UNL gears up for Big Red Welcome

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By the Lincoln Journal Star

Up to 15,000 students are expected for Big Red Welcome, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s annual welcoming celebration for its incoming students.

Festivities begin Friday with the New Student Convocation and end Sunday with a street festival, where students can learn about campus organizations and pile up free giveaways. Classes begin Monday.

A highlight of Big Red Welcome will be the Tunnel Walk at Memorial Stadium, a chance for students to run through the tunnel to music, video and cheers just like the Husker football team.

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In this 2006 file photo, members of the Cornhusker Marching Band twist and jump on Stadium Drive before entering Memorial Stadium to perform in an exhibition as part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Big Red Welcome. (LJS File)

In this 2006 file photo, members of the Cornhusker Marching Band twist and jump on Stadium Drive before entering Memorial Stadium to perform in an exhibition as part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Big Red Welcome. (LJS File)

New this year is a picnic for students after the New Student Convocation, intended to build community within the residence halls and Greek system.

All events are open to UNL students with student IDs, except for Friday’s marching band concert, which is free and open to the public. A full schedule of events follows:

Friday

* 3:30 p.m.: New Student Convocation, Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., marching band pep rally at 3:45 p.m. and welcome from Chancellor Harvey Perlman at 4 p.m.

* 5:15 p.m.: New student picnic on R Street.

* 7 p.m.: Cornhusker Marching Band exhibition, Memorial Stadium. Enter the stadium through Gate 3 in southwest corner or Gate 11 in northwest corner. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Seating is available in the lower level of the west stands.

* 8:15 p.m.: Memorial Stadium Tunnel Walk for new students. Line up at Gate 15 by 8 p.m.

* 8:45 p.m.: Pep rally and party, Campus Recreation Center.

* 10:30 p.m.: Movies at the Grand Theatre presented by Marcus Theatres, 1101 P St. “Jurassic Park,” “Top Gun,” “Happy Gilmore” and “Billy Madison” — free for first 1,000 students with student IDs.

Saturday

* 11 a.m.: Lincoln Trails tour powered by Chipotle. Sign up in advance at the rec center bike shop.

* 1-4 p.m.: Class schedule tours, repeating on the half-hour. Meet in the Nebraska Union Crib.

* 9 p.m.: Party at the Union. DJ and dance on the Union Plaza.

* 10:30 p.m.: Concert by University Program Council, “Columbia vs. Challenger” and “Tie These Hands.”

* Midnight: Pancake feed, Union Plaza.

Sunday

* 2-4 p.m.: Class schedule tours, repeating on the half-hour. Meet in Union Crib.

* 6 p.m.: Gallup Welcome Festival, Stadium “Loop.” Campus organizations, vendors and giveaways.