A Husker Survival Guide

The first Nebraska football game is just two days away. I realize to many of you this means absolutely nothing. But to my people in Nebraska, this means everything. It’s basically what our state lives for, and I happen to think that’s actually kind of cool. Perhaps “cool” isn’t the right word, I guess I should say I think it’s awesome.
Since I’ve lived in Chicago I haven’t been able to make it back for the first home game, but such is life. Even though I am not there physically, I am there mentally and spiritually. See that first home game is always quite the challenge to make it through in one piece. What with the late August heat and the intense crowds of people dressed in striped overalls and just the wave of excitement that runs through the air in that lovely booze filled town called Lincoln. Stinkin Lincoln, how I love thee.
Because I care for the well being of all my friends and readers, I’ve put together a simple do’s and don’ts list that I would suggest you follow when it comes to Saturday if you happen to be lucky enough to grace the streets of Lincoln.

Do start the day off with a Bloody at The Bar in the beer garden.

But don’t snarl and glare at all the beautiful young college people you no longer recognize, you already had your time. And envy isn’t a good look on anyone.

Don’t get to the North Bottoms too early, as it becomes a death trap of tailgating you’ll never be able to escape.

Do have a pitcher of Elk Creek Water at Sandy’s, but don’t gawk at all of the farmer’s wives in their best jeweled Husker attire while you’re in there. They don’t know any better.

Do stop by for a drink at the lovely outdoor area at The Tavern, but don’t get feisty if the doorman doesn’t let you in because you forgot your ID even though you are clearly twenty-five and several workers know you and your age and you are with your parents, no less. Just don’t, save the ‘tude for the Downtown.


Don’t feel tempted to go buy a new Husker shirt at the Union just because you’re there and caught up in the moment (dad.) But do buy some beads, beads are always fun.

Do stop by every tailgate you can, the bars will be waiting for you after the game, but don’t expect the tailgate food to be waiting for you at the end.

Do head into the game on time, but don’t tear up when the tunnel walk song comes on. Some little girls from Norfolk just weren’t meant to play defense on a D1 football team. Life goes on.

Do get a slice of Val’s pizza, but don’t try to eat the cheese that is stuck to the cardboard, just chalk it up as a loss and order a Runza.

During the game, don’t get huffy if the person next to you is taking up “your leg space.” Instead, do just rent a stadium chair for $8 and save yourself the stress!

Following the game, don’t wait for a photo with a player if you’re over the age of ten. It’s just a little weird (dad.) Jk, my dad doesn’t do that. But my brother does…

Don’t go into Brothers Bar afterward no matter how cheap they claim their drinks are. Unless of course you’re dressed in Affliction and/or a Jersey dress, then by all means Do Brother it up!

If you’re able, do cut the line at the Rail. And if you’re not able, don’t get mad at those of us who are.

Once inside the Rail, do check your judgement at the door. The Rail is a judge free zone, especially in the back bar. Just don’t touch anything in the bathrooms. Or the freezer…

When it’s time to move to The Bar, don’t stop by the hotdog man first. Do realize mustard stains all Husker clothes.

When you finally make it to the Bar, kick back and enjoy yourself. Don’t worry about a thing. Do remember, it’s just the start of another Husker season after all.

And don’t forget Lazzaris after “Take Me Home Tonight” starts to play and the dreaded lights to start to turn on.

 photo signature-23.png

Share:

20 Comments

  1. August 29, 2013 / 4:12 pm

    I LOVE this post!!! I, too, LOVE college football and get nostalgic every fall. Although I root for a different red team…wreck 'em Tech!

    How cute is your dad?! haha Love him!

  2. August 29, 2013 / 4:39 pm

    this really makes me want to be your friend. is that weird?

  3. August 29, 2013 / 4:51 pm

    GBR!!!! Can't wait for Saturday:)

  4. August 29, 2013 / 5:03 pm

    You writing about football brings a tear to my eye. If I ever go to Nebraska………….. I'll be sure to do everything on this list! Except I may wait for a photo with one of the players, I just can't help myself sometimes.

  5. August 29, 2013 / 5:15 pm

    oh my!! this husker LOVES this post and now am really kind of sad i gave up my ticket for saturday's game. what was i thinking?!?!!!! oh yeah, it's going to be 142 degrees out. eff that!

    seriously laughing with tears in my eyes at all the bar references. so spot on.

  6. August 29, 2013 / 5:25 pm

    Great advice. Born and raised in Lincoln and moved to California 4 years ago. I always make it to one home game a year. My fiancee thinks I'm insane! And we're getting married on Husker game day in Cali in 2 weeks, my family is traumatized.

  7. August 29, 2013 / 5:25 pm

    Some friends (Nebraska alums) are coming up to visit my husband and me this weekend and we're going to some "Husker bar" in Chicago…anything that I need to know about Nebraska football specifically so that I don't seem incredibly stupid while I'm there?

    • August 31, 2013 / 8:31 pm

      I saw you at Kirkwood but thought you would consider me a freak if I went to talk to you! I was waiting until I was a little more drunk (which I am now)…but I think you're gone now! But I live in Chicago, so maybe more non run-ins are in our future.

  8. August 29, 2013 / 6:42 pm

    LOVEEEE this!!!! This is such a cute idea! I would love to do it for my school!

  9. August 29, 2013 / 8:00 pm

    LOVE this post! This makes me SO sad that I'm moving from Lincoln to Omaha. I will definitely miss all the energy and excitement of game days in this town, even if I'm not actually there or somewhere downtown! And I must say… just don't go to Brothers… ever, the end.

  10. August 29, 2013 / 9:17 pm

    Oh my gosh the rail is something else. In college I ended up there many a times and each time I was uncomfortable. Haha. I love football and I love the Huskers! People in Montana don't quite get me but lets be real they don't even have a legit team.

  11. August 29, 2013 / 9:46 pm

    How did I guess there'd be a college football post gracing this blog this week? 🙂

  12. August 30, 2013 / 3:35 pm

    I don't know anything about the Huskers except that my sister in law sent my husband a shirt for his birthday last year because she was living in Omaha – I'll tell him to wear it tomorrow, haha But this post makes me excited for college football season all together! I love how most of it is the non-football parts of it, which are what I like most anyway 😉

  13. November 21, 2014 / 12:44 am

    Your blog is very popular! This paper content rich and colorful, adopt unique writing thinking.I think they will like to see this article.
    http://www.nesaahome.org |

  14. December 19, 2014 / 12:21 am

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.. 
    scfuelcells |

  15. August 20, 2015 / 3:24 am
  16. August 27, 2015 / 2:15 pm

    We enjoy for our long-sufferings to experience pleasure, however whereas they get steels, we are hardly ecstatic about them eating truly clammy further chewy brittle that can respite their girds. We promote them to calm go external plus maneuver or refreshment, yet thereupon batch around the sweeten for the viscous sate also we volition purchase that backward
    baselshoppingcity |

    islamicfashion |

    fashionforpeople |

    shoppingbagger |

    ccfashion |

    fashionsenseclub |

    zeefashionstore |

    thefashiontrade |

    wfashion |

    adenium-shopping |

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *