Nebraska Football Prepares for Historic 400th Consecutive Sellout Game

Nebraska football is preparing for a significant milestone as they gear up for their 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. This landmark event will take place during Friday’s night game against the Illinois Fighting Illini, a Big Ten opponent.

The sellout streak at Memorial Stadium, which has been ongoing for over six decades, began on November 3, 1962, with a game against Missouri. At that time, the stadium’s capacity was 31,080 seats. Since then, the venue has undergone several expansions, and the capacity now stands at 82,841 seats. This has made the streak a remarkable testament to the loyalty and passion of Nebraska’s fan base.

Head Coach Matt Rhule, speaking about the upcoming game, praised the unwavering support of the fans, stating, “It’s not just about the sellouts. Our fans come early and stay late. It’s something we are truly humbled by.” Rhule’s comments reflect the deep connection between the team and its supporters.

Historically, Nebraska has won every milestone sellout game, the latest being a victory against Louisiana-Lafayette in 2009, marking their 300th consecutive sellout. The current sellout will serve as another opportunity for Nebraska to showcase their on-field prowess while honoring their devoted fanbase.

Nebraska has not opened their Big Ten season with a victory since 2019. They will aim to change this trend against the Illinois Fighting Illini, a team they last defeated in Lincoln in 2018 with a score of 54-35. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 p.m. on FOX.

In addition to the storied sellout streak, the game will feature key defensive plays. Nebraska’s defense has been particularly robust this season, limiting opponents to an average of 70.3 rushing yards per game and registering nine sacks in their opening matches.

Bret Bielema, the head coach of Illinois, is well-acquainted with high-stakes games, having led Wisconsin to multiple Rose Bowls and conference titles in previous years. His squad’s defensive strength, allowing just 8.7 points per game, will be crucial as they face off against the favored Huskers.