Report: Nebraska pitched Bo Pelini, Donald Trump appearances to build spring game interest

Like numerous other programs across the country, Nebraska isn’t having a traditional spring game this year. Instead, the school is hosting the “Husker Games,” where Nebraska football fans will be able to watch next season’s team compete in several events similar to the NFL’s Pro Bowl games, including skill contests and 7-on-7 showdowns.

Alas, Nebraska initially had other plans for the inaugural Husker Games. In fact, on Monday, CBS Sports’ Richard Johnson reported Nebraska associate athletic director Brandon Meier sent out an email to multiple administrators in February with over 30 ideas for the Husker Games. Check out the ideas below.

1. Alumni flag football
2. Sand volleyball, Huskers vs. football alumni
3. Dodgeball
4. Youth punt, pass and kick competition
5. [Legendary former head volleyball head coach] John Cook roping exhibition
6. Soccer field goals vs. football penalty kicks
7. BMX Bike exhibition
8. Concert
9. Tours of [Osborne Legacy Complex — the Huskers new football training facility, which is closed to the public]
10. Husker garage sale on the concourse
11. Pre/post team and coaches autographs
12. Sorority tug of war
13. Fastest student on campus race
14. World’s largest tunnel/Legacy Walk into the stadium
15. Fans are free to come down and cut out a section of turf
16. BBQ competition
17. Demolition derby (the one time we can damage the turf)
18. Go-cart races
19. Tractor pulls
20. Give away a free car/truck
21. Food trucks outside or even on the field/apron
22. ½ of the field for fan festival while practice is going on
23. Dunk tank
24. Bo Pelini welcome back (plush cat giveaway)
25. Pancake feed on the concourse
26. Media/celebrity flag football game
27. Bring back the “N” with Script Huskers for this game
28. Bring in field size flag and live eagle
29. Invite President Trump to the event
30. Involve the National Guard/Military in game/event/competition

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule wasn’t in love with every idea Meier proposed, but several caught his interest. Notably, Rhule liked the idea of Nebraska inviting President Donald Trump to the event and the program welcoming back former head coach Bo Pelini.

“3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30,” Rhule responded about which ideas he liked, according to Johnson.

The Husker Games will take place on April 26. The gates to Memorial Stadium will open at 12:30 p.m. CDT. Nebraska football activities will begin at 2 p.m. CDT.