{"id":17743,"date":"2017-09-13T06:00:59","date_gmt":"2017-09-13T06:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.npdodge.com\/blog\/?p=17743"},"modified":"2017-09-13T06:00:59","modified_gmt":"2017-09-13T06:00:59","slug":"complete-guide-tailgating-huskers-game-lincoln","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/npdodge.blog\/2017\/09\/complete-guide-tailgating-huskers-game-lincoln\/","title":{"rendered":"A Complete Guide to Tailgating for the Huskers Game in Lincoln"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s that time of year again \u2014 the leaves are changing, we are starting to feel that familiar chill, and chants of \u201cHusker! Power!\u201d are in full swing. Football season has begun. The Huskers never fail to impress, and their success on the field draws in thousands of fans to celebrate at home and on the road. That means that Lincoln\u2019s pre-game tailgating festivities can also be tough to beat! <\/span><\/p>\n

Whether this is your first time donning a foam finger, or you\u2019re a seasoned Huskers fan, we gathered up some tips to carry you through the football season. Go Huskers! <\/span><\/p>\n

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Where to Go <\/b><\/h2>\n

Snagging an invite to your friend\u2019s tent\u00a0is one of the most common ways to celebrate, but if you\u2019re not sure where to start, here are some of our favorite venues for tailgating around Lincoln. <\/span><\/p>\n

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The Pinnacle Bank Arena <\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n

400 Pinnacle Arena Drive <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Tailgating at the Pinnacle Bank Arena usually begins about four hours before kickoff, and is no doubt the most popular tailgating destination for the Huskers. Fans book their parking spaces months in advance<\/span>, and the festival area\u00a0fills with fans socializing with a brat in hand. Learn more about the tailgating festivities at the Pinnacle Bank Arena <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Blur<\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n

Near the intersection of 8th and S Streets<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\"blur\"<\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of Blur<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

A Blur tailgating party is something every Huskers fan must experience at least once. These top-notch events draw in hundreds of fun-loving fans to enjoy cornhole, food, drinks and much more, all while the game plays on TVs around the venue. The private party\u00a0will take place on the South End of Lot 7 under the I-180 bridge. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Husker Nation Pavilion <\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n

1400 R Street<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

This free pre-game bash begins two hours before kickoff at the Ed Weir Track (on the northeast corner of Memorial Stadium). You will enjoy live music, food, libations, face-painting, performances from the cheerleaders and the UNL Marching Band, as well as plenty of kid-friendly activities. Choose to party here and you won\u2019t have far to travel when it\u2019s time for the game to start! <\/span><\/p>\n

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NZone <\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n

728 Q Street<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

NZone takes the term \u201cunderground party\u201d to a different level. Step into this basement bar on game days into a sea of red, black and white. You might knock elbows with fellow fans, but there is no better place to soak in that iconic Huskers energy. If you\u2019d rather stick around for a game of darts instead of meandering to the stadium, you will be able to watch the game here as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Barry\u2019s Bar and Grill<\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n

235 North 9th Street<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\"Barrys<\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of Nolan Wheeler via\u00a0Barry’s Bar & Grill<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Barry\u2019s Bar and Grill is the epitome of Nebraska football tradition. If you come from a long line of Huskers fans, you might have heard stories about your family\u2019s tailgating days at this infamous Lincoln hangout. Now, it\u2019s time to make your own memories! Get there early, grab a drink and head out onto the rooftop patio.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Railyard <\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n

350 Canopy Street<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\"Railyard\"<\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of the Railyard<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

If the weather is nice, set course for the Railyard. This district is commonly known as Lincoln\u2019s entertainment hub, and hosts events year-round. On game days, gather in front of The Union Bank & Trust Cube (an outdoor mega screen) with a cold brew, and join other fans cheering for the Huskers. In case you needed further incentive to check this place out, the Journal Star recently included the Railyard in its list of the best places to hang out on game day<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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“Do the Dock” at the Embassy Suites Downtown <\/a><\/b><\/h4>\n

1040 P Street <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

You might not think of a nice hotel as a prime tailgating location, but it would be a true shame to overlook this party. The outdoor beer garden, more commonly known as \u201cthe Dock,\u201d packs a large crowd on game day. If you don’t have tickets to the game, you can watch it on the big screen in the atrium if you wish! <\/span><\/p>\n

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What to Wear <\/b><\/h2>\n

You would never want to get looped in with supporters from the opposing team, so you best be wearing red and white to the Huskers game \u2014 and lots of it. Here are some places to stock up on your game-day apparel. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Best of Big Red <\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n

321 North 8th Street or\u00a06891 A Street<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\"Best<\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of\u00a0Best of Big Red<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

From beads\u00a0to koozies, the Best of Big Red is your one-stop shop for everything Huskers related. More than 5,000 Huskers-themed items cover the shelves. Visit either of their convenient locations (in the Clocktower Shopping Center and the Haymarket), or <\/span>shop online<\/span><\/a> from the comfort of your home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Huskers Shop <\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n

400 Pinnacle Arena Drive<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Sometimes it’s best to go\u00a0straight to the source, which is why we always recommend the official store of the Nebraska Huskers. You might pay a bit more for your shirts, hats, sweaters and other apparel, but you can count on everything being official and authentic. Plus, shopping around the store at Memorial Stadium is an experience in itself! <\/span><\/p>\n

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Where to Stock Up for the Party<\/b><\/h2>\n

It wouldn’t be a\u00a0successful tailgate party without some delicious food and snacks. Whether you\u2019re grilling in the backyard or just looking to pick something up on your way to the stadium, here are some nearby places to check out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Leon\u2019s Gourmet Grocer <\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n

2200 Winthrop Road<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Leon\u2019s is a favorite for locals as it houses a prime selection of top-quality meats for grilling, as well as freshly baked breads, deli meats, produce and more. There\u2019s no better place to round-up a wide variety of snacks for your next shindig! <\/span><\/p>\n

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Phat Jack\u2019s BBQ <\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n

101 SW 14th Place<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\"Phat<\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of\u00a0Phat Jack\u2019s<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Phat Jack\u2019s is a crowd pleaser no matter which way you look at it. Pre-order some barbecue goodies to serve at your next event \u2014 the famed Big Red Brisket is our number one draft pick. <\/span><\/p>\n

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The Watering Hole <\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n

1321 O Street <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

If wings are your style (and why wouldn\u2019t they be?), look no further than the Watering Hole. Many claim that this establishment serves up the best grilled wings in town, all accompanied by sauces both sweet and spicy. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Things to Know in Advance<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Huskers\"<\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of the Huskers<\/em><\/p>\n

Wearing the school colors is important, but to truly please your fellow Huskers fans you will also have to hoot, holler and say the right things at the right time. Here are some important Huskers game-day traditions to keep in mind. <\/span><\/p>\n

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The Unity Walk <\/b><\/h4>\n

Two hours and 45 minutes prior to kickoff, fans have the opportunity to meet their beloved Huskers as they arrive at the stadium by bus. Meet them in the horseshoe in your game-day best to give them a true Lincoln welcome! <\/span><\/p>\n

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The Cornheads <\/b><\/h4>\n

This is optional, but recommended for maximum fun. Influenced by the Green Bay Packer Cheesehead, the Cornhead is a staple when it comes to accessorizing for Huskers games. Throughout the crowd, you will see fans donning a large, plastic ear of corn strapped to their head. They\u2019ve got spirit, yes they do! They\u2019ve got spirit, how about you? <\/span><\/p>\n

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When they Say \u201cHusker,\u201d You say \u201cPower.\u201d<\/b><\/h4>\n

This one is simple. When someone is brave enough to yell \u201cHusker\u201d in the middle of a crowd or in the stadium, you answer at the top of your lungs with \u201cpower.\u201d Always.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Be Ready for the Slow and Fast Wave<\/h4>\n