by Jasminda Piontek

There is no other city in the world that erupts like Lincoln, Nebraska on game day! Now, we support the Huskers in all sporting aspects, but visit Lincoln during football season and you’re sure to leave with a story worth telling for generations to come. We LOVE our football team!

The famous “Sea of Red” forms in the streets before every home game, migrating to various tailgating hot spots and hubs to shout the words “Go Big Red” and await the answering call back “GO - BIG – RED”! It is our pep-rallying cry, the public’s way of getting pumped before the game in the hopes of bringing home another national title.

If you are not familiar with the practices of game day, the etiquette, and the great places to hang out before kick off it can be quite confusing.

To really get into the Husker spirit visit Grandmothers Restaurant at 6940 A Street. This establishment has been hosting the Nebraska Pep Band every Friday night before a home game for the last 10 years. The band starts up at 10 pm and plays two 20 minute sets. Arrive early for a good seat and enjoy the nightly specials as you get pumped for the next day’s game.

The Sidetrack Tavern, located downtown at 935 O Street, has been rattling the ribs of Husker fans for years. Be prepared for raunchy songs, good natured fun, and a whole slew of entertaining follies as you head down to Memorial Stadium. Drinks are more than ready here.

Now if it’s a gigantic crowd, music, and beer garden you seek, The Dock at the Embassy Suites, located just blocks from the stadium @ 1040 P Street, is certainly the place to be. This is rally town at its best. Prepare to see loyal fans and visiting team supporters poking fun at each other as bands play live music in the background.

The Haymarket, our historical down town district, located west of 9th Street and running north to south from about N to R Streets, harbors a massive selection of entertainment before and after the game. Visit Buzzard Billy’s, Brewskys, or Docs Place for drinks, good times, and a snack on the loading docks before continuing on your way. The Mill, located on the corner of 8th and P Streets caters to those seeking a tasteful nip of caffeine vs. the common drive for barley based drinks.


Barry’s, located @ 235 N. 9th Street, a measly 4 blocks from the stadium, hosts a great crowd of loyal Husker Fans. Fight songs from either team have been known to break out here, making it one of the more interesting places to visit.

Sandy’s, Brothers Bar and Grill, The Watering Hole, The Brass Rail, and Iguanas are all located in the heart of downtown on O Street. These hubs have remained game day favorites and usually hit their peak after the game has ended. Prepare to stand in line, these establishments fill up quick as the “where to go, what to do” savvy crowds gather to discuss the recent triumph or loss of their beloved team.

While the excitement of watching our wonderful team live in the stadium is by far an experience matched by none, it is not always for everyone.

Legends Sports Bar and Grill on 84th and Holdrege is just one many local pubs that caters to the non-ticket holding crowd. Equipped with 6 big screen TV’s, the smallest being 4’ x 8’ and the largest taking up an entire wall, you’re sure to find the perfect seat. Legends rolls out the red carpet for its loyal fans on game day. Expect a great crowd and specials galore.

Heidelberg’s Sports Bar, with two locations; 4620 Blair Ave, and 1601 Normandy Ct., never misses a game. View the game on various TV’s with one of the best fan bases around. Specials are also offered.

Ron’s Pub, located at 130th and O Street, has several TV’s to fix your eyes on while you enjoy drink specials and indoor smoking.

Playmakers, 640 W. Prospector, not only carries each and every game involving the Big Red, it’s also the home of the largest beer garden around.

Sports Casters, 3048 N. 70th Street, houses 23 TVs, 3 of those being big screens, and offers great game day specials.

Slap Shotz, 1245 Libra Dr., has a fantastic crowd and more specials than you can shake a fist at.

Finally there’s Scrumpy Jacks, 5520 S. 56th Street, featuring a frosted bar to keep your drinks cool while you watch the game on a huge big screen TV.

Finding something to do on game day is never hard. Now finding a parking spot, that’s another story for another time. We hope you enjoy your visit to our uniquely devoted college town, don’t forget to grab yourself a corn hat before leaving and some Husker gear to show off where you’ve been. And as always GO BIG RED!