Memorial Stadium in Lincoln: Nebraska Gameday Guide and Tips

Memorial Stadium Quick Guide	Details
Home Team	Nebraska Cornhuskers (NCAA – Big Ten)
Opened	October 13, 1923
Capacity	85,458 (13th‑largest in college football)
Best Value Seats	100‑level corners & sidelines (Sections D–F, B–H)
Premium Seating	101 suites + club seats and loge boxes
Top Stadium Foods	Classic burgers, mac & cheese, pretzels — alcoholic concessions added 2024
Nearby Bars	Bars around the UW campus and downtown Lincoln
Closest Hotels	Embassy Suites by Hilton (~1.3 mi), Graduate Madison, Hilton Garden Inn
Transit Access	Lincoln Metro buses, gameday shuttles, campus parking
Tradition Highlight	“Tunnel Walk,” “Husker Power” chant, red balloons after first score

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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

Getting tickets for Nebraska football games can be an exciting experience, and there are several ways to go about it:

1. 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.
2. Official University Ticket Office: The University of Nebraska usually has an official ticket office where you can purchase tickets directly. Check the official Nebraska Athletics website for information on ticket sales, availability, and pricing. You can often purchase tickets online, by phone, or in person at the ticket office.

Keep in mind that some seats may have obstructed views or be in the sun for certain parts of the game. It’s essential to consider factors like sunlight, glare, and proximity to concessions and restrooms when choosing your seats. 

Best Seats At Nebraska Football Games

Memorial Stadium’s 85,000+ capacity means there are seats for every budget, but knowing where to look can make the difference between a great experience and buyer’s remorse. The key is understanding that Memorial Stadium’s design creates excellent sightlines even from higher levels, so you don’t have to break the bank for a good view.

Best Non-Premium Seats: Sections 204, 205, 206, and 207 are considered the best, offering excellent views right over the lower seating area. For lower bowl options, target seats in Rows 36 and lower to avoid potential obstructed views from support beams at Row 37. The best seats are located in Section 6 on the Cornhuskers’ 50-yard line. These sections put you in prime position for the full Memorial Stadium experience without premium pricing.

Best Value Seats: The upper deck sections between the 30-yard lines (Sections 32-38) offer the sweet spot of affordability and quality views. Section 34 provides outstanding value with near-midfield upper deck positioning. The corner sections like 36A and 36B are particularly underrated – the angled perspective actually gives you excellent viewing of both offensive and defensive plays. These sections put you high enough to see play development but close enough to feel connected to the action.

Best Budget Seats: The 600-level sections (601-613) are your best budget option and highly underrated. These sections offer chairbacks, easy concession access, and surprisingly good views despite being the highest level. For the absolute cheapest tickets, look at the upper endzone sections (Sections 39-41 and 12-20) and the highest rows of corner sections. The upper sideline sections (32, 37-38) also offer budget-friendly options with full-field views.

Pro Tips: The 600-level gets unfairly overlooked but offers chairbacks and surprisingly good views. Just be careful on less temperate occasions – these seats are directly in the sun and not covered. On hot days early in the season, bring protection. They’re heavily exposed to cold and wind, so bundle up for November games. Corner sections actually provide excellent diagonal views of the entire field, making them better value than many realize. Avoid the very top rows of endzone sections where you’ll feel too distant from the action.

Premium Seating Options At Nebraska Football Games

Memorial Stadium’s premium offerings range from field-level intimacy to sky-high luxury, each designed to enhance the legendary Husker gameday experience. With multiple club levels and over 100 luxury suites, there’s a premium option for every style and budget.

Premium Club Areas:

West Club – This 3,000 seat club section boasts the same sightlines as television with energy you can only get by being in Memorial Stadium, accessed through a premium entrance with climate-controlled concourse, private restrooms, concessions, and HD televisions. Located on the 200/300 levels on the west side.

East Club – Offers the most leg room of any premium Club at Memorial Stadium and sight lines that every Husker fan would envy. The east side balcony (previously sections 101-111) has been transformed into club seats offering some of the best views from the Nebraska side of the field. This is the sunny side of the field, but the seats are fully covered, making them popular on hot or wet days.

Skyline Club – Offers 50 indoor seats with an excellent view from the center of the 7th floor of the North Stadium as well as catered food and beverage, plasma televisions, and restrooms reserved for club patrons only. Climate-controlled with premium amenities.

Sideline Club – Features 44 partially enclosed seats located in the southeast corner of Memorial Stadium, only a few feet from the sideline, putting fans literally on top of the action. The most energized and unique club setting in Memorial Stadium with comfortable cushioned chairback seats and all-inclusive food and beverage.

East Balcony Club – The newest premium offering in Memorial Stadium where seat holders enjoy exceptional sightlines and can take-in the pageantry of Husker Football tailgating from above on the outdoor patio.

Luxury Suites: There are 101 luxury suites in Memorial Stadium including 50 West Stadium Suites on Levels 3-6, 13 Skyline Suites on the 7th floor, and 38 East Side Suites. Suite amenities include plasma televisions, catered food and beverages, and restrooms reserved for suite patrons only.

Best Bang for Your Buck: The East Club outdoor seats offer the best value in premium seating. You get excellent sightlines from the Nebraska sideline, weather protection from the covered structure, and premium amenities without the sky-high price of indoor clubs or suites. The east side’s “sunny” location and coverage make it ideal for Nebraska’s variable weather, while still delivering that premium gameday experience.

Memorial Stadium Bag Policy

A clear bag policy has been implemented at Memorial Stadium for entry. Fans are encouraged to minimize the number of items they bring. Attendees may bring one clear bag—either a plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″—or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. Additionally, small clutch bags about the size of a hand, with or without handles or straps, can be brought into the stadium alongside one of the clear plastic bags.

Nebraska Football Gameday Guide

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at Nebraska Memorial Stadium, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the stadium’s policies. For the most up-to-date information on policies related to bag regulations, prohibited items, Parking and more, please visit the official Memorial Stadium Gameday page.

Memorial Stadium Parking

Parking at Memorial Stadium is like a chess match – success depends entirely on strategy and timing. With nearly 90,000 fans descending on Lincoln for each home game, the competition for spots is fierce, and knowing your options beforehand can save you hours of frustration.

Memorial Stadium parking operates on a donor priority system, meaning the lots immediately surrounding the stadium are reserved for Athletic Department donors and season ticket holders. All regular university parking is converted to gameday parking, so don’t expect to use normal campus spots. The entire system is designed to accommodate the massive influx of fans while keeping traffic flowing.

Pricing Structure: Parking follows a simple rule – the closer to Memorial Stadium, the more expensive. Prime spots like the Haymarket Garage run around $30, while mid-range lots typically cost $20. The farthest university lots east of 14th Street range from $10-25. Street parking can be found for about $15 for the entire day using parking apps, though spots are extremely limited.

Key Parking Areas:

• Haymarket District: Premium location with the shortest walk, but most expensive ($25-30) and fills up earliest. Multiple garages but limited access routes on gameday.
• Nebraska Innovation Campus: Large capacity area on the east side, accessed through Gate 4 near 27th Street. Moderate pricing and decent shuttle options.
• Haymarket Park: About a half-mile northwest of the stadium, popular for tailgating. Cash only, no advance purchases except for RVs.
• University Lots East of 14th Street: Your budget-friendly option ranging $10-25. Longer walk but easier post-game exit.

Quick Tips:

Timing: Lots close to regular traffic the night before games at 10 PM. Donor lots open 6 hours before kickoff, while public lots vary. For early games (11 AM kickoff), some lots open as early as 6 AM.

Payment: Most city lots are credit/debit only now, which speeds up entry. University lots also accept cards. Cash is still king at some private lots like Haymarket Park.

Traffic Strategy: Don’t try to drive straight into the Haymarket on P, Q, or R Streets – they’re closed west of 9th Street on gamedays. Use N Street or Salt Creek Roadway to approach from the north or south. After games, Q Street becomes one-way to help traffic flow.

Alternative Options:

• RV parking ranges from $10-20 at designated areas
• StarTran runs Big Red Express shuttles for $4 each way starting 2 hours before kickoff
• Rideshare pickup/dropoff is at the bus stop near Henzlik Hall on Vine Street
• Some businesses and churches offer private parking for $15-25

Insider Strategy: The smart money parks in neighborhoods south of campus and walks 10-15 minutes. You’ll save money, avoid post-game traffic jams, and often find friendlier tailgate atmospheres. Many locals also use the Innovation Campus lots – they’re farther but have multiple exit routes that don’t funnel through downtown chokepoints.

What NOT to Do: Don’t drive around looking for street parking gameday morning – it’s a waste of time and gas. Don’t park illegally in residential areas or block driveways – Lincoln police are out in force. And don’t leave anything valuable visible in your car, especially in the farther lots.

Post-Game Reality Check: Plan for at least 30-45 minutes to exit any lot after the game. Bring patience, stay hydrated, and remember that everyone’s trying to leave at once. Many veterans grab a beer somewhere and wait out the initial rush rather than sitting in traffic.

Rideshare

Passengers can be dropped off and picked up at the intersection of 10th and Charleston streets. It’s important to note that no drop-offs or pickups will be permitted directly in front of the stadium prior to or following the game. The smart thing to do is if you can walk, just get picked up a distance away before or after the game. Note that surge pricing will apply.

Memorial Stadium Gameday Insider Tips

Here are some solid insider tips for Memorial Stadium gameday:

Food & Drink Strategy:

• Hit up Runza (of course) before the game – it’s a Nebraska tradition and there are several locations near campus
• The Stadium View bar is a classic pregame spot that gets absolutely packed
• Bring cash for concessions – lines move faster
• Hydrate early and often, especially for September games

Crowd & Timing:

• Get there early to see the tunnel walk and team warm-ups
• Don’t leave at halftime or early in the 4th quarter – Nebraska fans are known for staying until the end, and you’ll miss the full experience
• Dress in layers – Nebraska weather can change dramatically during a game

Local Traditions:

• Learn “There Is No Place Like Nebraska” – the crowd sings it between the 3rd and 4th quarters
• The balloon release after the first touchdown is iconic (though they’ve moved away from this recently)
• Join in the “Go Big Red” chants

Post-Game:

• Plan for a long exit – everyone leaves at once, so consider grabbing a bite nearby and waiting out the initial rush
• O Street has plenty of bars for post-game celebrations or commiseration

The atmosphere at Memorial Stadium is genuinely special – embrace the tradition and energy of Husker Nation!

Pregame Bars/Restaurants in Lincoln

Lincoln’s pregame scene revolves around a few key districts that create the heart of Husker Nation’s gameday ritual. The Historic Haymarket District is the crown jewel – this brick-lined entertainment area just north of downtown becomes a sea of red on gamedays, with its warehouse-turned-bar aesthetic perfectly capturing the Nebraska spirit. The Railyard complex connects to the Haymarket and offers multiple venues under one roof. Downtown along P Street also draws massive crowds, particularly around the Embassy Suites area. The area around 10th Street near campus gets packed with students and younger fans.

Best 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.

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.

The Railyard Complex – This gives you options with Gate 25, Tank’s Country, and Longwell’s all connected. Each has its own vibe but you can bar hop without leaving the building. The outdoor patio areas with picnic tables create that perfect tailgate-meets-bar atmosphere.

Stadium View – The name says it all. This is old-school Lincoln pregame culture – packed, loud, and unapologetically focused on Husker football. Gets absolutely mobbed but that’s part of the charm. Cash only, so come prepared.

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.

Great Restaurants:

Misty’s Steakhouse & Lounge (Havelock location) – This is where tradition lives. Every Friday night before home games, Misty’s Pep Band (made up of actual Cornhusker Marching Band members) performs all the fight songs in two sets around 7 and 8 PM. It’s been happening since the 1970s. The steaks are excellent, but honestly, you’re there for the experience. Get there early – tables fill up fast and it’s first-come, first-served for this slice of pure Nebraska football heritage.

Buzzard Billy’s – The best Cajun food in Lincoln, right in the heart of the Haymarket. Their Armadillo eggs (stuffed jalapeños) are practically mandatory, and the cheese dip is legendary. It’s a nice change from typical gameday bar food, and the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between lively and comfortable. Walking distance to Memorial Stadium.

Runza – I know it’s fast food, but this is Nebraska tradition. Hit up one of the locations near campus before the game for the full experience. Runzas (beef and cabbage pastries) are as Nebraska as it gets, and locals will respect you for embracing it.

Pro Tips: The Haymarket transforms completely on gamedays – arrive 3-4 hours early or accept you’re going to wait. Most places are cash-friendly but not cash-only. The Embassy Suites “Do the Dock” tailgate is free and a great backup if everywhere else is packed. Don’t try to drive between bars – everything good is within walking distance of everything else. And remember, Nebraska fans are incredibly friendly, so don’t be afraid to strike up conversations – half the fun is meeting people from all over who’ve come to Lincoln just for the game.

Hotels Near Memorial Stadium In Lincoln

Here are some great hotels all close to Downtown Lincoln and Memorial Stadium when you’re in town for a Nebraska Football Weekend.

1. The Graduate Lincoln: A trendy and unique hotel near the University of Nebraska campus, offering stylish accommodations and a vibrant atmosphere.
2. The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel: A historic and upscale option, providing elegant rooms, modern amenities, and a central location.
3. The Courtyard by Marriott Lincoln: This chain offers modern comfort and convenience in a prime location near downtown and the University of Nebraska. The contemporary lobby welcomes guests to spacious rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. Enjoy delicious dining options at the Bistro, stay active at the indoor pool and fitness center, and utilize versatile meeting spaces for business
4. Hyatt Place Lincoln/Downtown-Haymarket: Situated in the Haymarket district, this contemporary hotel offers comfortable rooms and easy access to downtown attractions.
5. Embassy Suites by Hilton Lincoln: Offering spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and a relaxing indoor pool, this hotel provides a comfortable stay for both leisure and business travelers.
6. The Kindler Hotel: A boutique luxury hotel in the Haymarket district, known for its refined elegance, personalized service, and attention to detail.

Budget Friendly Hotels in Lincoln

Here are some budget friendly options scattered throughout the city when you’re in town for a game

1. Baymont by Wyndham Lincoln: Providing comfortable rooms and basic amenities, this budget-friendly hotel is suitable for travelers seeking affordability without compromising on convenience.
2. Days Inn by Wyndham Lincoln: Offering simple and clean accommodations, this hotel is a practical choice for travelers on a budget.
3. AmericInn by Wyndham Lincoln North: With an indoor pool and free breakfast, this budget hotel provides a comfortable stay at an affordable price.
4. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lincoln: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, this hotel offers modest accommodations and essential amenities for a convenient stay.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Haymarket District: Wander through the historic Haymarket District, known for its charming brick streets, boutique shops, art galleries, and diverse dining options. It’s a hub of creativity and culture that’s perfect for exploring.
5. 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.
6. Pioneers Park Nature Center: Explore the great outdoors at the Pioneers Park Nature Center. With trails, wildlife exhibits, and educational programs, it’s a fantastic place to connect with nature and learn about the local ecosystem.
7. 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.
8. Great Plains Art Museum: Discover regional art at the Great Plains Art Museum, which showcases works inspired by the Great Plains region.
9. Sheldon Museum of Art: Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Sheldon Museum of Art, featuring an impressive collection of American art spanning various styles and periods.
10. 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.
11. Antelope Park: Spend a leisurely afternoon at Antelope Park, a sprawling green space with walking trails, a rose garden, and a charming bridge over a pond.

Here are some common Husker opponents for fans looking to travel. Go Big Red!

Penn State

Wisconsin

Ohio State

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