‘Very different from New York’: Husker fans flock to Las Vegas for bowl matchup with Utah

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Excitement for the 2025 Las Vegas Bowl is heating up as Husker fans flock to the desert to watch the team play at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Nicole Sweigard, associate executive director of the Nebraska Alumni Association, says there’s a new energy in the air.

“It’s something very different from New York, so this is very exciting for Husker fans,” she said.

Last year, despite cold temperatures and rain, Nebraska defeated Boston College in the 2024 Pinstripe Bowl in New York City.

This year, the team hopes for the same outcome in the Las Vegas Bowl as they take on the No. 15-ranked Utah Utes.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said, “The Las Vegas bowl allows our football team to visit a great city and compete in one of the nation’s best venues against an elite opponent.”

Utah enters Wednesday’s matchup with a 10-2 season record, while Nebraska enters with a 7-5 record, but also a sea of red backing them.

Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen said, “Our football team has played from coast to coast this season, and Husker fans have flocked to each stop along the way and filled the stadium with Red!”

Sweigard says so far, the turnout in Vegas appears to be no different.

“We just appreciate the support. We appreciate it when we’re on the road and when we’re at home. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the Husker faithful,” she said.

Sweigard adds that Vegas has embraced Nebraska fans, as seen last night at an opening event at the Mandalay Bay, where she says the casino staff even asked for Nebraska swag.

Fans prepared items such as banners and signs for the fan fest, which would take place just before the game on the popular Fremont Street.

“It’s been fun to walk from casino to casino and see the Huskers wearing their Husker red already, so people are really excited,” said Sweigard.

Wednesday’s game will be the team’s first back-to-back bowl appearance in a decade, and if won, will mean consecutive bowl wins for coach Matt Rhule, the first Nebraska coach to do that since Bo Pelini.