Thousands welcomed at annual Big Red Welcome Aug. 21-23

When thousands of new and returning Huskers converge on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the highlight of their arrival Aug. 21-23 will be the annual Big Red Welcome presented by University Bookstore: a convocation, celebration and festival spanning the entire weekend.

Beginning 4:30 p.m. Aug. 21 with the New Student Convocation and ending with the Welcome Festival at 6 p.m. Aug. 23, the weekend is a tradition, complete with the highlight for many, doing the "Tunnel Walk" at Memorial Stadium -- running from the team tunnel, to the music, video and cheers at Memorial Stadium just like the Nebraska football team. The Tunnel Walk for new students is 8:15 p.m. Aug. 21 following the 7 p.m. Marching Band Concert.

New this year is the establishment of a new tradition, with new students receiving entering pins, symbolizing the beginning of their UNL journey that will end with the receipt of their diplomas. UNL has also re-established a university tradition dating back to 1933 with reciting of the Cornhusker Oath. Both these activities will take place at the New Student Convocation at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 21, with students taking an oath of honesty and integrity following a welcome talk from Athletic Director Tom Osborne.

As many as 15,000 students or more participate in the weekend events. Students are moving in to the campus residence halls and greek houses the week of Aug. 17 and classes begin Aug. 24.

Below is a schedule of events, open to UNL students (be prepared to show ID), except for the Marching Band Concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 21, which is free and open to the public.

Friday, Aug. 21:

4:30 p.m. -- New Student Convocation, Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St. Doors open at 3:45 p.m., marching band pep rally at 4 p.m. and welcome and integrity talk from Osborne at 4:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m. -- New student picnic at Lied Center for Performing Arts

7 p.m. -- Cornhusker Marching Band Exhibition, Memorial Stadium (free and open to the public). Enter the stadium through Gate 3 in the southwest corner or Gate 11 in the northwest corner. The stadium gates will open at 6:30 p.m. Seating is available in the lower level of the west stands.

8:15 p.m. -- Memorial Stadium Tunnel Walk for new students. Line up at Gate 15 by 8 p.m.

8:45 p.m. -- Pep Rally and Party at the Rec at Campus Recreation Center (9:10 p.m.)

10:30 p.m. -- Movies at the Grand Theatre presented by Marcus Theatres, 1101 P St., free for first 1,000 students (with NU ID).

Saturday, Aug. 22:

11 a.m. -- Lincoln bike trails tour beginning at Campus Recreation

1-4 p.m. -- Campus schedule tours, repeating on the half-hour, meet in Nebraska Union Crib.

9 p.m. -- Party at the Union, DJ and dance on the Nebraska Union Plaza. Concert presented by University Program Council.

Midnight -- pancake breakfast, Nebraska Union Plaza.

Sunday, Aug. 24:

2-4 p.m. -- Class schedule tours, repeating on the half-hour, meet in Nebraska Union Crib.

6 p.m. -- Welcome Festival, Stadium "Loop." Campus organizations, vendors and giveaways.

Primary sponsors for the weekend event are University Bookstore and Pepsi.