For 43 years, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Sea of Red has swept past as Chris Sayre’s accordion carries a joyful welcome to game day.
The tradition of Nebraska's “accordion guy” began in 1982, when a friend dared Sayre to try busking to burn off energy on home football game days.
“The team was so good back then, the whole town was buzzing,” Sayre said. “My buddy suggested I go play at the games. It sounded crazy, but I thought it was a great idea.”
For that first game, Sayre picked a spot on the 12th Street mall near Memorial Stadium, directly across from Sheldon Museum of Art. He began on guitar but soon found his stride on a button accordion.
“At first, fans thought I was homeless — a few even gave me money to go away,” Sayre said. “After a couple of years that changed, and people started to notice if I wasn’t there.”
He’s followed the same game-day routine for decades — biking to campus and playing outside Sheldon for up to three hours before kickoff.
“The accordion is just a small part of what I do,” he said. “I’m actually a pretty good singer.”
Sayre performs roughly 125 shows a year, from Humanities Nebraska programs and holiday events to winery concerts. He sings and plays guitar, dulcimer, mandolin, English concertina and even the musical saw. Those gigs and Nebraska weather account for most of the few games he has missed.
“When I was in my 20s, I could handle the colder weather,” Sayre said. “But now, it has got to be above 40 degrees for me to be there.”
He’s only been asked to move once on a game day. Shortly after 9/11, two officers told him he could not play at his usual spot. A friend who witnessed the interaction contacted then-Chancellor Harvey Perlman. Days later, Sayre received a letter of apology and an invitation to return.
“He asked me to please come back to the games,” Sayre said. “I’ve never had an issue since.”
Most fans smile, wave, or shout requests, often for two traditional songs — “No Place Like Nebraska” and “Hail Varsity.”
“Fans walk by and, if I’m playing something else, will shout, ‘Play the songs,’” Sayre said. “I’ve played them countless times, and the fans never grow tired of them. Hearing them is part of their game-day tradition.”
Parents often bring their children to meet the “accordion guy” and return years later with the next generation. Visiting fans also pause for photos, especially when he surprises them with their own fight songs.
Recently, members of the Cornhusker Marching Band have joined Sayre for small performances — even learning to play in the key of G to match his accordion.
“The first time they did that, I got emotional,” Sayre said. “They were so kind. I never expected it.”
Tapping into that same Husker spirit drew Sayre to start busking decades ago, and it keeps him coming back each season.
“People tell me it wouldn’t be a Husker game without the accordion guy,” he said. “That means something. As long as I enjoy it — and fans keep stopping to listen — I’ll be there.”
