1st husker game need advice.

Jun 30, 2025
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Pretty spur of the moment. Wife and I just decided to book a flight out to catch our first game. Were not from Nebraaka. Im a life long fan but ive only been to away games. So we really have no idea what to do or what to plan for. We're staying a few miles from the stadium and will be in town friday afternoon till sunday.

Looking for some advice on food for friday night and we want to hit up some local bars before the game and probably get some food. Anything else advice wise is appreciated.
 
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V1nufanx4

Sophomore
Aug 15, 2018
791
135
37
So, sounds like you are not staying in downtown Lincoln. Do you have a plan on how you getting to the stadium on game day? IMO, game day parking is priority #1, when that is secured, then it’s time to party.
 
Sep 2, 2015
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Pretty spur of the moment. Wife and I just decided to book a flight out to catch our first game. Were not from Nebraaka. Im a life long fan but ive only been to away games. So we really have no idea what to do or what to plan for. We're staying a few miles from the stadium and will be in town friday afternoon till sunday.

Looking for some advice on food for friday night and we want to hit up some local bars before the game and probably get some food. Anything else advice wise is appreciated.


Hit “The Zoo Bar“ & “Barrymore’s“ one night (literally half a block from each other). The Zoo Bar generally has some great live music, and Barrymore’s is simply an iconic Lincoln bar.


https://rococotheatre.com/barrymores/

Barrymores doesn’t have a decent website, but trust me, you won’t be disappointed…check it out


.
 
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Huskers12345

Senior
Aug 23, 2025
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Soo im 4 min drive from the stadium at The scarlet . I was planning on an Uber. Around 10 or so am. Im assuming they are available.
A 4 minute drive from the stadium doesn't exist on gameday, except very early. Downtown should be hopping, even by 10 am. Just get dropped off in the Haymarket and go with the flow. It will be an amazing experience. You can feel the energy in the air downtown before big games.

First home game ever, I would leave the bars by 1:30 and head for the stadium. Don't want to risk missing the tunnel walk because you are still walking in. I might even consider getting downtown at 9 or so. I haven't looked at the 11 am games, but the railyard can be really fun if there is a decent game on. Well, actually, the railyard can be fun either way.
 

4.6.3

Senior
Jun 4, 2022
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The Scarlet is a decent place. Students help run the place. The rooftop bar there is actually a very nice place to catch sunsets and a decent view. Go down and wonder around the stadium. The bars are usually packed with people who want to stand shoulder to shoulder. You can try and go multiple places, but the legit NU home game experience happens around the stadium, and the lots close to it.
 

SuperBigFan69

All-Conference
Apr 17, 2021
4,381
3,987
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The Rail Yard is pretty fun and it will be packed by 11am.

"O" Street is sort of the main strip of bars. You can pretty much just walk O street and find different bars to stop in before the game.

Barry's has a great rooftop bar. I think it is 5 or 10 dollars to get in, I can't remember.
 

Redscarlet

Heisman
Jun 17, 2001
32,805
10,737
113
Another one would be the Watering Hole.Can’t go wrong with Barry’s.

Haymarket has a few bars around as well.
 
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Huskers12345

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Aug 23, 2025
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Some people also like to go to Sandy's for Elk Creek Water as their warmup spot. Not sure what time they will open for a 230 game.
 

BleedRed89

Heisman
Nov 27, 2008
34,371
53,381
113
Im making my first trip since 2015 this year. And I'm also gonna wing it.

I see there's still parking passes available for $300 for the game I'm going to for that garage literally adjacent to the stadium. Im betting its super convenient to park at before the game - but I imagine its a real ***** to get out of once the games over.

I'm probably just going to park in the Haymarket and walk.
 

Huskers12345

Senior
Aug 23, 2025
640
728
93
Im making my first trip since 2015 this year. And I'm also gonna wing it.

I see there's still parking passes available for $300 for the game I'm going to for that garage literally adjacent to the stadium. Im betting its super convenient to park at before the game - but I imagine its a real ***** to get out of once the games over.

I'm probably just going to park in the Haymarket and walk.
Best to get there a little earlier, park a little further away, and then avoid the downtown/stadium core when leaving. I would rather walk a few extra blocks than sit in traffic. At least that's what we do.
 

V1nufanx4

Sophomore
Aug 15, 2018
791
135
37
Im making my first trip since 2015 this year. And I'm also gonna wing it.

I see there's still parking passes available for $300 for the game I'm going to for that garage literally adjacent to the stadium. Im betting its super convenient to park at before the game - but I imagine its a real ***** to get out of once the games over.

I'm probably just going to park in the Haymarket and walk.
For $150.00 you can park in my garage in West O and I’ll drive you to and from the game, lol.
 

BleedRed89

Heisman
Nov 27, 2008
34,371
53,381
113
For $150.00 you can park in my garage in West O and I’ll drive you to and from the game, lol.
Thats quite tempting. One of my enemies on here would likely bribe you to do something to my car tho.

 

BleedRed89

Heisman
Nov 27, 2008
34,371
53,381
113
Best to get there a little earlier, park a little further away, and then avoid the downtown/stadium core when leaving. I would rather walk a few extra blocks than sit in traffic. At least that's what we do.
Kinda what I'm figuring. We're not staying in Lincoln at all - coming and going just for the game. I don't mind a bit of a walk. Weather should still be beautiful as I'm going to the MSU game.
 

huskat

Senior
Jan 27, 2005
2,531
501
113
I know Im different, but you can go to a bar anywhere. Why waste time there when you are at the stadium for the first time ever?

Hit the Nebraska dairy store for ice cream on East campus. Across the street is Valentinos Pizza, a landmark, even though it has been refurbished from the old days.

Walk around east and main campus to take it all in.

2-2.5 hours before game, line up by the performance center/collesium as the team arrives. Band , cheerleaders, mascots also.

Get pics with the TO and other statues in east stadium. Also the east facade has classic photo ops. Food trucks.

Starting 4 hours before game time, family activities at the indoor practice facility outside of north stadium. Even with no kids, it's cool to see the freshly revamped indoor facility.

The trophy room used to be open in north stadium. Last year it wasn't, not sure about this year. They might have moved them all to the new performance center, which unfortunately is off limits. Shame, if so.

Student union for food, gear (down stairs) and great atmosphere. Greek tailgates are all there also.

1 hour before the game the drums and band warm up outside of the band building. A must do, IMO.

First year for electronic tickets. Game 1 was a mess and took a while to get in. Plan accordingly.
 

Wasker73

Senior
Sep 2, 2025
474
464
63
I have some Seattle friends who are Husky grads who have been in Chicago for a wedding. The husband had such a good time when he came for the Washington game in 1998 that he is bringing his wife, son and daughter-in-law to the Michigan game. I gave them my advice about going to the Hay Market area, Barry's, Lazlo's, Barrymore's........ (I always like Duffy's if I were downtown). I think that says a lot about Lincoln that non-Husker fans are paying aftermarket ticket prices to go to a game there.

My old friends and I are going to the Michigan State game in a couple of weeks. Still do not know what time that game is. I am lining up Val's and Runzas to be delivered to the Champion's Club where we are hanging out
 

4.6.3

Senior
Jun 4, 2022
894
984
93
Another one would be the Watering Hole.Can’t go wrong with Barry’s.

Haymarket has a few bars around as well.
Watering Hole? Why are you telling them to go to 84th and Holdrege, or Coddington and West A!
This is a Husker fan asking for advice, we don’t tell them crap like this trying to ruin their experience. Stick to things you know about
 

Redscarlet

Heisman
Jun 17, 2001
32,805
10,737
113
Watering Hole? Why are you telling them to go to 84th and Holdrege, or Coddington and West A!
This is a Husker fan asking for advice, we don’t tell them crap like this trying to ruin their experience. Stick to things you know about
Don’t worry about it.You’re not the only one that has opinion.

Also lot fun under the viaduct where people mingle and get together.
 

BleedRed89

Heisman
Nov 27, 2008
34,371
53,381
113
I have some Seattle friends who are Husky grads who have been in Chicago for a wedding. The husband had such a good time when he came for the Washington game in 1998 that he is bringing his wife, son and daughter-in-law to the Michigan game. I gave them my advice about going to the Hay Market area, Barry's, Lazlo's, Barrymore's........ (I always like Duffy's if I were downtown). I think that says a lot about Lincoln that non-Husker fans are paying aftermarket ticket prices to go to a game there.

My old friends and I are going to the Michigan State game in a couple of weeks. Still do not know what time that game is. I am lining up Val's and Runzas to be delivered to the Champion's Club where we are hanging out
Im praying its 230. I really dont want to start heading to Lincoln before the Sun is up.
 

BleedRed89

Heisman
Nov 27, 2008
34,371
53,381
113
Watering Hole? Why are you telling them to go to 84th and Holdrege, or Coddington and West A!
This is a Husker fan asking for advice, we don’t tell them crap like this trying to ruin their experience. Stick to things you know about
Is the Watering Hole no longer on O street or is this just throwing shade at WH?

Im going to have to finally try Oscar's and see what this fued is about.
 

Redscarlet

Heisman
Jun 17, 2001
32,805
10,737
113
What is wrong with you? There’s not a Watering Hole in 132nd and O.

Ignore this guy, he’s playing games with people coming to our University to have a good experience
Been a while since I’ve been their because we now tailgate by Haymarket by the baseball stadium, but it was always been blast there and a great place to go.

Wasn’t aware that it moved.
 
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ADV88

Junior
Oct 26, 2018
1,862
394
83
I know Im different, but you can go to a bar anywhere. Why waste time there when you are at the stadium for the first time ever?

Hit the Nebraska dairy store for ice cream on East campus. Across the street is Valentinos Pizza, a landmark, even though it has been refurbished from the old days.

Walk around east and main campus to take it all in.

2-2.5 hours before game, line up by the performance center/collesium as the team arrives. Band , cheerleaders, mascots also.

Get pics with the TO and other statues in east stadium. Also the east facade has classic photo ops. Food trucks.

Starting 4 hours before game time, family activities at the indoor practice facility outside of north stadium. Even with no kids, it's cool to see the freshly revamped indoor facility.

The trophy room used to be open in north stadium. Last year it wasn't, not sure about this year. They might have moved them all to the new performance center, which unfortunately is off limits. Shame, if so.

Student union for food, gear (down stairs) and great atmosphere. Greek tailgates are all there also.

1 hour before the game the drums and band warm up outside of the band building. A must do, IMO.

First year for electronic tickets. Game 1 was a mess and took a while to get in. Plan accordingly.
I 100% Agree with this... I typically also include walking through the Haymarket and through all the tailgates along the way... I just always thoroughly enjoy watching folks have fun in an atmosphere like this... we all work Hard and it's good to see people enjoying life away from the Chaos and BS of everyday life.

If this is your first time in town... you have to get the staples... Runza and Val's Pizza... to me, there's nothing better then a Runza (& a Fairbury Tom) in Memorial Stadium!
 
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Redscarlet

Heisman
Jun 17, 2001
32,805
10,737
113
Also false. Super easy. There are tons waiting downtown and the haymarket
Lol, not by the stadium is what I think he referring to.

Anyone can walk that far to parking garage by Haymarket and of course there some downtown.
 

4.6.3

Senior
Jun 4, 2022
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Lol, not by the stadium is what I think he referring to.

Anyone can walk that far to parking garage by Haymarket and of course there some downtown.
I’m glad you are psychic. What’s the score going to be Saturday?
I’m gonna be rich!!!!
 
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4.6.3

Senior
Jun 4, 2022
894
984
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How difficult are ubers or lyft a few hours before and after the game?
If you want the truth, it is fairly easy if you have even a little bit of savvy and smarts. If you are North of the tracks, it’s a delay. Maybe I’m mistaking you with someone else, but if you’re staying at the Scarlet you can just leave the game and hail an UBER when you hit Salt Creek Roadway North of the stadium. If you don’t get picked up by the time you come to the Antelope Valley intersection, it’s literally a downhill walk to the Scarlet.
This is all dependent on if you want to go out after the game. You won’t get to any place sooner than 6:30 at the absolute earliest if you stay the full game. If you go to the hotel you can sit on the deck up top and watch the big screens, catch more football, and relax as the evening winds down. Nobody really goes there unless they are staying. It’s a pretty sweet view. Hopefully the Sun is out. We had the best sunset I can recall seeing in the stadium last year during the Wisconsin game. From our club seats in East Stadium it was truly great. Made the atmosphere even better when they beat those stinking Badgers. Then you’re right there, can shower and hit the rack.
 

RBigredMax1

All-Conference
Jul 16, 2025
1,427
2,422
113
Pretty spur of the moment. Wife and I just decided to book a flight out to catch our first game. Were not from Nebraaka. Im a life long fan but ive only been to away games. So we really have no idea what to do or what to plan for. We're staying a few miles from the stadium and will be in town friday afternoon till sunday.

Looking for some advice on food for friday night and we want to hit up some local bars before the game and probably get some food. Anything else advice wise is appreciated.
Congratulations!!! No better place in all the world!!!
 

BleedRed89

Heisman
Nov 27, 2008
34,371
53,381
113
Been closed over a year.
Damn. Thats a shame. Clearly I haven't been in awhile.

And TBF, the last couple of times I tried going on a Game-day, you couldn't even open the door the place was so packed. Hopefully the new location is bigger.
 

4.6.3

Senior
Jun 4, 2022
894
984
93
Damn. Thats a shame. Clearly I haven't been in awhile.

And TBF, the last couple of times I tried going on a Game-day, you couldn't even open the door the place was so packed. Hopefully the new location is bigger.
There is no “new” location. Especially not on 131st and O. It sucked when they lost their OG wing guy, and was really bad after the building collapse and remodel. It was only ever busy on gameday from nostalgia
 

BleedRed89

Heisman
Nov 27, 2008
34,371
53,381
113
There is no “new” location. Especially not on 131st and O. It sucked when they lost their OG wing guy, and was really bad after the building collapse and remodel. It was only ever busy on gameday from nostalgia
Damn. I dunno why I read that initial message as them moving, not closing.

Well ****. That's unfortunate. I know the opinion was mixed, but I really enjoyed their wings. Didnt even realize there had been a remodel.

But again with the exception of a spring game here and there, I haven't been to town for a game since Miami. Guess I'm a little out of the loop.

Google shows an active location for them at

1550 South Coddington, Lincoln, NE 68522​

- this just a new restaurant that swooped in to piggy back off the name?
 

4.6.3

Senior
Jun 4, 2022
894
984
93
Damn. I dunno why I read that initial message as them moving, not closing.

Well ****. That's unfortunate. I know the opinion was mixed, but I really enjoyed their wings. Didnt even realize there had been a remodel.

But again with the exception of a spring game here and there, I haven't been to town for a game since Miami. Guess I'm a little out of the loop.

Google shows an active location for them at

1550 South Coddington, Lincoln, NE 68522​

- this just a new restaurant that swooped in to piggy back off the name?
Because the hall monitor here thinks he is an expert on everything…