‘Just ripped away’: Memorial Stadium tradition of kids selling concessions comes to an end

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — For years, young people have gone up and down the stands of Memorial Stadium selling food and drinks to Nebraska football fans.

But now the concession hawker program is ending.

“I was really surprised to see it come out because there was no indication beforehand that this was a thought or question” said Chris Hoffer, a Lincoln dad who participated in the hawker program as a teen.

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Hoffer sold concessions in the sea of red and had an up-close view of the games.

Thirty years later, his teenage son and daughter were doing the same, but their time as hawkers is now over.

Monday morning, Hoffer received an email from the director of concessions saying the program is ending.

This is because the stadium’s new vendor, Aramark, requires employees to be at least 18 and will not allow people who aren’t employees to serve.

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“It’s an opportunity for kids that’s not there anymore” said Hoffer, who is upset by the already limited opportunities for younger teens.

Kids would often hawk concessions to raise money for youth programs.

Deasia Hoffer, 13, said the program was a good way to learn responsibility.

“It gave me an opportunity to make money, and it was definitely a learning experience,” she said.

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Her 17-year-old brother, Jacoby, said the program also gave kids a chance to enjoy the games.

“Tickets are expensive” he said. “I don’t know if I’ll be back in here to watch a game again, and if I do, it’ll be a while.”

Jacoby said he’s only missed one Husker home within the last four seasons.

“I’m accustomed to it, and now it’s just ripped away,” he said. “I don’t know how to feel about it. It’s tough.”

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Jacoby added that being a hawker for the stadium was tied to his identity as a Nebraskan.

“Win or loss, it’s just fun to be part of the tradition,” he said. “Because that’s one of the things that Nebraska’s known for, is football. It’s a part of the pride of the state.”