Every game day, Memorial Stadium becomes sacred ground to the loyal Nebraska Cornhusker fans. With a population just shy of 85,000, this past Saturday was no exception. Traci and I were able to get tickets to the Nebraska Cornhuskers v. New Mexico State Aggies game. We have heard so many stories about how intense it is to be in the stands as a fan in Memorial Stadium, so we were really excited to have the opportunity to go. We wanted the full experience, so we planned a tailgate with the Guderjan’s from our ward. We grilled up some burgers in a parking lot and hung out. It was a lot of fun.
As we walked to the stadium from the car, it was as expected; a sea of red. Everyone surrounding the stadium was wearing at least a little red. Even when we were leaving the game, a few of the surrounding buildings were covered by red flood lights to help give the Husker support. They do pack the stands as full as they can. There isn’t a lot of room on the bleachers for each individual person, so we are closely touching the person next to you. That is alright though because we are all the greatest fans in college football. Our seats were the next to last row in the stadium, but there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Having been to other sports venues, the crowd at Nebraska Cornhusker games was the most respectful crowd. First, when they announce the opposing team and are asked to welcome them, the fans don’t boo them, but they cheer for the opposing team as they are announced. When the band played the National Anthem, the entire stadium say the song. It was impressive and powerful to hear 85,000 sing the National Anthem. It was extra touching because in memory of 9/11/2001, they had local law enforcement and fire fighters present the colors for the game. We have all been to games where the ref’s have made terrible calls, but instead of swearing at them or anything, they would yell, but they would not disrespect them. I hear some of the pleasantries are lost if you are sitting in the student section, but since we were among the regulars, it was a very pleasant experience.
There is a lot of tradition with Nebraska Cornhusker football. To discuss it all would take more than a page or two, but it was a great experience to be a part of it, even if just for one game. Tickets are hard to come by, but we will try to attend as often as we can. GO BIG RED!
Hi Guys,
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Boy, this reminds me of the Weber games, minus about 84,000 people and rather than the sea of red there is a multi-color variety of clothing because no one has Weber pride!! That’s awesome that y’all got to go to the game, I bet it was quite an experience!!