Major Boost as Nebraska football State Massive Significant Change in New Memorial Stadium for the Fans

As the 2024 Nebraska football season approaches, excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. The season kicks off next Saturday, August 31, with the Huskers set to take on the UTEP Miners at Memorial Stadium, and the kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. This season promises to be one of transformation and enhanced experiences for attendees, thanks to a series of significant upgrades and changes at Memorial Stadium and other athletic venues across the University of Nebraska. Here’s a comprehensive look at what fans can expect when they step into the stadium this year.

First and foremost, a major shift in how transactions will be handled at all Husker home events is taking place. For the 2024-25 season, including football, volleyball, and soccer, Nebraska Athletics is implementing a cashless operation policy. This means that all purchases, whether for concessions, merchandise, or tickets, will be conducted electronically. Fans will need to use credit or debit cards, or mobile payment options, to make transactions. This change is designed to streamline the buying process, reduce wait times, and enhance overall efficiency. It’s a move that aligns with modern conveniences and aims to improve the fan experience by leveraging technology to minimize friction at points of sale.

For those worried about adjusting to this new system, there’s good news: improved WiFi infrastructure within the Memorial Stadium concourses is in place to support this transition. Phase 1 of this upgrade has focused on enhancing WiFi connectivity throughout the concourses, ensuring that fans can easily navigate cashless transactions without connectivity issues. The FanXP wireless network, previously available in seating areas, has been phased out, so fans are encouraged to use the improved WiFi available in the concourses for a smooth transaction experience.

Another significant change at Memorial Stadium this season is the introduction of new gate screening technology. This state-of-the-art, walk-through frictionless system is designed to expedite entry into the stadium while also enhancing security. The new scanners will ensure a quicker and more streamlined entry process, though it is important to note that the Nebraska Clear Bag Policy remains unchanged. Fans should continue to follow the guidelines available on the Nebraska Athletics website to ensure compliance with security measures.

In addition to these changes, there has been a relocation of the Athletic Ticket Office. For football game days, the Ticket Office will now be situated at Gate 10A near the northwest corner of Memorial Stadium. This new location will handle game-day ticket issues, while regular office hours for ticketing and other inquiries will be maintained Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Stadium, Gate 7. This shift is aimed at improving accessibility and efficiency for fans dealing with ticket-related concerns.

The 2024 season will also mark a shift towards a fully mobile ticketing system for all Husker athletic events. This fall, fans should be aware that the use of printed tickets will cease, with mobile tickets becoming the standard. This transition is expected to be fully in place by the fall of 2025 for football, volleyball, and soccer events. Mobile ticketing not only modernizes the experience but also enhances security and reduces the risk of lost or stolen tickets.

As part of the game day experience, fans will also notice a new and exciting feature: the Husker Legacy Walk. This tradition has been reimagined to include a new drop-off spot and walking path for the football team. The team will now arrive near the intersection of 14th and Vine streets and make their way along the sidewalk past the Nebraska Coliseum, through the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame, and into the Osborne Legacy Complex. The updated route, now known as the Husker Legacy Walk, offers fans a fresh opportunity to cheer on the team as they prepare for the game. However, please note that the Osborne Legacy Complex lobby will not be open to the public on game days, but information regarding public hours will be made available soon.

On the field, there will be a noticeable change in the game day setup as well. The Husker football team will switch to the West sideline for the 2024 season, while the visiting team will occupy the East sideline. Despite this change, the team entrances will remain the same, with Nebraska’s Tunnel Walk entering from the Northeast corner and the visiting team entering from the Southwest corner. This shift is part of a broader effort to enhance the game day atmosphere and fan engagement.

In terms of game day operations, fans will also notice a change in how media breaks are managed. The Big Ten Conference has decided to relocate the television timeout clock from the ribbon boards to a position on the field near the southwest 20-yard line. This adjustment is intended to provide clearer visibility for media breaks and improve the overall game day experience for spectators.

The 2024 season is also set to feature several special celebrations and events. For instance, the game against Colorado on September 7 will celebrate the 30-year reunion of the 1994 National Championship team and honor Frank Solich with a College Football Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute. The following week, the game against Northern Iowa on September 14 will highlight Ag Day and recognize the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame. October 5’s matchup with Rutgers will feature Homecoming festivities and a Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame recognition, while the game against UCLA on November 2 will be dedicated to Military Appreciation.

With all these new enhancements and special events, the 2024 Nebraska football season promises to deliver an exceptional experience for fans. From the streamlined cashless transactions and upgraded WiFi to the new gate screening technology and exciting game day traditions, there is much to look forward to. The season is set to be one of transformation and celebration, and Husker fans are encouraged to embrace these changes and fully enjoy the enhanced game day atmosphere at Memorial Stadium.