In a major shift aimed at bolstering safety and alcohol control, Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen confirmed that fans will no longer be permitted to leave and return to Memorial Stadium during football games. The change applies to Memorial Stadium and all venue events for the upcoming season
๐ Why the Change?
- Alcohol sales trigger new policies: With the Huskers preparing to begin selling alcohol this fall, Dannen cited recommendations from Homeland Security following a thorough safety review as the driving force behind the decision
- Liability and fan safety: The no re-entry policy aims to limit movement, improve attendee monitoring, and reduce liability exposure related to intoxicated behavior outside of secured areas .
๐ฃ Response from Fans and the Community
On social media and community forums like r/CFB, reactions ranged from surprise to support:
- Long-time attendees noted that re-entry was once rareโor never formally allowedโfor decades until alcohol policies began to shift
- Some speculated the move was primarily driven by financial motivesโto retain concession revenue inside the stadiumโthough AD Dannen emphasized security as the primary objective
๐ What Else Is Changing?
Arizona food and beverage provider Aramark will continue key staples like pizza from Valโs and classic hot dogs at Memorial Stadium, but fans can also expect โsome surprisesโ in concession offerings during games next season
๐๏ธ Timing and Implementation
- The no re-entry policy goes into effect with the first home game this fall, coinciding with the launch of alcohol sales at Nebraskaโs athletic events
- AD Dannen emphasized that all changes were communicated early to allow fans to plan accordingly, especially before halftime activities.
โ Final Take
Nebraskaโs prohibition on stadium re-entry reflects a broader trend among major collegiate athletic programs managing alcohol sales and security. While some fans will miss the flexibility to visit tailgates or alumni clubs at halftime, the Hawks’ athletic department views the policy as a necessary step to enhance safety, reduce risks, and streamline game-day operations.
Would you like more details on the safety assessment, comparisons to other Big Ten stadiums, or specific feedback from Husker fans?