The Ultimate Husker Tailgate Parking Guide: South Haymarket & Beyond

There's nothing quite like a Husker game day in Lincoln. Memorial Stadium, home of the legendary "Sea of Red", has sold out every home game since 1962, and for good reason. Game day here isn't just a football game. It's a statewide gathering, a tradition passed down through generations, and one of the best tailgate scenes in all of college football. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Husker Nation veteran, how you park can make or break your entire day. This guide covers everything you need to know about tailgate parking in Lincoln, with a focus on the South Haymarket area — one of the best spots to set up before kickoff.

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Why South Haymarket Is the Best Spot to Park and Tailgate

When it comes to Husker tailgate parking, location is everything. The South Haymarket district sits right at the intersection of convenience and atmosphere — close enough to walk to Memorial Stadium in about 15 minutes, and steps from the bars, restaurants, and energy that make Lincoln's game day so special.

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Private lots in the South Haymarket, like The Lot at 745 L St. and 716 L St., offer reserved, dedicated spots for the entire season. You claim your space early in the year, and it's yours for every home game. No circling the block, no lottery, no stress. Season passes start at $375, which works out to roughly $50–$60 per game depending on the schedule. For a reserved spot in a prime location with easy in-and-out access, that's hard to beat.  (Other non tailgating lots and garages can cost up to $400.) RVs are also welcome, making it a go-to for fans who want to go all-in on the experience.

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The Lot at a glance:

• 745 L St. & 716 L St., Lincoln, NE (South Haymarket)

• ~15-minute walk to Memorial Stadium

• ~5-minute walk to the Haymarket District

• Season passes starting at $375

• RVs welcome

• Portable restrooms on-site

• Easy access — avoid the pre- and post-game traffic snarls

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Other Parking Options Around Memorial Stadium

If you're looking for alternatives or want to understand the full parking landscape on game day, here's a breakdown:

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On-Campus Donor Lots — The parking lots directly surrounding Memorial Stadium are reserved for Husker Athletic Fund donors. These lots open six hours before kickoff, and only one vehicle per space is allowed. Tailgating is permitted in the space directly in front of or behind your stall, but cannot block neighboring spaces.

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University Public Lots (East of 14th Street) — University of Nebraska Lincoln offers public parking in several facilities east of 14th Street for $10–$25, payable by credit or debit card. These lots also open six hours before kickoff. The tradeoff is a longer walk, but post-game exit tends to be easier since you're away from the main congestion.

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Haymarket Park / Pinnacle Bank Arena Lots — Available on a first-come, first-served basis for individual games, these lots are popular and can fill up quickly for big matchups. The Pinnacle Bank Arena Festival Lot (500,000 sq. ft., 1,300 spots) opens at 7 AM for all home games.

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Street Parking and Neighborhoods South of Campus — A well-known local strategy is to park in the residential streets south of campus and walk 10–15 minutes. You'll often save money, and post-game exit is faster since you won't be stuck in the main lot traffic jam.

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Pro tip: Don't drive into the Haymarket on P, Q, or R Streets on game day, those roads are typically closed west of 9th Street. Use N Street or Salt Creek Roadway to approach from the north or south.

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What to Know Before You Go: Stadium Rules & Policies

A few things have changed in recent seasons that every fan should know before arriving:

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• No outside food or beverages inside the stadium: New for 2025, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside Memorial Stadium. This includes samples from sponsorship activations. Empty water bottles are allowed for refilling at fountains inside.

• Alcohol is now available inside: Beginning with the 2025 season, fans can purchase alcohol at Memorial Stadium. Valid ID is required for every purchase regardless of age, with a limit of two beverages per transaction per person. Service ends at the end of the third quarter.

• Mobile tickets only : Memorial Stadium is fully cashless and uses mobile ticketing. Make sure your phone is charged before you leave the tailgate.

• No re-entry: Once you enter the stadium, your ticket is no longer valid if you leave. Make sure you have everything you need before walking through the gate.

• Clear bag policy: All bags must be transparent (12" x 6" x 12" max) unless they are small clutches (4.5" x 6.5" or smaller).

• Tailgating rules on campus: Open flames and fire pits are prohibited on UNL property. Grilling is strictly prohibited in and on top of all university parking garages. Tents should be weighed down rather than staked due to underground utility lines.

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Beyond the Lot: Game Day Traditions Worth Knowing

Parking is just the start. A great Husker game day is about soaking in everything Lincoln has to offer, and there's a lot.

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Before the game, don't miss the Pregame Spectacular — The Cornhusker Marching Band, known as "The Pride of All Nebraska," performs outside Memorial Stadium before kickoff. It's free and absolutely worth showing up early for. About two and a half hours before kickoff, fans line up outside the stadium for The Unity Walk, where you can cheer the players as they make their way in. These traditions are what separate Husker game day from any other college football experience in the country.

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While you're tailgating or after the game, make time to explore the Haymarket District. And if you haven't had a Runza yet — the iconic Nebraska beef-and-cabbage pastry that's been a state staple since 1949 — you can get one right inside Memorial Stadium on game day. It's as Nebraska as it gets. The Embassy Suites on P Street hosts a free "Do the Dock" tailgate in their lobby that's a great stop before the game. After the final whistle, Brewsky's in the Haymarket is legendary for wings, and The Railyard complex (home to Gate 25, Tank's Country, and Longwell's) offers connected bars and outdoor patios for bar-hopping without leaving the block. If you want to actually sit down and eat, Nebraska's original and oldest brewpub, Lazlo's Brewery & Grill in the Historic Haymarket is the move. For morning kickoffs, Lazlo's opens early on game day, serving house-made Bloody Marys and Husker breakfast burrito specials that make it the ideal first stop. If you want pizza, Yia Yia's Pizza & Beer on O Street is a downtown Lincoln staple worth the short walk. Plan for at least 30–45 minutes of exit traffic after the game. Many veterans grab a drink nearby and let the initial rush clear before heading to their car.

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Tailgate Packing List (Don't Leave Home Without These)

✔ Charged phone with mobile tickets loaded
✔ Portable propane or gas grill (no charcoal, no open flames)
✔ Canopy or pop-up tent (weighted, not staked)
✔ Cooler with drinks and food - enjoy it in the lot since you can't bring it into the stadium
✔ Cornhole or lawn games
✔ Layers - Nebraska fall weather can swing from 80°F to 40°F depending on the week
✔ Comfortable walking shoes - you'll be on your feet all day
✔ Cash for street food vendors, some bars, and any lots that still go cash-only

✔ Debit or credit card because the stadium itself is cashless
✔ Sunscreen for noon kickoffs

✔ Clear bag that meets the clear bag policy  

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I arrive to get a good tailgate setup?
A: Most experienced fans arrive 3–4 hours before kickoff. If you have a reserved spot at a private lot, you have the flexibility to arrive earlier without worrying about finding a space. For first-timers, give yourself at least 3 hours to park, set up, and enjoy the atmosphere before heading toward the stadium.

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Q: Can I tailgate at The Lot in the South Haymarket?
A: Yes! The Lot at 745 L St. and 716 L St. is a private tailgating lot with reserved spaces for every home game. Season passes are available, and RVs are welcome.

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Q: How far is the South Haymarket from Memorial Stadium?
A: About a 15-minute walk. The route takes you through the Haymarket District, so you can stop for food or drinks along the way.

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Q: Is there a shuttle or transit option on game day?
A: Lincoln does offer game-day transit options. The City of Lincoln publishes a game-day information release with traffic, parking, and transit details at lincoln.ne.gov before each home game.

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Q: Are RVs allowed at The Lot?
A: Yes. The Lot welcomes RVs of all sizes. On the university side, limited game-day RV parking is available at Innovation Campus Lot 56, with weekend passes running approximately $150–$200 (Friday through Sunday).

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Q: What's the cheapest way to park near the stadium?
A: Public parking in UNL's lots east of 14th Street runs $10–$25 and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Street parking in neighborhoods south of campus is another option that many locals use. These spots are not guaranteed and are subject to change based on demand.

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Q: Can I bring a grill?
A: In private lots like The Lot, gas and propane grills are permitted. Open flames, fire pits, charcoal grills, and fryers are not allowed. On university property, grilling is prohibited inside or on top of parking garages.

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Q: What happens if I leave the stadium after entering?
A: Beginning with the 2025 season, Memorial Stadium no longer allows re-entry. Once you leave after initial entry, your game ticket is no longer valid. So make sure you have everything you need before going through the gate.

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Q: How do I reserve a spot at The Lot for the season?
A: Spots fill up fast. Visit www.telesis-inc.com/tailgate-parking for pricing, availability, and to get in touch.

Ready to lock in your spot? Season passes at The Lot go fast — visit telesis-inc.com/tailgate-parking or email us to check availability.

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Go Big Red!