What was supposed to be the debut of the Husker's football team last night was delayed. Originally the game was rescheduled for Sunday morning, but in a surprise twist, officials canceled the game instead. Now, after multiple rain delays, Husker fans are scheduled to see their team in action Saturday, September 8th.
Even though the rain started pouring in Lincoln shortly after kick-off fans who had been anticipating this game for months weren't going to let rain stop them from supporting their team.
Team spirit, tradition, and tailgating. For many fans, that's what Husker football is all about. “Lincoln is a very interesting place on game day,” said tailgater, Zach Giest. The season opener against Akron started out in parking lots, the way most Nebraska games do.
But shortly after kick-off, instead of a “Frost Warning”, Mother Nature called for rain. "It was definitely an experience that I’ll never forget,” said Husker game attendee Erica Harmon. The rain came hard and heavy causing the game to be delayed. "I was a little bummed because we were looking forward to seeing the opening game, seems like it would be a lot of fun to come to the game because the adrenaline was really high, and people were excited to see the game,” said game attendee, Carter Ross. "I would have loved to have seen the game, that's the whole reason I came here,” said Zach Morris, game attendee.
But it would take more than a little rain to dampen the spirit of any Husker fan. “People were still chanting and having fun in the concourse waiting to see if they were gonna play,” said Ross. Even if it took hours for the game to resume, “probably the whole time, we were under the covered areas, so we didn't get wet until now,” said Harmon.
While some fans were upset about the game cancellation, others were thankful the university was making safety the priority. “It's for the safety of the people here and the safety of the players so that's what it's all about and I don't have a problem with the game being delayed,” said Morris.
The fans who spoke to 3 News Now who were tailgating before the game said they would be back next week when the Huskers take on the Buffaloes with the same enthusiasm and spirit as they did this week. The fans who spoke to 3 News Now after the game delays still had the same outlook.
There are several rumors floating around about why the game wasn't played Sunday morning, but so far Akron officials haven't said why they didn't stay and play.
For Nebraska fans asking what to do with their tickets from Saturday night’s canceled game, Husker's Athletic Director, Bill Moos answered that question. In a statement, Moos said, "Regarding any potential additions or adjustments to the 2018 football schedule, we will explore and discuss those options in the coming weeks. In the meantime, fans are encouraged to hold onto their tickets from last night's game in the event a game were to be added later in the season."
