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The Scene: Tunnel Walk has new location but same buzz at Nebraska's home opener
- Brent Wagner | Lincoln Journal Star
- Sep 16, 2023
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If you're in need of a Nebraska football recharge, a visit under the seats in the northeast corner of Memorial Stadium about 20 minutes before kickoff might just be the solution.
That is the new home of Nebraska’s famous Tunnel Walk entrance, and it’s an area of the Husker world that oozes with energy and excitement and reminds you of how powerful Husker football is, especially for young fans.
That was the case on Saturday before the first home game of the season against Northern Illinois.
The Tunnel Walk shifted locations this season because Nebraska’s locker room has moved to the new training facility.
About 20 minutes before the Tunnel Walk began, fans were already standing 10 deep along parts of the path.
Lights — the kind you see at music concerts — shot beams down onto the path.
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The part of the Tunnel Walk where the fans can interact with the players is about 45 yards, maybe slightly shorter than the previous configuration.
Several kids started a “Go, Big, Red” chant, and got hundreds of fans to respond. How great would that feel?
About 15 youngsters sat on the shoulders of an adult so they could see Nebraska players and coaches walk by.
People on the outside of the stadium still tried to get a glimpse of the Tunnel Walk, holding their phones up to the fence.
It’s the same grand entrance as before, with pillars along the path that have photos of Husker football players.
The anticipation grew when it got to be 6 p.m., but there were a few false alarms for the fans.
First out of the locker room were several of the assistant coaches — not the Husker players just yet. Offensive line coach Donovan Raiola gave high-fives to some fans as he walked by.
Nebraska players, including Kwinten Ives (28), take the field before a game last September at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Next came just a few of the players — Nebraska’s game captains Nick Henrich, Ty Robinson, Rahmir Johnson and Ben Scott.
There was no doubt when the big moment had arrived and the Tunnel Walk really began because “Sirius” started to blare over the speakers in the tunnel.
First-year head coach Matt Ruhle emerged first. Next came the players, walking down the tunnel close to their teammates. Lights with red and white colors shot down onto the players, with the light bouncing off the shiny helmets and making the players seem larger than life.
After about one minute, all of the players had finished the Tunnel Walk, and the fans began to head to their seats.
One fan asked a young boy, 'Was that cool?'
“Yeah,” the youngster responded, smiling.
A few families lingered for a few moments to take photos on the red carpet of the Tunnel Walk.
The last thing the players see before they enter the stadium is ‘I play for Nebraska’ slogan painted right on the concrete of the 100-year-old stadium.
Out at the field, a portion of the Cornhusker Marching band still formed the path for the final part of the Tunnel Walk, just with a sharper turn to the bench instead of a straight shot as the players sprinted onto the field.
Going deep
* Nebraska is 50-10 all-time in home night games since the first prime-time game at Memorial Stadium against Florida State in 1986.
* Seen: During the break between the first and second quarter, Husker wide receiver Billy Kemp was on the edge of the field, getting prepared for a punt return that was about to happen. A member of the coaching staff had to tell Kemp to pay attention as to not be hit by a rapidly approaching John Deere tractor pulling a massive T-shirt launching machine.
College football, there’s nothing like it.
Photos: Nebraska football hosts Northern Illinois, Sept. 16
Nebraska's Billy Kemp IV drops a catch during the first quarter against Northern Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Northern Illinois' GCyrus McGarrell and Nate Valcarcel tackle Nebraska's Billy Kemp IV on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule scrunches his face as he calls a timeout in the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Ben Scott pleads with an official after being called for a personal foul during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's MJ Sherman (right) said Tuesday he's excited to line up against a team "with a jersey that’s a different color and just see all the work that we’ve done.”
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska kicker Tristan Alvano sends the ball down field on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule sticks his tongue out as he walks the sideline in the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule walks the sideline during a game against Northern Illinois on Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Marcus Washington dives forward for a few extra yards after being tripped up by Northern Illinois' Nate Valcarcel during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg runs the ball in the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Gabe Ervin runs the ball under defensive pressure from Northern Illinois' Muhammed Jammeh (right) on Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska football players run out before the game against Northern Illinois on Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska punter Brian Buschini sends the ball downfield during the third quarter of the game against Northern Illinois on Sept. 16 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Northern Illinois' Amariyun Knighten tackles Nebraska's Marcus Washington during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska fans use their phone lights during a light show in the third quarter while the team meets on the field on Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska fans use their phone lights during a light show in the third quarter while the team meets on the field last season at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Northern Illinois quarterback Rocky Lombardi has his pass tipped by Nebraska's Ru'Quan Buckley during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's John Bullock celebrates after a play against Northern Illinois on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Brandon Baker walks out of the Northeast tunnel before the game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule calls out to his players during the game against Northern Illinois on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg throws the ball during the fourth quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Northern Illinois' Kacper Rutkiewicz drops a catch while defended by Nebraska's Quinton Newsome during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule smiles as he greets players after the game.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska's Gabe Ervin runs with the ball against Northern Illinois last September at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska players take the field at tunnel walk before the Northern Illinois home game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Derek Branch (left) and teammate Grant Tagge tackle Northern Illinois' Dane Pardridge in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg looks for room to run against Northern Illinois during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
A light show is seen during Nebraska football's game against Northern Illinois in Sept. 2023 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
The light show between third and fourth quarter is seen during the Northern Illinois game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
The light show between third and fourth quarter is seen during the Northern Illinois game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Jeff Sims smiles from the sidelines during the Northern Illinois game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Gabe Ervin carries the ball as he is tackled by Northern Illinois' Jordan Hansen on Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Gabe Ervin Jr. (right) celebrates his touchdown against Northern Illinois next to teammate Teddy Prochazka on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims walks on to the field following the Huskers' win against Northern Illinois on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims walks on to the field following the Huskers win against Northern Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule speaks to two referees on the sideline during a timeout in the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Northern Illinois' Chris Carter leaps after Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg as he runs the ball during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Northern Illinois' Jacob Finley tries to bring down Nebraska's Alex Bullock on a run during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg prepares to throw on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Northern Illinois' Dashon Prophete fails to bring down Nebraska's Anthony Grant (23) as he runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter last Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska's Thomas Fidone II runs the ball while pressured by Northern Illinois' Dashon Prophete during the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's AJ Rollins (left) attempts to block a throw by Northern Illinois quarterback Rocky Lombardi on Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg attempts to avoid Northern Illinois' Nate Valcarcel on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska's Nick Henrich (right) tackles Northern Illinois' Davis Patterson during a match on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska's Gabe Ervin Jr. (22) runs the ball as Northern Illinois' Javaughn Byrd (2) tries to tackle him on Sept. 26, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Alex Bullock (84) runs through the contact from Northern Illinois' Jacob Finley (20) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska’s quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (left) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Bryce Benhart during the second half of the match against Northern Illinois on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (10) runs for a touchdown past Northern Illinois' Javaughn Byrd (center) and Corey Collier during the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska's Marcus Washington (right) fights for yardage as Northern Illinois' Amariyun Knighten tackles him in the fourth quarter, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Javin Wright intercepts a Northern Illinois pass in the fourth quarter on Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska’s quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (left) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Bryce Benhart during the second half of the match against Northern Illinois on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska's Teddy Prochazka congratulates teammate Gabe Ervin Jr. as he celebrates his touchdown during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Chief Borders celebrates a sack by pretending he is using a phone, during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule walks off the field after the Huskers win over Northern Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule smiles as he greets players after the game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Tommi Hill (31) and coach Matt Rhule join the team in prayer after a game against Northern Illinois on Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims (first left) walks to center field for handshakes after the Huskers beat Northern Illinois following the game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Javin Wright (top) and Quinton Newsome tackle Northern Illinois' Chris Carter during thr first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks from the sidelines during the Northern Illinois game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule contests a second quarter incomplete pass against Northern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Northern Illinois' Cade Haberman (left) and George Gumbs forces Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg to fumble in the first quarter, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Northern Illinois' Cade Haberman (left) and George Gumbs forces Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg to fumble in the first quarter, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Javin Wright (left) tackles Northern Illinois' Antario Brown in the second quarter, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg makes a throw in the second quarter against Northern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Billy Kemp is being held up by teammate Bryce Benhart after Kemp scored a touchdown against Northern Illinois in the first quarter, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts talks with head football coach Matt Rhule before the Northern Illinois game on Sept. 16 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Les Mullen of Blair looks on before the Northern Illinois game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska fans tailgate outside Memorial Stadium before the Northern Illinois game Saturday.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Rehmir Johnson celebrates after a touchdown in the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Billy Kemp IV is lifted up by Bryce Benhart after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Billy Kemp IV is lifted up by Bryce Benhart after Kemp's touchdown in the first quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska's Thomas Fidone II (24) celebrates a touchdown against Northern Illinois in the first half on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska's Tommi Hill is called for pass interference against Northern Illinois' Kacper Rutkiewicz in the second quarter during the game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule calls to his players during the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Javin Wright (top) and Quinton Newsome tackle Northern Illinois' Chris Carter during thr first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule (right) calls for his players to get off the field during first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Thomas Fidone shushes the crowd after scoring a second-quarter touchdown Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher (0) and Ty Robinson celebrate after making a stop against Northern Illinois in the first quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska players, including Kwinten Ives (28), take the field before a game last September at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg runs past Northern Illinois' DaRon Gilbert on Sept. 16 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (10) runs the ball during a match against Northern Illinois on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (10) passes to Thomas Fidone (24) in the first half against Northern Illinois on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Senior Nebraska University student Brooke Aspen hams for the fan-cam before a match against Northern Illinois on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims (7) is seen on the sideline with his teammates before the game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims (7) is seen on the sideline with his teammates before the game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg has the "ultimate respect" of head coach Matt Rhule in part due to the QB's competitive nature.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's defense walks out of the new tunnel before the game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule shares a few words with a player before getting off the bus for the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium ahead of the match against Northern Illinois.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Omaha local Braxton Voelker, 8, plays a game of cornhole with his dad on Saturday at Memorial Stadium ahead of Nebraska's match against Northern Illinois.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska punter Brian Buschini (right) hugs his wife, Kellie Buschini, after getting off the bus for the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium ahead of the match against Northern Illinois.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Brothers Jason and Rodney Rogers, from Council Bluffs, IA, are decked out in gear as they walk around the stadium before the game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
West Point residents Jed Black, 6, and his father Kevin Black, grab a bite to eat before the game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Cody Weihe, from Lincoln, grills Brats and sausages on his tailgate grill before the game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Omaha residents Ben Nasser, 7, and his father Mark Nasser play catch while the tailgate before the game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Lincoln-local Robert Davies wears a hat adorned with buttons and memorabilia from past games before the game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska walks into the stadium during the Unity Walk before the game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's thomas Fidone picks up a pass next to Northern Illinois' Tyler Jackson in the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Northern Illinois' Rocky Lombardi trips himself for a loss of yardage near the end zone in the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska football fans walk up to their seats in the upper levels of Memorial Stadium on Saturday before the match against Northern Illinois.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule addresses Alex Bullock (84) after a play during the match against Northern Illinois on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
A Nebraska cheerleader waves to the crowd during a light show between third and fourth quarter of the match against Northern Illinois on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Nebraska fans wave their phones during a light show between third and fourth quarter of the match against Northern Illinois on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Reach the writer at 402-473-7435 or bwagner@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSSportsWagner.
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Brent Wagner | Lincoln Journal Star
Husker volleyball/women's basketball reporter
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Nebraska players, including Kwinten Ives (28), take the field before a game last September at Memorial Stadium.
- KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo