Nebraska Tailgate Question
Long-time lurker, infrequent poster, and first time thread-starter so be gentle...
I'm going to the Nebraska game in Lincoln in a couple weeks, and the rest of the internet has not been terribly helpful in scouting my tailgating options. I can see that there are parking passes to be had on Ticketmaster, StubHub, etc. for a hefty price and no idea whether those are really needed.
Anyone been recently and have any advice? Just looking for somewhere to park that's somewhat part of the action to enjoy a couple hours of drinking and snacking before the game. Not worried about having to walk a bit. Is there a similar plethora of cash parking options on lawns and in driveways and whatnot in the residential areas nearby?
Any input helps! And welcome any other advice on can't miss spots in Lincoln while I'm there.
September 19th, 2023 at 10:10 AM ^
I only know what to avoid...
September 19th, 2023 at 10:18 AM ^
Hillbillies are in the hills...
September 19th, 2023 at 11:38 AM ^
Coming from a line of Michigan cornpokes, I can say that anyone surviving out there nowadays is probably playing the farming game with some acumen. Half of the world has moved from rural settings to cities in the last century, and it's a challenging go out there.
P.S. Nebraska fans are reputed to be among the most welcoming in college football.
September 19th, 2023 at 2:42 PM ^
Husker fans were quite cordial when we attended the game there in 2015. Had rooms in town, so didn’t tailgate. Easy walk to the stadium.
September 19th, 2023 at 10:10 AM ^
Parking north of the stadium in a large field offers good tailgating options and friendly people to meet with. Generally, everyone will be very nice. The Haymarket district is a great place to eat and drink if you have time, and it is very close to the stadium. Good luck landing a hotel room in Lincoln.
September 19th, 2023 at 10:16 AM ^
Luckily, the hotel was booked months ago.
September 19th, 2023 at 10:26 AM ^
I ended up having to book a hotel in West Omaha/La Vista. Price gouging in Lincoln for sure.
September 19th, 2023 at 10:28 AM ^
Yeah, even booking in like May it wasn't cheap. But AA is no different in that regard.
September 19th, 2023 at 2:35 PM ^
It's better out there anyway. If you want the best hotwings in the city, go to Oscar's and get char'd and double dipped wings.
September 19th, 2023 at 11:17 AM ^
Agree on the Haymarket district. Went two years ago and they have a fun pre-game at the Railyard, multi-level bar, indoor/outdoor, big TVs with earlier games one. The bar scenes around there was fun post-game. We stayed in the Near South neighborhood and took and Uber in for the game and walked the 45 minutes afterwards, I'm sure there are better parking options.
September 19th, 2023 at 10:13 AM ^
Been to both games in Lincoln and parked north of the stadium and train tracks each time. I didn't look for residential areas so can't help you there. A few vehicles of Michigan fans are planning on parking at lot located at North Bottoms lot 1343 New Hampshire Street. Less than a mile walk to the stadium. I parked one block away from there 2 years ago. It was a night game so I ventured over there for part of the day and had a good time visiting the usual friendly Nebraska fans. It is an outdoor surface lot. Parking there this year because parking permits can be purchased in advance: https://app.lincoln.ne.gov/aspx/city/eventprk/default.aspx.
September 19th, 2023 at 10:58 AM ^
Just grabbed myself a permit in that lot. Much appreciated!
September 19th, 2023 at 1:01 PM ^
Just bought my pass as well, thanks.
September 19th, 2023 at 1:20 PM ^
Much appreciated! I just grabbed a spot there as well!
September 19th, 2023 at 8:50 PM ^
I also just purchased a pass via this site thanks to you. Appreciate it!
September 22nd, 2023 at 11:26 PM ^
Thanks for the info. Very helpful.
September 19th, 2023 at 10:16 AM ^
Let's hope there won't be any fighting
September 19th, 2023 at 10:22 AM ^
A question related to some other questions here, for anyone who's had the Nebraska football experience:
What residential streets / neighborhoods are the best bet for free parking for people who don't mind a long walk to the stadium? TIA.
September 19th, 2023 at 10:26 AM ^
Went to Lincoln for the 2012 game. Big group of friends from Denver in a borrowed RV. Parked and spent the nights before and after the game in the lots Northeast of the stadium. (looking on Google maps they're labeled UNL Innovation Campus Student Parking). We were surrounded by other Michigan fans and had a great time. Bit of a hike to the stadium. Don't remember it costing us anything, but that was quite a while back.
Would also highly recommend heading to the stadium early and wandering around the lots to the West of the stadium. (INS lot - partially under the highway) It's packed with Nebraska tailgaters and they were very welcoming. Got lots of free food/beers while there.
September 19th, 2023 at 10:33 AM ^
My suggestion and approach has always been - If you're HOSTING a tailgate - then, park as close as you can - and, get there early. You have a nice advantage in - the game's a 3:30 pm kickoff - 2:30 CDT - so, you'll have plenty of time to explore - meet people - soak in the atmosphere - etc.
It sounds like "you're visiting" - with objectives of: 1) enjoying the environment, and 2) going to the game - but, you won't be "hosting".
My suggestions are: get your parking space early - any lot or space within a mile or so should be fine. If you have something like - a "disposable" backpack - then, bring it - and load it up with your beverage. I can't speak for others - but, at our tailgates in Ann Arbor - we proactively reach out to people - and - welcome people to join us. We're glad to share what we've brought - food and beverage - and, talk schools - football - history - etc.
My interactions with Nebraska fans has been positive - and, I'd assume yours will be too.
Check the weather closely before you go - primarily for two things - 1) precipitation and 2) temperatures. The temps will drop at the end of the game - the sun will have set - etc.
When you're there and you spot a tailgate that looks fun - just walk up and say "hi". You'll probably be wearing maize & blue - so, they'll notice you. You can ask them about anything - and, one easy topic will be Matt Ruhle and are they glad to see him in Lincoln. Talk, hang out for a bit, and move on.
And - a very easy question to ask is - "Hello, this is my first time to Lincoln for a game - what would you suggest we do and see while we're here?"
Enjoy - Go Blue!
September 19th, 2023 at 10:38 AM ^
Was just in Lincoln over the weekend for the game and we parked in the lot just west of the Bob Devaney Sports Center. It was a gravel lot, had plenty of spaces and had a few porta potty's available. It was a pretty easy walk then from the lot to Memorial Stadium. After the game we hungout in the Haymarket/Q street location as well as on O street where there are also plenty of bars. If you've never had them before grab a few Runza's or their red hotdog.
September 19th, 2023 at 1:33 PM ^
Damn, it's been 17 years since I've been to a Runza. I'll have to grab a Runza with crinkle fries.
September 19th, 2023 at 2:38 PM ^
Lol I order off menu Everytime. BLT runza is my jam.
September 19th, 2023 at 1:11 PM ^
Lincoln is a shithole. Nice stadium and passionate fans though.
September 19th, 2023 at 2:39 PM ^
^^^^ This, stay in Omaha. Ya, you'll have to beat some traffic, but your options are better and it's a nicer city than Lincoln.
September 19th, 2023 at 2:04 PM ^
You can park at the basketball arena for $35 cash only. Very short walk to the stadium and grilling and drinking is allowed. Parking is first-come first-served and will open up at 8:30 AM. Enjoy the game!
https://www.pinnaclebankarena.com/plan-your-visit/football-tailgating
September 19th, 2023 at 2:53 PM ^
I'm sure Urban has suggestions for tailgating Cayman Nebraska. Hey-ohhhh!
September 19th, 2023 at 7:15 PM ^
We went two years ago and Uberd from the hotel. We walked around Downtown from bar to bar. Many cool spots to tailgate