Big Red Welcome festivities to kick off new semester, August 19-21
New and returning students alike are invited to celebrate the academic year (and new Husker sports season!) during the annual 3-day Big Red Welcome Festival, August 19–21. Enjoy UNL traditions, food, fun activities, and entertainment with fellow students before the first day of classes. This year’s events include:
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
• 3:30 p.m. Commuter Student Gathering – Nebraska Union
• 5:15 p.m. New Student Convocation – Devaney Center
All new students are encouraged to attend this annual tradition to be officially welcomed to the University and their academic career by featured speaker Chancellor Harvey Perlman.
• 8:30 p.m. Tunnel Walk – Memorial Stadium
• 9:00 p.m. Pep Rally – Campus Rec Center
Cheer on the Big Red Machine as Husker football and volleyball players give a sneak preview of their new seasons. The Scarlets and Cheer Squad will electrify the atmosphere and lead key Nebraska chants and fight songs. Lindsey from 106.3 KFRX will host the celebration and introduce the new CORNOPOLY game where one lucky student will win a pair of corporate sideline tickets to the first football game!
• 9:20 p.m. Husker Mania – Campus Rec Center
Student can explore 40+ booths to learn about Campus Rec programs including sports clubs, outdoor adventure and intramural sports and snag tons of giveaways from food vendors, local businesses and more. This year’s line up includes: Raising Cane’s, University Bookstore, Husker Athletics, College of Hair Design, Cycleworks, Pepsi, Papa John’s, Hy-Vee and more! Don’t miss the chance to win great prizes throughout the night!
• Midnight Movies at the Lincoln Grand Cinema (downtown)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20
• 11:00 a.m. Bike Tours – leave from Campus Rec Center
Join the staff of UNL Campus Rec’s Bike Shop for a 3-hour tour of Lincoln’s extensive bike trail system. Limited spots available; pre-register at the Campus Rec Center.
• 1:00 p.m. Class Schedule Tours – Nebraska Union
Tours begin every half hour until 3:30 p.m.
• 4:00 p.m. Bike Tours – leave from Campus Rec Center
Join the staff of UNL Campus Rec’s Bike Shop for a 3-hour tour of Lincoln’s extensive bike trail system. Limited spots available; pre-register at the Campus Rec Center.
• 9:30 p.m. Party at the Union
This is one of the most widely attended student events of the school year and serves as a great way to meet and have fun with other college students. Party at the Union will be in the Nebraska Union and on the Plaza. Some of the exciting events that you can enjoy are: live band karaoke, airbrush tattoos, Wii games, improv comedy, The Bathtub Dogs in concert, a Minute to Win It Challenge, DJ (sponsored by University Program Council) and more.
• Midnight Pancake Breakfast – Union Plaza
Enjoy a late night (or early morning?) meal made fresh on the Plaza. UNL faculty, administrators, and professionals will be on-hand to serve students. Serving will continue until 1 a.m.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21
• 6:30 p.m. Welcome Festival - Stadium Loop
Join 10,000+ UNL students at the annual Big Red Welcome Festival 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Come mingle and get info on hundreds of student clubs and organizations and get free samples and giveaways from local businesses and vendors like Raising Cane's, University Bookstore, and Nebraska Athletics. Bring your friends, bring your roommates, and bring your neighbors for oodles of fun. This special event only occurs once a year - the day before your first class day in the fall semester!
• Tuition Mission School Bus Survivor Contest winner announced (sponsored by 106.3 KFRX and University Bookstore)
Schedule of Events: bigredwelcome.unl.edu
Follow on Twitter: @bigredwelcome