Football Articles
‘Husker Hospitality
Posted by NorthDallasSooner on November 8th, 2009 under Football
I haven’t been everywhere, that’s for sure. I’ve been to Norman, Stillwater, Austin, College Station, the Hilltop, TCU, Boulder, Eugene, U-Dub, Lubbock, Blacksburg and four BCS title games.
Notwithstanding my favorite day of the year in October at the Cotton Bowl, Lincoln, Nebraska this weekend was hands down the best game day experience and fans I’ve ever been part of. That place and those fans are TERRIFIC. If you’re an alum of a Big XII school, or anybody else that plays Nebraska, you have to go.
First of all, OU-Nebraska is a very different kind of rivalry. It helps as a fan on the road that your hosts LOVE your school, history and program. The ‘Husker faithful clearly believe that the football programs at Oklahoma and Nebraska are inextricably linked. They’re linked by their history, by all the Big 8 championships won the week before or of Thanksgiving in Norman and Lincoln and the Odd Couple relationship of Osborne and Switzer.
I’m fortunate that my work responsibilities include the Nebraska market, so I had the advantage of having guys I know and like looking after me. Combined with a good friend here in Big D who grew up in Lincoln and I got the Chamber of Commerce treatment from the home folks. But, given the experience I had, I doubt any Sooner who showed up in Lincoln yesterday had any different than the fantastic treatment I experienced.
So, the day…..
Drove down from Omaha, a fun town in its own rite. First stop, Barry’s. The irony of a Lincoln game day icon being called Barry’s put an instant smile on my face. Go in, get the beers rolling and we’re off. Kinda hungry though, so I ask the waitress for a menu. Do you remember the diner scene in “My Cousin Vinny?” When Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei sit down at the counter and the menu says “Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.” So, she brings the “menu.” It reads “Hamburger. Chicken sandwich. Hot dog.” Oh, there are a few other things, but it was pretty funny. Typical campus-side beer bar.
Next stop was the unique one. Three or four blocks from the stadium there’s a place call Sidetracks. Any fellow Dallasites over 40 will remember a famous joint from the ‘70s and ‘80s called Bowley and Wilson’s. This place has been there for a couple generations, I gather, and is a local institution. It’s owned by a lady that’s about 65-70 years old. She’s the one on the piano on the stage. She the center of a band singing irreverent derivations of famous songs, along with some Nebraska school songs, etc… The biggest smile I got was the rendition of “Keep away from Ndomakong (sp?) Suh” to Runaround Sue. Good stuff. But two things happened there that you’d almost never get anywhere else. A BIG Husker dude taps me on the chest and says “Everyone being good to you?” You’ll never get that in Boulder or outside the Cotton Bowl. Then the lady that owns the joint welcomed all the Sooners and said, pointing to the projection screen on the wall, “When Oklahoma is playing on this screen, we root for Oklahoma! Unless it’s against Nebraska”
That is exactly what’s unique about the Oklahoma-Nebraska rivalry. It’s a love fest.
Back to Sidetracks. More funny tunes, $7.50 pitchers, the NU Alumni band coming through and two hours later, time to head to the tailgates. Every person we walked past offered a beer, food, an invitation to join. We ended up at our appointed spot, and the couple that was hosting it made us feels like we were guests in their home. “Get a drink, have some food, what’cha think of Lincoln, come back after the game.” They couldn’t have been nicer.
In to the game.
We were in a Nebraska section. Everyone welcomed us, was very cool and I can tell you there is absolutely no trash talking at all. Very refreshing because I think trash talk is the BANE of the sports world today.
The game sucked, of course, to a Sooner diehard.
At halftime, they hosted an on field meeting of Sooner and ‘Husker legends. The ‘Husker fans cheered every former Sooner on the field. Owens, Sims, White, Bradford, Greg Pruitt, Tom Berhany and Joe C. Then, LOUD applause and a standing ovation for Barry Switzer. I know enough Nebraska folks to know that Switzer is an icon in Nebraska. They love the guy. I think he represents the rebel that none of them are but kind of like to watch vicariously. Really cool.
Afterward, with a win in hand, do you think any ‘Husker fan’s behavior toward the vanquished changed? Nope. No trash talk. No “in your face.” No crap at all. The bars were packed and everyone was cool as hell to us.
The only negative was trying to snare a cab at 1AM (bars close at 1).
Total, total, I would advise any fan to go do the Lincoln thing. It was truly great. Those people are fantastic and I will definitely go back. Hopefully with a better team.
Share This
42 Responses
Leave a Reply
Related Articles
-
5
Hokie, but good!
By NorthDallasSooner on September 21st, 2009 -
9
Still the One
By NorthDallasSooner on January 14th, 2010 -
4
LIVE from Lincoln–First one to 20 wins
By NorthDallasSooner on November 7th, 2009 -
8
Big 12: Who’s Got “The Mo” And How Can They Lose It
By NateHeupel on January 22nd, 2010 -
14
How McCoy lost the Heisman (and not because of an interception)
By NorthDallasSooner on December 14th, 2009
husker said:
November 9th, 2009 at 6:38 am
thanks for all the kind words we enjoyed you and your friends, and come again anytime..
LuAnn said:
November 9th, 2009 at 9:27 am
So glad you had a fantastic experience in Lincoln! I’ve been to several games in Norman, and I’ve always received similar treatment there. There’s something special about the NU-OU game and rivalry: high-energy and lots of respect for two historic programs.
And isn’t Sidetracks fun? Did Joyce introduce you as a Sidetracks virgin? If not, boy, you missed out.
parlin said:
November 9th, 2009 at 9:54 am
“I’m fortunate that my work responsibilities include the Nebraska market . . .”
Not a sentence that I see written all that often, though I’m glad you’ve appreciated the hospitality there. It’s a great place to visit, surely, and to raise a family in. The Sidetrack bar is a landmark, as is the band. Sounds like a special half-time ceremony–though just to be ornery I think I would have booed Switzer and muttered a few things under my breath about Tinker freaking Owens.
ponderos said:
November 9th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Good god. Did you toss Tom Osborne’s salad while you were up there?
NorthDallasSooner said:
November 9th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
parlin—Steve Owens, dude, not Tinker.
ponderos—called it like I saw it. The polar opposite of the treatment in Seattle last year where students tried to start fights with us and people threw shit from their cars.
Huskerdaninva said:
November 9th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Glad to see that you enjoyed the environment. Now you you know truly why “There is NO place like Nebraska”. Had this game been between top 10 ranked teams I believe it would have been remembered as an all time great and instant classic on ESPN. I personally, cannot remember watching as intense of a defensive slobberknocker in my 47 years as a Husker fanatic. It’s a shame the BigXII cannot follow the lead of the SEC and their 12 teams, preserve the classic rivalries, and rearrange the scehduling so that OU and NU can play every year the way the CFB Gods intended. Good luck Sooners the rest of the way! GO BIG RED!!!
Bucky said:
November 9th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
We had a great time at the Sidetrack with the Sooner fans. When I sang my one song Crystal, a pretty Sooner fan from Tulsa, ran up and put a bill in my pants, plus grabbed my man boob. !
I’ve been to O’Connells several times and the Sooner fans I bought drinks for said they’d pay me back there.
Good luck to the Sooners and thanks for the nice words.
redinmaine said:
November 9th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Figures, ponderos. It probably hurts even worse when people are civil and hospitable. Oh, and then they beat your team’s ass. And are civil an hospitable afterwards. Good game douchebag!
Lesley Presley said:
November 9th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Glad you had a great experience. Too bad we didn’t hook up and take some pics for our website wwwhuskerelvis.net
huskermania said:
November 9th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Redinmaine is a poster child for fans who should not be allowed to attend sporting events. Anyone who has attended games in Boulder or Manhattan has experienced the opposite of what a real game experience is in Lincoln or Norman. But then, look how pathetic their teams have been over the years…
GO BIG RED(S)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matt said:
November 9th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
As a Nebraska fan, I sincerely do appreciate hearing the kind words about Lincoln.
If anything, THIS is why we would want to bring back the annual NU/OU game at Thanksgiving…even at the risk of seeing each other again in Dallas/Houston/Kansas City/St. Louis for the Big XII title–this rivalry brought out the best in each team, and it’s very rare in sports anymore when we have something–anything–bring out the best in people.
Also, if anything, that’s why Nebraska folks dropped support for Callahan like a hot potato–Callahan didn’t get the rivalry and what it was really about, especially with the ‘F-n Hillbillies’ comment.
BTW, NorthDallasSooner, you should come to one of the North Texas Nebraska watchsites sometime…especially the one at Cape Buffalo in Addison. Folks are friendly, and if you can stand watching a Nebraska game, we’ll only give you friendly grief about your OU garb and likely buy you a few beers as well.
MacinBugaha said:
November 9th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
We do root for Oklahoma when the Sooners aren’t playing the Huskers. It was one heck of a rivalry, back in the days of the Big 8, and we played every year. If you aren’t old enough to remember the days of the Big 8, you simply won’t understand. I hope, and believe, there are some Sooner fans that think the same. (Oranges on the field?)
This “rivalry” is based on one word……..respect.
Husker for life said:
November 9th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I am glad you had a great time in Lincoln. Just wish everyone had the same experience. Heard from family members that are OU fans that they were told to shut up, sit down, and a few racial remarks while they cheered their team on. I am so glad Husker Nation knows how to treat visitors except for a few idiots that mess it up.
DavefromDenver said:
November 9th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
NDS — thanks for the kind words. I also had a Sooner friend in town for the first time and we were at the Sidetrack. It’s always a blast there.
Sidetrack is coming to Boulder for the CU-Nebraska game — I can’t wait.
Thanks again for the words. There is NO place like Nebraska.
Soonervino said:
November 9th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
It always has been a gentleman’s rivalry. Now, think you’d get that treatment in Lubbock?
Dave said:
November 9th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
We love fans who love to enjoy college football, regardless of the outcome. It’s about having a good time and making good friends. It’s a day when we can take our kids to the game and not have to cringe everytime someone opens their mouth. We love to share that experience whenever we can because there aren’t many places left in this world where you can have all that. It may not be the most beautiful place in the world, but it’s a place we’re proud to call home.
Come back anytime…and bring a friend.
Kelly Kyle said:
November 9th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Glad you had a good time. Some of the things I heard from some of my fellow Nebraska fans had me worried. I’m not sure people my age (nearly 30) and younger understand the Nebraska-Oklahoma history.
NU Rulz said:
November 9th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Thanks for the words. Always LOVE to hear the opposing fans impressed with the respect we show. That’s one thing that makes Nebraska what it is. I’ve been attending games for the last 40 years and never saw the kind of disrespect here that they show in Boulder.
I do hope that next time you return, we both can field an offense. I know you already know this, but I do have to mention that parlin and ponderos are not representative of either NU or OU.
Good luck on the rest of the season!
Go Big Rev said:
November 9th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Glad you had a great trip. There used to be a poster hanging at Buffalo Wild Wings in downtown Lincoln that had a picture of Osborne on the field, arms crossed, smiling just a little, and underneath it read, “Welcome to Lincoln. You’ll Never Lose In A Nicer Place.”
That was the ’90s, of course. Things have changed, especially the fortunes of our programs, but I’m really glad the mutual respect in this great rivalry has remained mostly constant. I grew up in the ’80s, celebrating the great three year run of Gill, Rozier and Fryar, agonizing over Sooner Magic a few years later. But it was odd how little we ‘hated’ the Sooners. I like to think Nebraskans and Oklahomans (?) learn respect by being a part of this rivalry.
If you ever get back, you should also get over to Misty’s on Havelock on Friday night. Best prime rib in the state, and the Nebraska band sends a pep band over to play for a few hours. At least, they did when I was in the band in the ’90s. It’s great food, great atmosphere and a lot of fun.
Gman said:
November 9th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
I’ve been treated well in Norman too. I think long term fans understand the ups and downs of a rivalry and begin to appreciate one another more over time. Few schools have the dedicated following of OU or NU.
HighPlainsHusker said:
November 9th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Game day hospitality in Lincoln makes me proud to be a Nebraskan. It’s corny but that’s who we are.
Fred Swarthau said:
November 9th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
It should be noted, however, that Sooner fans are equally respectful and fun to tailgate with. I’ve been to Norman many times and it’s always fun. Both fan bases should pressure the administrations and league to make this game an annual event. Great conferences must have their best programs play each other every year. Get rid of a non-conference game and schedule the great teams. Who really wants to see Nebraska vs. Louisiana-Lafayette anyway?
clivehusker said:
November 9th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Glad you had a great time. There are a few knuckleheads in our stands just as any other team has. But for the most part you experienced what most Nebraska fans are like.
But your friends didn’t take you to Misty’s for a steak? *sigh* Make them take you there next time.
Rowdyhusker said:
November 9th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Despite the loss hope everyone had a good time here in Lincoln, I met a few very cool OU fans and drank many beers with em. I enjoy it everytime you guys come here. Good luck with the rest of the season, and we will see you at the B12 championship next year! Go Big Red!!!
Marty said:
November 9th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Thanks again for all the kind words.
There used to be a poster of Dr. Tom with his headset and game gear on, smiling in front of a blue sky with the stadium in the background. The caption read:
“Welcome to Nebraska. You’ll never lose in a nicer place!”
Kinda sums it all up, I guess!
Have a great Holiday!
IA Husker said:
November 9th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Glad you liked the game.
Hopefully each team will take care of its business and soon we will be meeting annually again– for the Big XII championship.
Ron said:
November 9th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Sooner fans are welcome anytime in Nebraska! Too bad Colorado had to “invent” their own little rivalry by circling Nebraska on their schedule! They just don’t get it and never will. God Bless BOTH Big Reds!
B Charlie said:
November 10th, 2009 at 6:44 am
Please dont bring up Colorado when the conversation is about something thats great. The Buffs belong in the sewer not on top with 2 winners
HuskerBob said:
November 10th, 2009 at 7:07 am
I can still recall those late November games between OU and NU from the 1978 game until the big 12 started. The game was usually for the big 8 title and possibily the National Championship. I would either be sad or very happy for a year depending on the outcome. I am glad you and your fans had a good time in Lincoln and hope you come back. I wish this game was played every year….like it should be.
jonnyb said:
November 10th, 2009 at 7:21 am
I haven’t been nowhere neither, but I have seen the Huskers play away games in Columbia MO, Pasadena CA, (Aikman smacked us bad), Columbia SC, Jax FL, Iowa City, Winston Salem, and most recently the week before last, in Waco. I must say the Waco and Winston Salem crouds made me feel the same way as a visitor as you felt in Lincoln. Growin’ up on Turkey day with some classic neighborhood brawls that preceeded the big match-up, we all wanted to be Tagge, Orduna, Rodgers, Kinney, Ingles, Glover..I could go on and on. I definitely plan to visit Norman and Stillwater for a game, just to say I did. Maybe not Lubbock any more after the commets I read!! Dittos on Misty’s; It’s a must. Then Val’s on Holdredge after the game to stuff like a pig. Guess you’ll have to come back!
Boomersooner said:
November 10th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Well Said!
I had the pleasure of heading to Lincoln from Madison, WI with a good Husker friend of mine. Both of us are fish out of the water in Badger country but we always find time to chat about the good ole OU/NU days! We decided a trip to Lincoln was a must. I have to tell you i was shocked at how gracious the NU fans were. I was standing at a urinal at Sandy’s when some big ole boy next to me said “is everyone treating you ok?” Come to find out he was an ex NU player from the mid to late 80’s….How cool. Husker hospitality was evident everywhere i went. Sports teams throughout the country could take a lesson from the Cornhusker faithful on how to be gracious hosts! I say well done!
Go Big Red!
Finman said:
November 10th, 2009 at 7:35 am
OU fans were equally as cool. It has been a tough year for them injury wise. No bitching and moaning about losing. Even had some great conversations after the game in the downtown bars. Great fans as well.
NMBuckeye said:
November 10th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Great read,
As a life long Buckeye Fan currently living in New Mexico, I had the privilege to go to the game with a good friend of mine that is a born & bred graduate of Nebraska. I have been to the “Shoe” quite a few times in Columbus and it is Mecca for me – that said. The visit to Lincoln and Memorial Stadium turned out out be one of the best football experiences of my life. Husker Fans are a special group for sure – the stadium rocked. We have a much different relationship with Michigan so this was refreshing. I also attended Sidetracks and loved it. Lincoln is a place that should be a model for what college football fans should aspire to be. This die hard Buckeye was blown away. Good luck Husker Nation you’re a class act.
ponderos said:
November 10th, 2009 at 8:52 am
ponderos—called it like I saw it. The polar opposite of the treatment in Seattle last year where students tried to start fights with us and people threw shit from their cars.
You must attract trouble then because that was the most docile, reasonable fanbase I’ve ever seen. They even thanked us for helping to get Willingham fired.
IAHusker said:
November 10th, 2009 at 9:03 am
I was very well in Norman as a visting fan last year. One guy even bought me a hot dog! Even if it’s not every year anymore OU-NU is stil great, and it’s still respectful
HuskerDan said:
November 10th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Been to the Mountain in Soonerland and I have to tell you one of the greatest expieriences known to man. One better, the VA TECH fans in blackburg were almost “stepford wife” like with their treatment of us!
Never in my life was I treated better! Every bit as good as the huskers treat visitors. Now let me digress to some of the other stadiums that were discussed. I am surprised to hear that someone was not treated with respect at the Washington game in Seattle. Was a great expierience! Very knowledgeable tree huggers! Great fans! Texas was also awesome for a husker fan! Waco Boring, Lubbock was a blast! Missouri as some awesome looking girls in area (sorry that is all I can say nice)! K-state needs to learn how to win which may be tough since they were losers for so long! Kansas and OK state are a bit apathetic (must be saving life for their b-ball fans)!
I was at Mich/COLO game the day of “the catch” and I have to tell you I have never seen a a more silent stadium thoughout the game. Everyone was about 90 and too rich to stand up and clap! But the expierience everyone must have once in there life is a trip to the “Nittany Lions” They are the 10 of the world’s worst fans! (colorado would be next at a rating of 5) Everyone should have the chance to visit the class acts that were spitting and cursing and punching the husker fans as we entered the stadium and left. They were classy bunch that did not discriminate on who they did this too rather you were young or old, male or female. They treated all the same! Not to be outdone by the bar managers before and after the game that explained that the bar was reserved for Lion fans! It was ok because we all able to wear enough beer on the way in! OU. Va tech and Husker fans are among the best and I appreciate everygame I can muster enough money to appreciate the settings!!!!
65alum said:
November 10th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
I only had one opportunity to see a game in “the snake pit”. The Huskers won that game. I had a wonderful seat surrounded by Sooner fans. The Sooners were great and treated me as they would a guest in there home. The historic rivalry and respect between our programs is unique. I believe all true Husker and Sooner fans miss the annual meetings.
Vonham said:
November 10th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
My brother and I attended the ‘00 game in Norman. Not a great day for the Big Red. But we were treated VERY well. Spent the second half outside watching the game on the big screen surrounded by OU fans. Not one of them was rude or obnoxious, just friendly jibing going on. After the game we headed to the Irish pub there on campus for many more beers. Met the owner of the steakhouse out on I-35. He invited us for dinner. We went and he picked up the entire tab including drinks. I’ve been to several classes on the OU campus and enjoy Norman immensely. People are just friendly. And, of course, WAFFLE HOUSE!!!
This rivalry needs to be renewed on an annual basis!!
TWSter said:
November 10th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
My favorite thing about the OU-NU rivarly is the name hall of fame.
For OU: Buster Rhymes Tinker Owens (yes NDS, Parlin meant Tinker) JC Watts Lucious Selmon (not to mention Dewey and LeRoy) Thomas Lott
For NU: Wonder Monds IM Hipp Thunder Collins Junior Miller Broderick Thomas
I know there are some other colorful names I’m forgetting. Anyone got any?
NorthDallasSooner said:
November 11th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Jarvis Redwine? C’mon, someone check TWSter’s Husker credentials.
TWSter said:
November 11th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
My bad. Jarvis Redwine is a classic. Like I said, I knew I was forgetting some.
Another is Elvis Peacock. How about your Sooner credentials??
NorthDallasSooner said:
November 11th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Touche