What is the capacity of Memorial Stadium, Tom Osborne Field?

Memorial Stadium, known as the "Sea of Red," holds 85,458 and becomes Nebraska's third-largest city on game days. The NCAA-record 410+ consecutive sellout streak dates to 1962. The field is named for Tom Osborne, who retired with three national championships.

🏛️History

Origins

Opened October 13, 1923 with 31,080 seats, dedicated to honor Nebraskans who served in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and WWI. Originally just two sideline grandstands, end zones were enclosed in the 1960s.

Major Renovations

1966North end zone completed; capacity exceeded 65,000

199942 skyboxes, club seating, new press box; FieldTurf installed (first D-I program)

2013East Stadium expansion pushed capacity near 90,000

2025$450M renovation begins: South Stadium replaced, capacity reduced to ~70,000

Notable Moments

Nov 3, 1962Sellout streak begins vs Missouri—now 410+ consecutive games (NCAA record)

Aug 30, 2023Volleyball Day: 92,003 attended—world record for women's sports

Sep 7, 2024Red balloons returned after 2-year hiatus for Colorado game

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

West Stadium has the most shade and the West Stadium Club offers AC. North end zone seats are good value but expect sun in your eyes for 1st quarter at November games. Aisle seats near the tunnel let you high-five players during The Tunnel Walk.

Parking Tips

Public lots east of 14th St: $10-$25 (credit only), open 6 hrs before kickoff. Haymarket Park and Pinnacle Bank Arena lots are first-come. Rideshare pickup at Henzlik Hall (1430 Vine St)—10-15 min walk. Over 20 donor lots also available.

Game Day

Unity Walk starts 2.5 hrs before kickoff outside the stadium. The Tunnel Walk through Gate 20 is iconic—both sides chant "Husker Power" before players emerge. Stadium is cashless. Red balloons fly after TDs (tradition since 1960s). Hit Haymarket District or The Railyard postgame for Misty's Steakhouse or Lazlo's.