School
University
Stadium
Memorial Stadium
Capacity
85,458
Conference
Big Ten
Official University Nebraska Cornhuskers home & away games
* 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.
Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.
The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Lincoln on game day
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
The best spots near Memorial Stadium for Nebraska Cornhuskers fans
The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Memorial Stadium — follow the stops in order for the best experience
Total Distance
1.2 miles
Estimated Time
4 hours
Bar Stops
6 Stops
Route Type
Walking Route
Start Here
Haymarket District - 8th & P St
1321 O St, Lincoln, NE 68508
1412 O St, Lincoln, NE 68508
1423 O St, Lincoln, NE 68508
803 Q St, Lincoln, NE 68508
235 N 9th St, Lincoln, NE 68508
245 N 8th St, Lincoln, NE 68508
End Point
Brewsky's Food & Spirits
The Watering Hole
Stop 1 of 6
Arrive early — this is ground zero for Husker gameday. The patio fills up 3 hours before kickoff, and the walls are covered in decades of Nebraska football history.
Wear your Nebraska Cornhuskers gear and meet fellow fans at every stop along the route!
Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop
Book Your SpotThe rituals, chants, and moments that make University Nebraska Cornhuskers game day unlike anywhere else
Before kickoff — the team emerges from the tunnel to "Sirius"
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.
Every home game — the sellout streak has continued since 1962
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.
All day — Nebraska fans are welcoming to everyone
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 as the friendliest in college football, and visiting fans consistently rate Lincoln as the best gameday experience they've ever had.
3–4 hours before kickoff in the Haymarket District
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.
Throughout the game — especially on big defensive stops
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.
Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single Nebraska Cornhuskers ritual
Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Memorial Stadium
Brewery & Grill · $$
Lincoln institution in the Haymarket with house-brewed craft beers and a hearty smoked brisket sandwich that fuels Husker fans before the Tunnel Walk.
Burger Joint · $$
Smash burgers made with Nebraska beef, served in the Haymarket. The Cornhusker burger with pepper jack and jalapeño aioli is a gameday staple.
Pizza · $$
Rooftop patio and wood-fired pizzas in the heart of the Haymarket. The best people-watching spot in Lincoln on gameday — grab a slice and a Zipline Copper Alt.
Gourmet Burgers · $$
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 · $
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 · $$
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.
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
Book your University Nebraska Cornhuskers game day bar crawl and experience Lincoln nightlife like never before!
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