‘Right where we need to be’: Huskers adapting to changing world of NIL

LINCOLN, Neb. (KSNB) – College athletics has shifted into the world of name, image and likeness. As a result, programs are becoming more involved with fundraising efforts, along with creating or collaborating with their own NIL collectives.

Nebraska has built up its own relationship with 1890 Nebraska. Matt Davison, president of the organization, told Local4 that the university and its collective are in a good spot relative to the rest of college athletics.

“We’re right where we need to be at this moment, and it’s only going to get better,” Davison said. “As you go to attract better players from around the country, obviously you’re going to need to be more successful when it comes to NIL.”

Nebraska Director of Athletics Troy Dannen has been vocal about the importance of NIL and emphasized the point at Big Ten Media Days.

“We have to invest in talent,” he said. “It’s NIL today, next year it will be the revenue share model. It’s really vitally important today because this is the model for college athletics and college football in particular.”

Here’s more information on the Big Red Preview, provided by Husker Athletics:

Nebraska fans have their first opportunity to see the 2024 Husker football team on Saturday night at the Big Red Preview presented by 1890 Nebraska. The open practice at Memorial Stadium will give Husker fans an inside look at a full practice, as the team completes its first week of preseason camp.

Tickets for the Big Red Preview remain on sale here. All tickets for the Saturday night event are digital and tickets are $25 each. All proceeds from the event will go to 1890 Nebraska.

Memorial Stadium will open for the Big Red Preview at 5:30 p.m., with the Huskers set to take the field for practice at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Big Red Preview Event Details

Tickets

Tickets will be sold through Friday at 5 p.m. online here. Cost is $25 per ticket.  There will be no sales on the day of the event. Athletic Ticket Office representatives will be on hand at Gate 10A on Saturday for any ticket issues.

Parking

Parking in lots around Memorial Stadium will be free of charge. Fans are encouraged to park in the Stadium Drive Parking Garage, Lots 4, 5 and 9. The Champion’s Club lot will not be available. Fans may park in University lots after 2 p.m. Overnight parking is prohibited on campus and cars parked without proper university permits after Saturday’s event are subject to ticketing.

Gates/Entry

Gates for the Big Red Preview will open at 5:30 p.m. Fans are asked to access Memorial Stadium through Gates 3, 4, 10 and 11 on the West side of Memorial Stadium (Gates 3 and 11 are ADA accessible). Club Level ticket holders will enter Gate 7. Nebraska Athletics will be using new frictionless walk-thru screening technology at all gates of Memorial Stadium in 2024, beginning with the Big Red Preview event. This enhanced gate security is a requirement for any venues hosting a College Football Playoff Game in the future.

Nebraska’s clear bag policy will be enforced. Patrons are encouraged to travel light when attending Saturday’s event.

There will be no re-entry at the Big Red Preview event.

Seating Areas

All seating for the Big Red Preview is general admission. Fans will be seated in the West Stadium.

Patrons who need ADA seating accommodations will be able to utilize the north field level ADA seating area.  Patrons who need wheelchair and/or limited mobility accommodation should enter Gate 11 and stadium staff will direct you to the proper location.

Concessions

Concessions will be available during the event on the West concourse. All concessions operations for Nebraska Athletics will be cashless beginning with the 2024-25 athletic season. This will begin with the Big Red Preview event and be in place this fall at Memorial Stadium, Hibner Soccer Stadium and the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Additional concessions will be available in the west club level and north field level for patrons seated in the ADA spaces.  No outside food or beverage will be allowed.

Husker Merchandise

Husker merchandise will be available for sale at the Fanatics trailer on Stadium Drive near Gate 3 (SW corner of Stadium). Additionally, 1890 Nebraska merchandise will be available on the West Concourse and the West Club Level.

Husker Athletics Moves to Cashless Concessions

The Big Red Preview event will be the first athletic event of the 2024-25 season to feature Nebraska Athletics’ new cashless concessions operation.

Nebraska has featured cashless concession operations for men’s and women’s basketball games at Pinnacle Bank Arena, and beginning this season all Husker athletic venues will move to cashless concessions.

Improved WiFi in the Memorial Stadium concourses for the 2024 season allows Nebraska to implement cashless concessions and improve the overall efficiency of the concession operations at home games.

Nebraska will also implement cashless operations at women’s soccer (Hibner Stadium) and volleyball (Devaney Center) this fall. The Husker women’s soccer team opens its home schedule with an exhibition contest against Kansas City on Monday, Aug. 5. The volleyball team will make its first appearance at the Devaney Center in the Red-White game on Saturday, Aug. 24.

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