverage. In-stadium connectivity is meaningfully better than it was. That said, download your mobile ticket before you arrive — don’t rely on 5G at the gate when 85,000 people are doing the same thing.
The Huskers App. Handles mobile ticketing and has stadium maps and concession location guides. Functional and necessary for entry; not yet capable of in-seat ordering. Have your ticket downloaded before you leave the house.
Backrest Rental — Know Before You Sit. Personal backrests of any kind are prohibited. Rentals are available at concourse locations for $10 (cashless). They run out — grab one during your first concession run or immediately after entering the stadium. The exception: East Stadium upper level has permanent built-in backrests.
Families & Kids
Nebraska is as family-friendly as college football gets. The culture actively self-polices inappropriate behavior, and visiting families consistently describe it as one of the more comfortable environments in the sport. Coach Rhule has specifically said his daughters attend games in the stands because the people are the best in the world. For logistics: breastfeeding and pumping stations are available near Gate 19 and at first-aid areas on the northwest concourse and southeast field level. Strollers are permitted but the lack of a full connected concourse makes navigation challenging — this improves dramatically with the renovation. Kids under age 2 generally do not require a ticket; confirm current policy at the Nebraska ticket office. The lower South Stadium sections are lower-intensity if you need a calmer environment for small children, and the Fan Fest in the Hawks Championship Center has dedicated kids’ activities four hours before kickoff.
Autographs & Player Access
The Husker Legacy Walk is your best opportunity by a wide margin. Players walk through a fan corridor from 14th and Vine approximately 2 hours 15 minutes before kickoff, and the pace is unhurried enough that stops happen. Position yourself along the route early — it fills up for marquee games. The Fan Fest also features autograph sessions with current and former players and coaches in the Hawks Championship Center before every home game. Post-game near the visiting team tunnel has a longstanding Nebraska tradition attached to it; Husker fans line that area to applaud the departing visitors, and interaction with players occasionally happens there as well.
Tailgating
Tailgating culture in Lincoln is diffuse rather than concentrated — it spreads across campus lots, the Haymarket district, and residential streets in all directions. The Haymarket to the west is the most organized pregame scene, with bars and restaurants doing heavy game-day volume from mid-morning. Campus surface lots east of 14th Street and the university garages fill up by mid-morning for noon kickoffs. There’s no single dominant tailgate lot the way some NFL stadiums have, but the Fan Fest in the Hawks Championship Center effectively serves as the organized pregame anchor inside the stadium perimeter.
Post-Game Exit Strategy
No re-entry means the stadium doesn’t empty at halftime the way it used to, so the post-game crowd is denser than in previous years. The Haymarket district is your primary post-game destination — walkable, roughly 10–15 minutes west on foot, and the bar scene continues well after the final whistle. Rideshare surge hits immediately after the game ends; give it 20–30 minutes if you can. If you’re driving, the lots to the east of 14th Street clear faster than the garage structures, which back up with post-game traffic. Leave early if the game is a blowout either direction; the fourth-quarter entry cutoff means many people are already mentally checked out in lopsided games.
Gameday in Lincoln: Bars/Restaurants
The Haymarket is the center of the Lincoln gameday universe, and it’s genuinely one of the better pregame entertainment districts in the Big Ten. It’s a 10-block area of converted warehouse buildings with bars, restaurants, a minor league baseball park (Haymarket Park), and the kind of walkable density that makes pregame easy and fun. The energy builds from mid-morning on gameday and doesn’t let up until well after the final whistle.
Fun Pregame Bars
Barry’s Bar and Grill – This legendary spot has been a Lincoln institution since 1959, recently renovated and reopened. Located perfectly between Memorial Stadium and Pinnacle Bank Arena, it’s basically four venues in one: the main sports bar, a rooftop patio with stadium views, the 10 Below nightclub downstairs, and even an ice bar. The rooftop is where you want to be – great views and atmosphere.
Barrymore’s: Haymarket anchor bar, strong gameday atmosphere, solid beer selection. Good spot to park for a few hours.
Duffy’s Tavern – An O Street institution with a great outdoor patio. They don’t serve food but let you bring your own, which creates a unique communal vibe. Popular with locals who’ve been coming here for decades.
The Hub: Near campus, draws a younger crowd, good for people who want to be in the student energy zone before the game.
Brewsky’s Food & Spirits – The Haymarket location is the place to be, housed in a beautiful historic building. Known throughout Lincoln for having the absolute best wings in town, plus their famous dueling piano nights are legendary. The atmosphere feels authentically Nebraska – not trying too hard, just good people having a great time.
Solid Restaurants
Runza: Yes, it’s also inside the stadium, but the original Runza experience is the restaurant. The chain is Nebraska’s most iconic fast-food institution. Go once even if you’re not a fast food person — it’s a cultural artifact. When people ask you if you visited Nebraska this is usually in the next 3 questions.
Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill: Haymarket staple, good craft beer and solid food, reliably busy on gamedays. Book ahead for Saturday lunch.
Bison Witches: Well-regarded sandwich spot near campus, local favorite, worth hitting for a pre-game lunch.
Single Barrel: Downtown bar and restaurant, solid cocktails and better food than most gameday spots. Good for the Friday night before a game.
Dish: Upscale Lincoln dining if you’re doing a Friday or Saturday night dinner. One of the better restaurants in the city, not immediately adjacent to stadium noise.
Hotels Near Memorial Stadium In Lincoln
Lincoln is all about the Big Red on gameday weekends, and Memorial Stadium is embedded in the campus — which means staying in or adjacent to downtown Lincoln puts you within easy reach of the stadium, the pregame bar scene, and good restaurants without needing a car. For rivalry games and marquee Big Ten matchups, book 6–8 weeks out (or further out) ; Lincoln fills up and rates climb fast.
Best Areas to Stay
Downtown Lincoln / Haymarket District: This is the right answer for most visiting fans. The Haymarket — Lincoln’s restaurant, bar, and entertainment district — is roughly 10–15 minutes on foot from the stadium and is the center of pregame activity. Staying here means you roll out of your hotel and into the gameday scene without a shuttle or rideshare. It’s walkable, lively the night before games, and has the best restaurant and bar density in the city.
University Area (Near Campus): Staying within a 5-minute walk of the stadium maximizes convenience but limits food and nightlife options. Good choice for families focused purely on the gameday logistics without the bar district noise.
Some Hotels to Target
Embassy Suites by Hilton Lincoln: Centrally located near downtown, solid mid-range pick, spacious suites that work well for families. Walking distance to Haymarket.
Graduate Lincoln: The go-to for visiting fans who want atmosphere as well as proximity. Located a block from the stadium and right on the edge of campus, it’s mid-range priced with a well-designed property built around the college football experience. Books out early for major games.
Marriott Lincoln: One of the larger downtown options, consistently well-reviewed, close to the Haymarket. Reliable business-class amenities with good gameday access. Mid-to-upper-range pricing.
Hyatt Place Lincoln Downtown/Haymarket: Newer property in the Haymarket district, clean and comfortable, reasonable pricing for the location. Strong choice if Haymarket proximity is the priority.
DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln Downtown: Solid mid-range downtown option. Slightly further from the Haymarket action but well-priced on secondary games.
Budget Options
Chain options on the outskirts of Lincoln (West O Street corridor, near I-80) will save you $40–$80 per night but put you 15–20 minutes from the stadium without reliable transit. You’re trading location for price — factor in rideshare costs before assuming it’s actually cheaper.
Things To Do in Lincoln
Nebraska may be known for its world famous Husker Football but here are some other great things to do during a long weekend in Lincoln:
Explore the University of Nebraska Lincoln Campus: The University of Nebraska Lincoln is a beautiful campus with many historic buildings and green spaces. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour to learn more about the campus and its history.
Catch an Event At The Pinnacle Bank Arena: This arena is a popular venue for concerts and sporting events. Catch a concert or a Nebraska Basketball Game Visitors can check the schedule and catch an event while in town.
Sunken Gardens: Explore the beautifully landscaped Sunken Gardens, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. The vibrant flowers, ornamental plants, and serene water features make it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon.
University of Nebraska State Museum: Immerse yourself in natural history at the University of Nebraska State Museum, also known as Morrill Hall. Discover fascinating exhibits on paleontology, anthropology, and more.
Nebraska State Capitol: Visit the stunning Nebraska State Capitol, an architectural marvel with its distinctive design and towering tower. Take a guided tour to learn about the state’s history and government.
Great Plains Art Museum: Discover regional art at the Great Plains Art Museum, which showcases works inspired by the Great Plains region.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo: If you’re traveling with kids, the Lincoln Children’s Zoo is a must-visit. Get up close and personal with a variety of animals and enjoy interactive exhibits.
Why You Should Go
Memorial Stadium the next couple years is the last chance to see one of college football’s most historic venues in its original form before the biggest transformation in the building’s 100-year history begins. The game experience — the Tunnel Walk, the Sea of Red, the genuine warmth of a fanbase that has built a national reputation for treating visiting fans like guests — is something that transcends the team’s current win-loss record.
Check out all of our college football guides here. And some other Husker opponents and regional spots.
College World Series in Omaha Guide
Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium in KC
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday. Shoot us an email if we missed anything.