‘I was devastated’: Cornhusker Marching Band game day practices no longer open to fans

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Pride of All Nebraska’s game day dress rehearsals have been a staple of Husker game days for generations.

But on Wednesday, the Cornhusker Marching Band released a statement saying fans will no longer be allowed to watch those practices due to security concerns.

“As a former Cornhusker Marching Band alum and a two-time parent, I was devastated,” said one woman who has a daughter in the band.

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She asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retribution and said this hurts the kids’ chances to shine.

“I know that the football team is so important in the state of Nebraska, and I honor that, but we’re talking about the Pride of All Nebraska,” she said. “These 300 kids and their families shouldn’t have to pay for a football ticket just to see and celebrate and honor their kids hard work and contributions to our communities.”

Nebraska Athletics released a statement on why this change is happening:

“Security protocols do not permit non-credentialed individuals inside the stadium after the game day security sweep prior to the opening of gates.  This is not limited to any one group but is inclusive of any and all individuals on game day.”

The parent said she understands the reason but still doesn’t think it’s fair.

“Every time we go to rehearsal, we have clear bags,” she said. “We go through the exact same security checkpoints that all of the rest of the fans do. I just can’t imagine that they’d consider us a security threat.”

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And she said this takes away from so many people.

“It’s also a great chance to bring future generations who might be interested in music, like little kids, come sit in the stands and cheer,” she said. “I don’t feel good about taking that away.”