Dick’s Sporting Goods and Adidas present $20,000 to Lincoln YMCA at Fox Big Noon Kickoff tailgate

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The parking lot of Dick’s Sporting Goods was the center of a family-friendly tailgate on Friday, ahead of the Husker’s home game against Indiana on Saturday.

Cheerleaders and athletes were in attendance to hype up Husker fans, but fun wasn’t the only thing happening at the event organized by the Fox Big Noon Kickoff crew.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation teamed up with Adidas to leave a big impact on local sports in Lincoln, by presenting a check for $20,000 to the YMCA of Lincoln’s Junior Huskers Recreational Flag Football League.

Kyle Flanagan is the marketing manager for Dick’s Sporting Goods and says Friday’s event was about giving back.

“This matchup between Nebraska and Indiana was a perfect opportunity for us to partner in the parking lot here for a tailgate event. It’s about bringing the community together, bringing the University of Nebraska right to the community itself with the cheer team, Herbie Husker and then obviously some athletes from the University of Nebraska as well,” said Flanagan.

As for the grant, the Y’s executive director of youth sports, Todd Johnson says it’ll make a real difference in what they can do next.

“We can use a lot of the money to help grow that program as well as just give kids that can’t afford sports all the time an opportunity to learn and have fun and be social,” said Johnson.

A prime example of the power of sports could be seen in London Jenkins, a rising star on the Nebraska women’s flag football team and a U.S. National team medalist.

Jenkins was happy to greet fans on Friday.

“We have the best fans in the world. The night before the games, the event and just the atmosphere is just super crazy,” she said.

Espy Delangel showed up to Friday’s event with her friend Vy Bui.

“It just feels like home,” said Delangel. “Like, all the fans, like everything. It’s just like going to the game. It’s just amazing to see and it’s so fun.”

Delangel told Channel 8 that she mainly showed up to the tailgate to meet London Jenkins but also ended up winning a raffle.

Taylor Korell was there with her kids and said it was all about the games offered.

“We’ve had a lot of fun. We got to throw the football and enjoyed the raffle, taking pictures with Herbie and all the cheerleaders,” said Korell.

Her kids were clearly filled with team spirit too as they shouted, “Go Big Red!”

As for game day predictions for tomorrow’s blackout game between the two undefeated teams?

“My prediction is that Nebraska is going to take the W,” said Jenkins.

“I got to stick with Nebraska,” said Delangel.

“Same for me. I have to believe in Nebraska,” said Bui.

“I’m confident in their ability to cover that spread,” said Flanagan.

“I think Nebraska will win 35 to 24,” said Johnson.

“Let’s go, Nebraska 24, Indiana 14,” said Korell.

Channel 8 will be watching and reporting on Saturday’s game throughout.