Nebraska Football Explores Tractor Pulls, Trump Visit in Bold Reimagining of Spring Game
In a move to revamp the traditional spring football game, the Nebraska Cornhuskers athletic department engaged in extensive brainstorming, considering a wide array of options ranging from traditional football activities to unique fan engagement events.
Emails obtained by CBS Sports reveal the creative process behind the decision to replace the annual intrasquad scrimmage with a skills competition and 7-on-7 action, mirroring a trend seen at other prominent universities.
The internal discussions, detailed in emails between athletic administrators, showcase a no-holds-barred approach to reimagining the April 26 event. A comprehensive list of over 30 potential ideas was compiled for consideration. On the football front, proposals included an open practice with a short scrimmage and a 7-on-7 flag football game.
To broaden the appeal beyond core football fans, administrators also explored non-football fanfest concepts such as an alumni flag football game, sand volleyball featuring Huskers versus alumni, dodgeball, youth competitions, a roping exhibition by legendary volleyball coach John Cook, soccer field goals against football penalty kicks, a BMX bike exhibition, and even a concert.
Further unconventional ideas floated included tours of the newly constructed Osborne Legacy Complex, a Husker garage sale, autograph sessions with players and coaches, a sorority tug of war, a «fastest student on campus» race, a symbolic tunnel walk, allowing fans to cut out sections of turf, a BBQ competition, demolition derby, go-kart races, a free car/truck giveaway, food trucks, a fan festival held concurrently with practice, a dunk tank, a playful nod to a former coach with a plush cat giveaway, a pancake feed, a media/celebrity flag football game, throwback uniform elements, bringing in a live eagle, and even extending an invitation to the former Commander-in-Chief.
While coach Matt Rhule did not offer specific comment to CBS Sports, he did indicate that from the extensive list, his preferred ideas included elements of skills competitions, alumni involvement, youth activities, fan experiences like tours and autographs, the BBQ competition, demolition derby, go-kart races, giveaways, food trucks, the dunk tank, the playful coach reference, throwback elements, the live eagle, and the potential involvement of the National Guard/Military.
Nebraska’s spring game has historically been a significant draw, often attracting over 70,000 fans. While past games have been canceled due to weather and the pandemic, they have also created memorable moments, such as a young cancer patient scoring a touchdown in 2013. in recent years.
Beyond the initial brainstorming, administrators also explored alternative events, such as a potential flag football game between university and local community teams, and even considered renaming the spring game to honor the young cancer patient who scored the memorable touchdown. A fan also suggested a softball game in Memorial Stadium to further engage with supporters.
Ultimately, the «Husker Games» event will incorporate several of the discussed ideas, including a food truck festival, tours of the Osborne Legacy Complex, and a volleyball match against Kansas. These efforts illustrate the Nebraska athletic department’s commitment to providing a meaningful and engaging experience for fans in lieu of the traditional spring scrimmage.