‘Probably spent $3,000’: Husker fans take over Oklahoma City despite the hefty price tags
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Husker fans took a long weekend in Oklahoma City to cheer on the Men’s Basketball Team in the NCAA tournament.
But for so many who made the trip, that didn’t come cheap.
“Hotel prices have skyrocketed right now,” said Pat Barry, a Husker fan who went to Oklahoma City. “To put it into perspective, I’ve spent about $350 a night for a hotel room. Ticket pricewise, they’ve gouged Nebraska fans because they started to catch on real quick, SeatGeek, and all of the rest of the services we went through. I probably spent $3000 just to get here, and that’s without restaurants, beer and everything else.”
According to Booking.com, a stay at a hotel in OKC costs anywhere from about $120 a night to $360.
Gas prices hit wallets harder on the drive down; according to Triple A, driving through Kansas and into Oklahoma cost on average, about $3.26 a gallon.
But despite the hefty price tags, the dedication of the Husker fan base is unwavering.
“Husker nation has pretty much taken over Oklahoma City,” said Barry. “The city has not been prepared for a Husker invasion. This week, whether it’s been alcohol sales, t-shirt sales, whatever, they’ve run out of everything due to Husker nation. I can tell you positively, we have helped out the Oklahoma City economy a lot the last few days.”
The legendary voice of the men’s team, Kent Pavelka, got a front row seat to something he hasn’t seen in the 41 years of calling the games.
“It’s an emotional deal for me,” he said. “And because it’s kind of complicated for me, it’s hitting me slowly.”
Pavelka said he has seen a huge difference in the fans packing Pinnacle Bank Arena this season, than in years past.
But it just goes to show the impact this team has on Husker Nation.
“It’s a pent up hunger and appetite, and angst,” Pavelka said. “I’ve never seen anything like it before. It’s a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s more than a basketball game, it’s our community. It’s a sense of community.”
