Choosing where to sit at Memorial Stadium changes how you experience a game. This historic venue in Lincoln holds over 85,000 screaming fans, but its sheer scale means views vary wildly depending on your section, row, and height. If you buy tickets without understanding the bowl's layout, you might end up staring at the back of a player's helmet, squinting across a massive end zone, or baking in the afternoon sun.
This guide breaks down every section, highlights the best views, points out hidden seating traps, and gives you actionable strategies for a smooth gameday.
Lower Bowl Sidelines: The Classic Perspective
The lower bowl sidelines offer the most traditional football-watching experience. You're close enough to hear the pads crack and track the play develop downfield. However, rows and exact section numbers dictate everything here.
West Sideline Sections (24 through 28)
This is the home sideline, sitting directly behind the Nebraska bench.
- The Sweet Spot: Rows 15 through 36 hit the ideal elevation. You're high enough to see over the team bench, yet close enough to feel the pulse of the home sideline.
- Sun and Shade: The West Stadium provides afternoon shade as the sun dips behind the upper deck. If you want to avoid squinting through a September afternoon kickoff, this side is your safest bet.
East Sideline Sections (4 through 8)
This side mirrors the geometry of the west, sitting behind the visiting team bench.
- The Atmosphere: The student sections and the band anchor nearby, making this side noticeably louder and more chaotic.
- Sun Exposure: You'll face the sun head-on for most afternoon games. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen if you're sitting here before a night kickoff. Only rows from the mid-30s upward sit beneath the balcony overhang for protection.
The Front-Row Trap
Be cautious when buying tickets listed in rows 1 through 4 or lettered rows in sideline sections 1 through 11 and 21 through 31. While resellers price these like gold dust, they sit at field level. Team bench canopies and sideline personnel often block your view of the near sideline. You'll spend plenty of time watching the action on the stadium's jumbo screens instead of the actual turf.
End Zones and Corners: Budget Views and Trade-Offs
End zone seats offer a unique tactical perspective, letting you watch plays unfold vertically as teams drive toward your side. They also serve as the most budget-friendly entry points into the stadium.
South End Zone
- The View: You face the main video board at the north end. Sections 15 through 18 climb steeply, stretching up to row 99.
- The Elements: Upper rows take the wind head-on. Late-season November games turn freezing up top, so dress in layers if you're hunting for cheap tickets here.
North End Zone and Corners
- The Vibe: The famous Tunnel Walk emerges from the corner near these sections. Sitting in the low rows of the northeast corner puts you feet away from the team as they take the field.
- The Catch: The main video board hangs directly above and behind the north end zone sections. Watching replays requires turning completely around, which gets tiresome over four quarters.
Premium Seating and Club Options
If you want amenities beyond standard bench seating, Memorial Stadium features multiple club and suite configurations.
- Outdoor Club Seats: Located in sections 221 through 231 on the west side, these rare spots feature actual chair backs instead of aluminum benches. Ticket holders gain access to exclusive indoor lounges and upscale food options.
- Private Suites: Spread across the West, East, and North stadiums, these private boxes accommodate groups ranging from 12 to 60 guests. They feature catered menus, dedicated in-suite staff, and climate-controlled viewing areas.
Navigating Gameday Logistics
Seating is only part of the equation. Memorial Stadium's massive capacity creates unique crowd management challenges.
- Arrive Early: The majority of seats are aluminum benches without assigned armrests or physical dividers. The space you claim at kickoff is the space you keep. Late arrivals often find themselves squeezed, so get inside at least 45 minutes before kickoff.
- Concourse Navigation: The north, east, and west stadiums feature a connected common concourse. However, the south stadium operates independently and requires entry through specific gates listed on your ticket. Double-check your gate assignment before walking halfway around the venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do any seats at Memorial Stadium have backrests?
Standard seating throughout the general bowl consists of aluminum benches with no backs. Only specific premium areas, such as the outdoor club seats on the west side, feature chair backs. You're allowed to bring approved portable stadium seats as long as they fit within the dimensional limits.
Which side of the stadium gets the most shade?
The West Stadium provides natural afternoon shade earlier than the rest of the bowl. If you want to escape direct sunlight during early-season September day games, target sections on the west side or the upper rows under the overhangs.
Are children required to have a ticket?
Infants and toddlers under a certain age threshold may enter without a ticket if they sit on a lap, but check current university athletic department policies prior to arrival, as rules can shift based on specific event types.
Where is the best place to park near the stadium?
Downtown Lincoln offers multiple parking garages and surface lots within walking distance, though traffic congestion peaks heavily two hours before kickoff. Many fans park further north or downtown and walk through the Haymarket district to soak in the atmosphere.
