Husker fans will descend upon downtown Lincoln this weekend for a jam-packed game day weekend, and Nebraska State Troopers are coordinating with multiple agencies to keep commuters safe on the roadways.
All happening on Saturday: the annual Red-White Spring Game kicks off at 11:05 AM, Husker Baseball will have first pitch at Haymarket Park at 1:15 PM, Husker Softball vs Northwestern starts at 1:30 PM, and ventriloquist comedian Jeff Dunham is bringing his Still Not Canceled tour to Pinnacle Bank Arena at 3:00 PM.
“As we have a big traffic day, we want to make sure everybody’s in that mindset,” said NSP Spokesman Cody Thomas. “Know that there’s going to be a lot of traffic on the road. Just pack some patience, drive the speed limit or even below if traffic is of that volume, and make sure you get to the game safely.”
Thomas advised fans traveling into Lincoln this Saturday, there are alternative routes to get into downtown that may help ease traffic congestion.
“If you’re coming from the west, take Highway 77 and then Rosa Parks Way into downtown. That’s a great alternative to avoid Interstate 180,” Thomas said. “If you’re coming from the Omaha area or from the east, take the Waverly exit and use Highway-6 to get toward downtown. These are some alternate ways so we don’t have everybody taking interstate 180 downtown.”
NSP works with several public safety partners, including UNL Police, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Police Department, and Nebraska Department of Transportation to maintain public safety in and around Memorial Stadium. The NSP Aviation Support Unit will be in the air to provide an eye in the sky to support traffic operations on the ground. Fans can also hear NSP pregame traffic reports live on KLIN (1400 AM & 99.3 FM) and all over the Huskers Radio Network.
The motoring public is an important part of the team as well. With increased gameday traffic, all drivers should keep their focus on the road, watch their speed, drive sober, and buckle up. Any motorists who want to report a dangerous driver or need assistance on the road can call *55 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline.