University of Nebraska-Lincoln Tailgating
Fall in Lincoln is all about football as the game day for the Huskers is always the hottest ticket in the state. Learn the RV tips and tricks here!
Event information
University of Nebraska-Lincoln tailgating at Memorial Stadium offers authentic Big Ten RV experiences with Lot 11RV and Innovation Campus Lot 56 providing designated spaces for oversized vehicles, with weekend passes (Friday through Sunday) priced around $150-200 for Innovation Campus and season passes available for Lot 11RV through donor selection. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the 85,000-seat Memorial Stadium—known as the "Sea of Red"—opens donor parking lots six hours before kickoff but prohibits unauthorized overnight parking in most campus lots, making Innovation Campus Lot 56 the premier choice for RVers seeking weekend dry camping. While on-site RV spaces lack hookups and grilling is strictly prohibited in parking garages, Husker fans enjoy generous tailgating in designated areas with portable restrooms provided throughout. The Lincoln metropolitan area, just 50 miles from Omaha, offers excellent RV rental options and access to Nebraska's full-service campgrounds, providing comfortable staging for one of college football's most passionate fan bases and the nation's longest sellout streak.
What Makes University of Nebraska-Lincoln Tailgating Special?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln tailgating at Memorial Stadium represents the soul of Midwest college football, combining authentic Cornhusker tradition with genuine Nebraska hospitality in what becomes the state's third-largest "city" on game day. The Sea of Red transforms Lincoln into an ocean of scarlet-clad fans who've maintained the nation's longest sellout streak since 1962, creating an atmosphere that's both legendary and welcoming.
Husker Nation brings unmatched dedication to every home game, with fans arriving hours early to set up tailgates, play cornhole, and create the community atmosphere that defines Nebraska football culture. The tailgating experience here goes beyond typical game day parties—it's a celebration of agricultural heritage, Midwest values, and the shared identity that makes Nebraska football feel like family to fans across the Great Plains.
Memorial Stadium's location in downtown Lincoln creates an authentic college town atmosphere where game day takes over the entire capital city. The stadium's impressive capacity and sellout tradition ensure every tailgate contributes to the collective energy that makes Husker Saturdays feel like statewide family reunions for alumni returning from across the region.
To maximize your Husker experience, explore Lincoln RV rentals for the closest proximity to Memorial Stadium and an authentic Nebraska atmosphere, or discover Omaha RV rentals for the largest selection with easy interstate access just 50 miles east.
Tickets
How Much Does Huskers Tailgating Cost?
Husker game experiences involve several cost components, with pricing reflecting high demand for one of college football's most dedicated fan bases.
RV Parking: Innovation Campus Lot 56 weekend passes (Friday-Sunday) cost approximately $150-200, while Lot 11RV requires season passes through Nebraska Athletics donor selection, with no single-game options available through the university.
Game Tickets: Nebraska maintains strong pricing despite recent seasons, with single-game tickets typically ranging from $75-150 for most games. Division rivals like Iowa, Wisconsin, and ranked opponents command premium pricing, potentially reaching $150-250 for better seats.
Additional Costs:
- Towed vehicle parking permits (approximately $20 additional)
- Food and beverages for tailgating
- Stadium concessions and Husker merchandise
- Fuel and supplies for your RV adventure
- State park permits if staying at Nebraska recreation areas
Money-Saving Tips:
- Book Innovation Campus RV parking early when tickets go on sale
- Purchase tickets in advance for better pricing
- Bring your own food and drinks for tailgating (nothing allowed into the stadium)
- Consider staying at nearby campgrounds with full hookups instead of dry camping on campus
- Arrive early Friday to maximize your weekend pass value
Explore University of Nebraska-Lincoln Tailgating RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Traffic on game day in Lincoln can snarl up the city. If you are staying in the direction of Omaha in the RV, then be aware that the traffic on I-80 between the two cities can make an hour-long drive into a two to three-hour trek. Memorial Stadium becomes the third-largest 'city' in Nebraska on game day, so plan at least an hour as a buffer, keep an eye open for road closures on the way in, and get to a parking spot as early as possible to enjoy the tailgating festivities.
Parking areas
Lots directly surrounding the stadium (the ones with the quickest walk to the gates) are reserved for donors to the Nebraska Athletics programs. Donor lots do not allow overnight parking. There are no single-game parking passes for Nebraska game days sold by the university itself.
RVers can park in Lot 11 (season pass and donors only) or further out in Lot 56 of the innovation campus, which does allow overnight parking. Lot 56 typically costs $75 for game day only and $150 from Friday night until Sunday morning and is sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Public Transportation
The StarTran Shuttle Bus is the best way to get around on game day. Buses usually start two hours before kickoff and run until 45 minutes before the game starts. There are a number of pick-up and drop-off points around the edges of the campus (and slightly further out) to help fans get to the game. Taxis and rideshare services are also available, but book early as this is not a huge city and these services get very busy on game day.
Where to stay
Onsite
Innovation Campus Lot 56 serves as the primary public RV parking option at Memorial Stadium, offering weekend passes (Friday through Sunday) that accommodate dry camping for fans seeking the full Husker game day experience. RV parking costs approximately $150-200 for weekend access, depending on the season.
Innovation Campus Lot 56 Features:
- Weekend access (Friday evening through Sunday morning)
- No electrical or water hookups available
- Located on the south side of the UNL campus
- Allows overnight camping throughout the weekend
- Generator use permitted within assigned spaces
- Additional charge (approximately $20) for towed vehicles
- First-come, first-served space assignment within the lot
Lot 11RV (Donor Parking):
- Season passes are only available through Nebraska Athletics donor selection
- No single-game passes available
- Requires Huskers Athletic Fund membership
- Located closer to the stadium than the Innovation Campus
- No overnight parking permitted
- Opens six hours before kickoff
Important RV Guidelines:
- All donor and cashiered parking lots open six hours before kickoff
- Parking lots close at 10:00 PM the night before game day
- Tailgating must not impede traffic or infringe on adjacent spaces
- Saving parking spaces is strictly prohibited
- Tents should be weighted down rather than staked (underground utilities)
- Grilling is strictly prohibited within and on top of all parking garages
- Unauthorized overnight parking is not allowed in most campus lots
- Portable restrooms are provided throughout the parking areas
Nearby
If campus RV parking sells out or you prefer full hookups, West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA in Gretna provides an excellent nearby option with full amenities, Wi-Fi, swimming pool, mini-golf, and pet areas. Located about 30 minutes from Memorial Stadium, this campground offers the comfort unavailable in stadium dry camping while maintaining easy game day access via I-80.
For extended stays with natural beauty, Branched Oak State Recreation Area sits just 25 minutes northwest of Lincoln, offering full hookups, an 800-acre dog trail, and serene lake camping that's perfect for unwinding after the game day excitement.
Getting around
The best way to get around Lincoln, and to the stadium, is either to walk or to take a shuttle. There is plenty of parking available that is within walking distance, while the shuttle services are an effective way to get to the gates on game day. This is not a city with a particularly efficient public transport system, so keep your timeframes in mind when planning your agenda.
What to pack
Clothing
Nebraska weather varies dramatically throughout football season, requiring strategic packing for comfort both at your tailgate and inside Memorial Stadium's open-air environment. September games often feature warm temperatures in the 70s-80s, while November matchups can bring freezing conditions, wind, and occasionally snow—earning Lincoln's reputation for authentic Midwest football weather.
Pack layers including short sleeves for early-season heat, hoodies and jackets for cooling temperatures, and winter gear for late-season games. The infamous Nebraska wind makes windbreakers essential for October and November games. Your Sea of Red apparel is mandatory—Memorial Stadium transforms into an ocean of scarlet that defines the Husker experience.
Gear
Showing Cornhusker pride is non-negotiable at Memorial Stadium. Pack your favorite Husker clothing, scarlet flags, and collapsible chairs emblazoned with the block N. When fans pass by your RV, they'll know you bleed Big Red. The stadium's merchandise shops and satellite stores around the concourses offer everything from championship-commemorating gear to the latest Husker apparel if you need to expand your collection.
Bring games like cornhole or ladder toss to entertain between meal prep and kickoff. A canopy or pop-up tent provides essential shade during early-season tailgates and wind protection during fall games.
Health & Safety
Football is an all-day affair when you combine tailgating with the game and post-game celebrations. For many fans, standing and walking for hours causes fatigue. Before heading to Nebraska, prepare for extended periods on your feet by bringing comfortable athletic shoes with good support and warm socks for cooler games.
Pack a comprehensive first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, antihistamines, and any prescription medications. Include hand warmers and lip balm for late-season games. Sunscreen remains important even during fall games—Nebraska's high plains sun can be deceptive.
Where to eat
Cooking
Husker tailgating culture revolves around great food shared with fellow fans before and after the game. If you have a dish that brings your team good luck, fire up the grill outside and share those championship vibes. Perhaps your favorite football fare is a proper Runza (Nebraska's iconic stuffed bread pocket) made from scratch, or maybe you're grilling up Nebraska corn-fed beef burgers that showcase the state's agricultural heritage.
Keep your ingredients fresh using your RV's refrigerator, and cook on gas or charcoal grills in designated tailgating areas. If using charcoal, dispose of hot coals only in designated containers. Remember that grilling is strictly prohibited in parking garages—keep your cooking in open lots only.
Restaurants
Visiting Lincoln isn't complete without experiencing local dining traditions. The original Runza restaurant locations throughout Lincoln serve the state's signature sandwich—a yeasted dough pocket filled with beef, cabbage, and onions. Several locations operate within five miles of Memorial Stadium for pre- or post-game meals.
Lincoln's Haymarket District, just blocks from the stadium, offers diverse dining from farm-to-table restaurants to classic steakhouses showcasing Nebraska beef. Misty's Steakhouse has been serving Husker fans since 1963, while Leadbelly offers burgers and craft beer in a casual atmosphere perfect for game day crowds.
Vendors
Inside Memorial Stadium, concession stands throughout all levels offer traditional game day favorites plus unique Nebraska touches. The brisket sandwich has become a stadium favorite—arriving early helps ensure you snag one before they sell out. Coffee and hot chocolate appear when temperatures drop, keeping fans warm during late-season games.
All concessionaires accept credit and debit cards (Memorial Stadium operates cashless), with options ranging from hot dogs and nachos to healthier alternatives. New for 2025, outside food and beverages are not allowed into Memorial Stadium, including samples from sponsorship activations, though empty water bottles are permitted for refilling at fountains.
Safety
Security
Memorial Stadium provides a safe, welcoming environment where Nebraska hospitality meets modern security protocols. Stadium staff maintains comprehensive safety measures throughout game day, from parking lot entry through the final whistle.
All vehicles entering parking areas undergo a security inspection before parking. Memorial Stadium utilizes walk-through gate screening technology for efficient, enhanced security. The clear bag policy requires all bags except small clutches (4.5" x 6.5" or smaller) to be transparent (12" x 6" x 12" maximum). Leave unnecessary items in your RV and bring only essentials in approved bags.
Mobile ticketing is mandatory—Memorial Stadium operates fully digital ticketing with no paper tickets accepted. Download tickets to your smartphone before leaving your campsite to ensure smooth entry. Note that no re-entry is permitted; once you leave the venue, your ticket becomes invalid.
Weather
Nebraska weather ranges from summer heat to winter cold throughout football season, with rapidly changing conditions common across the Great Plains. Early September games often feature temperatures in the 80s with high humidity, while November matchups can bring freezing temperatures, strong winds, and occasional snow.
The beauty of RV tailgating is flexibility—if the weather turns uncomfortable during your tailgate, move the party inside your rig. Pack for all conditions and monitor forecasts as game day approaches. Memorial Stadium sits open to the elements, so dress appropriately for the predicted conditions, knowing that winds can make temperatures feel significantly colder.
Medical
Memorial Stadium maintains medical staff throughout game day to assist with health needs. First aid stations are available—ask any staff member for directions if needed. The Guest Relations/Security Offices inside Gate 18 (east stadium) and the west stadium lobby open 90 minutes before kickoff.
For significant medical issues, several emergency rooms and urgent care clinics operate within two miles of Memorial Stadium. Multiple pharmacies also operate nearby for prescription or over-the-counter medication needs. Emergency services respond quickly to 911 calls if serious situations arise.
