FAQ

What is the Cornhusker State Games?

The Cornhusker State Games is Nebraska’s amateur sports festival. The sports offered provide a broad appeal to athletes of all ages and abilities, ranging from highly competitive Olympic sports to those that are more recreational and geared to participation. There’s something for everyone!

The Cornhusker State Games, organized in 1985, has become a midsummer tradition attracting thousands of Nebraskans to Lincoln from throughout the state.

The main mission of the Cornhusker State Games is offering good, wholesome family-oriented activities and abundant fun. Beyond that, the organization takes pride that its competition exposes a multitude of Nebraskans to the benefits of physical fitness, well-being and good sportsmanship.

When and where will the 2025 Cornhusker State Games be held?

July 10-20. Opening Night will be held on Thursday, July 10. More details on Opening Night can be found here. Events are held Lincoln, Omaha, Fremont, Columbus, North Platte and several other Nebraska communities.

Who can compete?

All Nebraskans, plus any resident of any state. High school athletes may enter, provided they abide by the rules of the Nebraska School Activities Association. College athletes are eligible under national collegiate rules. Special Olympics and disabled athletes also have the opportunity to compete in a variety of sports.

How does one register?

Registration for most sports opens in January for CSG 2025.  Click HERE for a Sport Listing for more information and to register for your sport!

What all does the entry fee cover?

All participants receive an athlete packet that includes an athlete t-shirt (if registered by June 19), Summer Fun Freebies (coming soon) courtesy of our sponsors, and of course, the thrill of competition.

Are there awards?

Custom gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to the top three competitors in each event for most sports. Commemorative medals are awarded to all athletes registered for non-competitive sports. Some sports offer other prizes such as gift cards and athletic gear.

What is the refund policy?

There will be NO REFUNDS of entry fees or purchase of special event tickets because of weather, acts of nature, communicable disease outbreak or lost/stolen passes/tickets.

The only exceptions to the no-refund policy are:

  • Entries received after the entry deadline.
  • Entries received after the maximum number of teams is bracketed, or if there are not enough teams
    or individuals to form a division.
  • Entries of non-qualified entrants.
  • Entries of those denied participation due to errors made by the Cornhusker State Games.
  • Special circumstances determined on an individual basis by the Board of Directors and requiring
    board action.

NO REFUNDS WILL BE PERMITTED SIMPLY BECAUSE AN ATHLETE FAILS TO PARTICIPATE.

NO REFUNDS FOR LOST OR STOLEN PASSES OR OTHER EVENT TICKETS.

All refund requests must be submitted in writing for review by the President and Board of Directors. Please submit requests via email to info@nebraskasportscouncil.com.

What if I have a dispute?

Only disputes/protests based upon eligibility of athletes will be considered by the Cornhusker State Games. Protests based upon play situations and those that involve judgment on the part of officials will not be accepted.

After the contest has begun, the decisions of the officials are final.

A protest must be declared to the lead official and site director while the disputed game is still in progress and submitted to the designated sport director or site director in writing detailing the grievance within 1-hour of the decision or the game.

Protests will be resolved at the discretion of the Cornhusker State Games in accordance with the policies of the Nebraska Sports Council and/or the sport’s national governing body.

What if I have questions about my t-shirt?

Any questions or concerns regarding shirt fulfillment, please email customerservice@shirts101.com.

What happens if my check is returned?

There is a $15 fee for all returned checks. In the event of a returned check, athletes will not be allowed to participate until the entry fee and returned check fee have been paid in cash or money order.

Are there admission charges?

A number of Cornhusker State Games venues will charge admission at the door/gate. Please check your Sport Info.

Admission prices:

Admission charged DAILY

  • Adults: $5
  • Students (6-18 Years): $2
  • Children (5 & Younger): FREE

Contact the Cornhusker State Games office at info@nebraskasportscouncil.com or call 402-471-2544.

Additional Questions?

Contact the Cornhusker State Games office at info@nebraskasportscouncil.com or call 402-471-2544.