As the Huskers prepare to kickoff the football season the Cornhusker Marching Band has been informed about a change in their dress rehearsals at Memorial Stadium. In a Facebook post on Wednesday from Nebraska Marching Bands, it was announced that due to a change in policy from Event Management and Operations they will no longer be able to allow an audience at their Game Day rehearsals.
“The concern is with security,” according to the Facebook post. “It’s not that we’re not trusted, but security needs to sweep the stadium earlier in the day with no spectators present.” The social media statement indicated that this is consistent with practices of their peers around college football.
“In fact, thanks to our partners in Athletics, we’ve been an outlier in that we’ve been allowing this for so long. We realize this has been a long-standing practice and the only chance for many of you get to see the band in this setting, especially with such a good vantage point, and we’re sorry.”
The post also said the decision has not been taken lightly and is irreversible. “Please resist the urge to express frustration via phone, e-mail, text or social media. We enjoy a great working relationship with the Athletic Department and don’t want to see it damaged.”
KLIN News reached out to Nebraska Athletics for comment. In a statement the department said “security protocols do not permit non-credentialed individuals inside the stadium after the game day security sweep prior to the opening of gates. This is not limited to any one group but is inclusive of any and all individuals on game day.”