‘It’s almost like a religion’ : Husker fans tailgating early for Friday night game

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Husker fans made the most out of Friday night’s game against Illinois. Some even took off work and were setting up their tailgates early.

One tailgater, Guy Loop, said he started setting up his tent at 9:30 and he took off work to do so.

“My brother-in-law took off work and we have some friends coming in, people coming in,” he said. “So yeah, we had to make a few changes for a Friday game, but we’re ready.”

Last year, he won ‘tailgater of the game’, but he wasn’t there Friday morning to collect an award. He just wants his family and friends to have a good time and enjoy the Husker spirit.

“Husker football is about family and friends for us, so yeah, we’re excited,” he said. “Feels different this year.”

Rod and Christin Lutt said tailgating has become a tradition for them as they’ve been hosting tailgates for the past 15 years.

“We love it. I mean this is camaraderie,” Christin said. “This is why we do the tailgating. It’s getting everybody going, get the fans excited before we go into the game.”

They are missing a few fans from their tent who couldn’t deviate from their usual Friday night plans.

“A lot of friends couldn’t make it because of high school football,” Christin said. “Definitely like Saturdays better,” said Rod.

Chris Rodriguez is going to his first Husker game.

He said he can feel the Husker energy, which is something he’s never experienced before.

“It’s almost like a religion, it’s embedded, they love it and the 400th consecutive sellout is another big reason most people are coming here too,” he said.