Exploring the University of Nebraska

The University of Nebraska was founded in 1869, it is the state’s oldest university, and the only land grant university. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, this university is home to the storied Cornhuskers, one of the bluebloods of college football. Not only is Lincoln their home, but it is also one of the largest cities in Nebraska and hosts a variety of local attractions and some of the best food around. Check out our sea of highlighted choices that are a must whenever you are in the area.

The Cornhuskers are one of college football’s oldest and most storied programs, the team boasts five national championships, 46 conference championships, and rank 7th all-time in victories. Playing at Memorial Stadium with a capacity of over 85,000, it is known as the “Sea of Red”, this stadium has been sold out for an impressive 375 games and has been said to be the 3rd largest city in the state on gamedays. 

Prior to kickoff, the team makes the Unity Walk to the stadium of fans awaiting their beloved Coach Frost and the Cornhuskers. Enjoy the pregame festivities with The Marching Red as they play “Pregame Spectacular” and witness the Huskers charging through the northwest tunnel to a raucous fanbase yelling Husker! from the west side of the stadium and Power! in response from the east side. See the traditional fan balloon release which has been apart of the stadium pageantry since the 1930s, when the Huskers score their first points. After helping cheer your team to victory, the fun doesn’t have to stop there, the city and campus offer a variety of options to choose from to continue the festive mood.

The Husker Legacy Statue is a statue to commemorate the national championship victories of the university. A two-ton bronze monument stands in front of the east gate as a symbol of the Nebraska tradition of teamwork and dedication. It was erected in 1997 by Fred Hoppe, in honor of the four previous titles, and that same year Nebraska won its last championship

Mueller Tower is an 84 foot tower erected in 1949, its design was the result of a competition of advanced level architecture students at the university. George Kushka won the competition as his winning design features a corn motif at the top of the tower, a tribute to the history of the university and named after alumnus Ralph S. Mueller

Broyhill Fountain was originally constructed in 1970 in remembrance of Lynn Dianne Broyhill, a student who tragically died in 1966. It was reconstructed in 1999, it is in front of the City Campus Union, and features a stream that sprays water in the air above its large rocks and is illuminated red at night.

The state capitol building of Nebraska is located in Lincoln. It has a 400 foot tower and was the first state capitol building to incorporate a functional tower in its design. It is said that this tower made of Indiana limestone, can be see up to 20 miles away.

The historical Haymarket Square has been apart of Lincoln since its founding. It has undergone an economic revitalization and features a variety of restaurants, shops, and arts & entertainment galleries.

After an exciting game or touring the sights and monuments on campus, its time to sample the local flavors of the city. If you want a nice dinner with your family then The Green Gateau offers the ideal setting as well as delicious food, maybe you’re feeling nostalgic and want pizza, Valentino’s offers handcrafted made to order pizza as well as other delectable Italian dishes, or if you desire a more international flavor, The Oven offers great Indian food that locals enjoy. 

If you want a sports bar to enjoy a few drinks and get your fill of sports, Leadbelly or Big Red Restaurant and Sports Bar is the place to be, with 14ft super screens, a vast menu and drink selection, and even a sand volleyball court, fun is most definitely to be had here. Another local favorite, Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill is Lincoln’s oldest brew-pub. The brewery offers handcrafted ales, cozy booths, outdoor patios, and fireplaces for those crisp fall nights. A family friendly environment that offers a tremendous selection of the region’s best ales and brews, it is a must visit.

By John Covington, Clemson University, Class of ’21.