No re-entry policy, alcohol sales, Fan Fest among Husker athletic changes

The Nebraska football team will kick off its 2025 home slate Sept. 6, when the Huskers host the Akron Zips at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m.

In advance of the season, the University of Nebraska Athletic Department is highlighting changes fans can expect at the stadium this fall and reinforcing policies implemented in recent years. 

The most notable changes at Memorial Stadium are a no re-entry policy for all fans and the introduction of alcohol sales. Nebraska is also introducing a new pre-game Fan Fest, the Cornhusker Kickoff presented by Bud Light, in the Hawks Championship Center, beginning four hours before kickoff.

Fans are encouraged to plan ahead and familiarize themselves with any road or street closures that may impact their arrival in Lincoln on game day.

No re-entry

New this season, Memorial Stadium will not allow re-entry during football games. If a patron leaves the venue after initial entry, their game ticket becomes invalid. Patrons are reminded to bring everything they might need during the game before entering the stadium.

Alcohol service

Beginning this season, Husker fans can purchase alcohol at all Nebraska athletic venues. A valid ID will be required for every alcohol purchase, regardless of age, and the service limit is two alcoholic beverages per person, per transaction. Trained staff will monitor points of sale. Alcohol service will be discontinued at the end of the third quarter or at the discretion of management.

Aramark S+E, Nebraska Athletics and Campus Recreation will implement a designated driver program at Memorial Stadium guest service locations on the east and west concourses. A coupon will be given for a free small soft drink or water for adults who sign a pledge to be a designated driver. 

Concessions

Nebraska Athletics has partnered with Aramark S+E to provide food and beverage service in Husker athletic venues. Husker fans will continue to see local fan favorites such as Runza, Valentino’s pizza and Wimmer’s Fairbury Red Hot Dogs throughout Memorial Stadium. Aramark will also introduce a variety of new food concepts for the 2025 season. Many concession items will be available only at specialty stands, and not all traditional items will be available at every stand. A brief outline of items available at various stands is below. The full list can be found here.

New food concepts

Husker Hospitality:

• Blackshirt BBQ (Sections 7, 16, 26, 38)
• Tunnel Walk Tacos (Sections 2, 34, 339, 604)
• Herbie’s Burger Co. (Sections 23, 39)
• Chick N Coop (Section 17) 
• Cornhuskers Crunch Nachos (Sections 32, 34)
• 1923 Cheesesteak (Section 28)
• 402 Snacks (Section 601)
• Cob Co. (Section 5)

Customized culinary concepts:

• GBR Classics locations throughout the stadium will feature local fan favorites.
• The locations will include Runza, Valentino’s pizza, Wimmer’s Fairbury Red Hot Dogs and bratwursts, along with collectible cups and buckets.

Modernized service through technology

• Walk Thru Bru: For the first time in Memorial Stadium’s history, Aramark will introduce alcohol sales for fans 21 and older with valid, government-issued ID. 
• Mashgin checkout technology: Several Walk Thru Bru locations will feature a modernized check-out experience designed to enhance convenience for Husker fans.

Outside food and beverage

New in 2025, food and beverages purchased from outside vendors will not be allowed inside Memorial Stadium. This includes sample giveaways from sponsors. Personal empty water bottles are allowed into the stadium for fans to refill at fountains inside. Certain situations may arise — such as extreme heat — that initiate exceptions to this policy. The university and Athletic Department will communicate to the public if exceptions will be made.

Cornhusker Kickoff presented by Bud Light

Husker fans will have a new pre-game destination for home games at Memorial Stadium, beginning with the Sept. 6 home opener. The Cornhusker Kickoff presented by Bud Light will take place inside of the Hawks Championship Center, just outside of the Memorial Stadium gates. The Hawks Championship Center will open four hours prior to kickoff each game (or 8 a.m. for 11 a.m. kickoffs) and will close when the game begins. Fans do not need a game ticket to attend the Cornhusker Kickoff. There will be a capacity limit for the event. If that limit is reached, some fans may have to wait to enter until others exit. 

Free for Husker fans, the area will feature live entertainment; kids’ activities; food and beverage; Husker merchandise; and appearances and autographs from current and former student-athletes and coaches. Country artists Maddie and Tae will headline the inaugural Cornhusker Kickoff on Sept. 6.  

Improved Verizon coverage 

Verizon customers will have upgraded connectivity at Memorial Stadium after the carrier recently outfitted the stadium with 5G Ultra Wideband. The changes add capacity and coverage throughout the stadium so fans can easily connect with friends, share the action on social media, watch game highlights and keep tabs on players’ stats. Verizon more than doubled the number of antennas in the stadium and has 18 5G mmWave radios outside of the stadium. 

Ticket locations

Fans with ticketing questions on game day can visit Ticket Office windows at Gate 10 (northwest corner) or Gate 22 (East Stadium).  

Fans visiting the Athletic Ticket Office or Husker Athletic Fund staff during regular weekday hours should go to Gate 21 on the east side of Memorial Stadium. Designated parking stalls are available in Lot 12 (inner part of the East Stadium Loop, closest to the stadium).  

Mobile ticketing and cashless operations

Memorial Stadium is a fully cashless venue, and all fans must enter the stadium using mobile tickets. There are no ATMs in or around the venue.

Gate screening and clear bag policy

For the second year, Nebraska Athletics will use walk-through gate screening technology at Memorial Stadium gates. The walk-through technology provides a more efficient screening process and enhances safety for Husker fans. Nebraska continues its clear bag policy for all ticketed Nebraska events. For more information, click here.

Backrest policy and rental

Personal backrests (any shape or size) are not allowed in Memorial Stadium. Backrests are available to rent on a single-game basis at locations inside the stadium concourse. Seat cushions without backs are permissible. East Stadium upper-level seats have backrests. Backrest rentals are $10 plus tax, and all transactions are cashless.  

Husker Legacy Walk

The Nebraska football team will arrive about two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff in the East Stadium loop for their “Husker Legacy Walk.” Players will exit the buses at the intersection of 14th and Vine streets, walk past the Nebraska Coliseum, through the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame, and enter the main lobby of the Osborne Legacy Complex. The Hall of Champions presented by Crete Carrier Corporation (main entrance) of the Osborne Legacy Complex is closed on game days but is open to visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Special dates for 2025 season

Below is a list of some of the special celebrations surrounding Nebraska’s 2025 football home games:

• Akron (Sept. 6): Home opener, drone show
• Houston Christian (Sept. 13): Ag Day, Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Recognition
• Michigan (Sept. 20): 1995 National Championship Reunion
• Michigan State (Oct. 4): Homecoming
• Northwestern (Oct. 25): Military Appreciation Game
• USC (Nov. 1): Memorial Stadium Black Out, Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Recognition
• Iowa (Nov. 28): Pioneer Heroes Game

For full Memorial Stadium game-day information, click here.

The City of Lincoln’s game-day news release, which includes information on traffic, parking and other important policies, is available here.