It’s fall, and football season is officially back — Husker football season, specifically! Whether students know the game or just enjoy the social aspect of watching it in front of the TV with family, going out tailgating and watching with friends, or being in Memorial Stadium watching alongside 80,000 plus screaming fans, football can be a great way to enjoy company and cheer on our favorite team.
For many international students, football is what Americans refer to as “soccer,” as soccer is called “Association Football” in most parts of the world. Only in the United States is American football a different game — where the main objective is to score points by way of touchdowns, field goals, and safeties — as well as kicking, tackling, passing, or carrying the ball into the opposing team’s end zone, to put it simply.
If one has never attended a Husker football game before, it can be a pretty surreal experience! It’s as though the entire city has come together to do the same thing — root for the Nebraska Cornhuskers to win, or at least keep themselves updated on the game throughout the day (usually on Saturday).
Ashley Sarai Martinez, majoring in Economics from Honduras, went to the Huskers' first match-up of the season on Aug. 31st and said she has tried to learn basic aspects of the game so it’s more enjoyable when she watches.
“Since I started living here, I have tried to understand the game strategy, the field, so I can understand what’s going on — it’s more fun that way!” said Martinez.
Mateus Moreira from Brazil said that the experience of going to his first football game (NE against CO) this month was “a thrilling experience.”
“Crazy atmosphere, those you kept talking about weeks later,” said Moreira. “Being able to be in that vibe of the stadium the whole game with my best American friend was the most fun part.”
Moreiera encouraged those who haven’t gone to a game yet, to experience the fun for themselves.
“It’s a go-to experience for sure,” he said. “For those who still haven't attended a game, go there and yell ‘Go Big Red!’ from the top of your lungs.”
Fans also shout the team’s most famous lines, with Sami Chowdry from India explaining the different chants at certain points of the game.
“There was a stadium chant where one side yelled ‘Husker!’ and the other responded with ‘Power!’ and it was so loud and exciting.”
Will Tessalee of Thailand, shared the same sentiment — adding that the noise elevated the overall excitement.
“The most fun was when the Huskers were playing defense, and the whole stadium would make as much noise as they possibly could,” said Tessalee. “It would get so loud, especially during the pivotal plays, and taking part in that was a wild experience.”
Chowdry said it was “a hot day, but worth it.”
“I think the south side has the best views of the game,” said Chowdry. “The Tunnel Walk was electric, and the drone and light show after the third quarter, followed by fireworks after touchdowns, were my favorite parts.”
Husker Football seats get sold out quickly, but there are always last-minute tickets up for grabs — with ticket holders selling their tickets on Facebook, or other forms of social media — just be aware of getting scammed.
“I found tickets through Snapchat stories,” said Martinez. “Social media has made it easier for colleges to find their community — and they have a feature called ‘UNL Class of ‘27,’ where students sell their student section tickets.”
The Husker’s next game will be this Saturday, Oct. 5th — “Homecoming Week” — where they will face off against Rutgers University at Memorial Stadium. Enjoy the game, take part in UNL’s “Homecoming Week” traditions on campus, and stay hydrated!