Huskers change home sideline, ready for season opener vs. UTEP

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Nebraska football will be a ‘west side story’ in 2024. The Huskers are moving their home sideline to the west side of Memorial Stadium, which is unsettling news to some ticketholders. However, there is a strategy behind the decision, as the press box and 6th floor coaches seats are on the west side.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said the Huskers started exploring the change in 2023. The switch comes ahead of the 2024 season when coach-to-player helmet communication begins, along with tablet use being allowed on the sidelines.

“The teams that communicate best on game day are going to win,” Rhule said. The second-year head coach noted that moving opponents to the east sideline, which is the same side as Nebraska’s band and student section, should create an advantage.

“We’re a very kind group,” Rhule said. “It’s Nebraska nice. But for two hours, three hours, four hours, let’s make it nice on them.”

Rhule adds that the chain gang also operates on the east sideline, which can be a nuisance on gameday.

“The students have an opportunity to impact the game. And our band, who’s fantastic, has an opportunity to impact the game.”

Nebraska opens the season on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. inside Memorial Stadium. It will be the Huskers’ first Week 1 home game since 2019.

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