More than the game; Taking in Cornhusker history at Memorial Stadium
The Nebraska Cornhuskers close out the regular season today with a home game against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Both teams have a couple of major successes to fight for. Iowa could win 8 games this season, doubling their win total from 2012. In addition, they could get a New Year’s Day bowl, such as the Outback Bowl with a win.
For Nebraska, the Huskers could finish second in the Big Ten’s Legends Division. They could hit the 9-win mark for the 46th time in 51 years. A win today could also give the Huskers the Outback Bowl berth.
As most people know, Nebraska owns an ongoing record for consecutive sold-out games at 333 games.
A trip to Memorial Stadium in Lincoln provides more than a football game.
The Tom Osborne athletic facility is open to the public seven days a week. Fans can see the history of Husker football in the lobby.
From the days of the Bugeaters to the Huskers’ five national championships, the tour gives a great glimpse into the 123 years of Big Red football.
The facility is located on the northeast section of Memorial Stadium.
A statue of Tom Osborne and quarterback Brook Berringer welcome you to the facility. Berringer was one of the two top QBs during the Huskers 1994-95 national championship seasons. Berringer died in a private plane crash outside of Lincoln, a few days before the 1996 NFL draft. He was expected to be drafted.
As you enter the lobby/museum area, the first thing you see are the five national championship trophies – from 1970, 1971, 1994, 1995 and 1997.
The next thing your eye catches is the large red waterfall against the far wall. The background is red with the classic N in the middle. Water falls down in a never ending cycle.
A glass trophy case sits to the left of the falls as you face the water. Trophies, helmets, programs and clothes sit inside the case. You get a sense of the Nebraska football history by viewing the case. 
Across the room is a mosaic painting of Husker football.
While visiting the facility, people must take in the short films. One covers the three Heisman Trophy winners at the school – Johnny Rodgers in 1972, Mike Rozier in 1983 and Eric Crouch in 2001.
A second film highlights “Game Day” in Lincoln. A true fan gets fired up watching the film. Bo Pelini’s few short words in the introduction psyches people up: “This is Game Day in Lincoln…”
After you are done with the facility, check out the east side of the stadium.
Standing outside is a statue of the first great Husker coach, Bob Devaney. The “Bobfather,” winner of Nebraska’s first two national titles, coached at NU 1961-72. Osborne followed him.
Inside the concourse of the stadium, you can see posters of bowl games Nebraska has played in – including the Bluebonnet Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl and Liberty Bowl. 
Banners hang throughout the east stadium highlighting conference championships and Husker All-Americans, such as Bob Brown, Will Shields and Grant Wistrom.
On the columns are paintings of former greats, including Johnny Rodgers’ No. 20 uniform.
Murals featuring Nebraska players sit above one of the entrances to the area.
Nebraskans are proud of their football program and its history. The Huskers are fifth all-time in victories with 864 coming into the Iowa game.
Next time you are in Lincoln, make the stadium and its history part of your visit.
Go Big Red!
