Planning our first family visit

AZRaiderH8r

AZRaiderH8r

Member
Hey everyone, my wife surprised me yesterday and let me know that we'll be attending the UCLA game this season. I have been to one game previously, but this will be the first visit for my wife and my 18 year old son. We'll be driving in from Denver on Friday, and we're heading back home on Monday. I would really appreciate any suggestions that you all have to make this an amazing visit for us! Any and all recommendations are welcome, but I'm specifically looking for recommendations on:

Where to go for dinner on Friday night

Where to park for the game

Best places to walk around pre-game for tailgating experience

A sports bar type place to go on Sunday to watch the NFL games

Thank you in advance for your help, we can't wait! 

 
I haven't lived in Lincoln since 2016 or been to a game since 2021, but these are some of my personal suggestions (presuming they all still exist  :D ).

Dinner: Buzzard Billy's and Lazlo's in the Haymarket were always two of my favorites for good food and a more casual experience, particularly on a Friday night before a game.

Parking: I'm sure there are better spots, but I was always impartial to a garage right on the southwest corner of 9th & O St right next to the 'no yes art gallery'. Parking is usually expensive everywhere and this garage is pretty easy to get to and only about a 10 min. walk to the stadium.

Best places to walk around/pre-game: O St. and the Railyard/Haymarket are likely still the two best places for bars and walking around. For tailgating, I'll have to defer to others as I don't normally tailgate the games unless I'm going to someone else's that I know.

Not sure on the best sports bars for Sunday anymore - been a little bit too long.

 
If you are looking for a cool little bar with good pizza, Huskerville off of NW 48th street is a good one.  Big Red Keno is probably the best place to go watch NFL on Sunday.  Every game will be on, the beer is cold, and food is decent.    

 
You might not need to worry about parking if you are staying near downtown.  

O street is still fun for me but the Railyard has clearly started to make an impact on the pre-game O street crowd.  

Under 21 can get into the Railyard but the O street bars, probably not.

 
Where are you staying?

If you are not staying downtown, you can pre-book parking in downtown garages here -> https://app.lincoln.ne.gov/aspx/city/eventprk/garage.aspx  I tend to book either Que Place,  Market Place, or Center Park.  You can get into them fairly early, but know that if you plan to leave right after the game it can take a while to get out and navigate the downtown streets.

As for a Friday meal, if you want to be close to campus to get the vibe, you can't go wrong with Lazlo's.  Leadbelly is awesome too if you want gourmet burgers.  There is also a downtown Misty's.

As for pregame, if you want to hangout at a bar/restaurant there are a lot of those.  Or just wander around the stadium/tailgating area and make new friends.

As for NFL Sunday, I would assume there are a handful of places that will have all the games on.  Brewsky's would be pretty good.  There are a few around, so hit up whatever is close.  Or there is a Tanner's in south Lincoln that I am sure would have games on.

 
Great questions and many good answers so far.  Here are a few other thoughts:

1.  I would venture outside of downtown Friday if you want to check out the rest of the city. There are many good options.  We used to like a restaurant called Fireworks which is a cousin to Lazlos.

2.  For gameday you may want to catch a Husker volleyball game at 2:00.  That is an experience.  Also, definitely go near the Railyard area where they have huge big screens outdoors.  My son also likes Mellow Mushroom pizza.   Lots of great sports bars too.  Find a seat and watch some of the other college games.

3.  During the game get there early to see the pre-game including the band and the teams practicing.

 
Well, we had a great time this past weekend in Lincoln. Once we got through the insane amount of semi trucks and construction on the drive, we really enjoyed the city. The game result was obviously a bummer, but my wife, son, and I had an incredible time and really enjoyed ourselves. We also got the opportunity to walk the campus a bit on Sunday and my son is now strongly considering applying at UNL. All in all, it was a great trip. Thanks to everyone for the recommendations! 

 
AZRaiderH8r said:
Well, we had a great time this past weekend in Lincoln. Once we got through the insane amount of semi trucks and construction on the drive, we really enjoyed the city. The game result was obviously a bummer, but my wife, son, and I had an incredible time and really enjoyed ourselves. We also got the opportunity to walk the campus a bit on Sunday and my son is now strongly considering applying at UNL. All in all, it was a great trip. Thanks to everyone for the recommendations! 
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It is a very fun town.  But most big universities are in fun college towns.  We are looking forward to moving back as soon to be empty nesters so we can enjoy all the volleyball/basketball/football/baseball we can stand in an easy walk.  

 
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