Opening
Ceremonies

• SportFest (4:30-7 p.m. at East High School)
• Gates Open at Seacrest Field (6 p.m.)
• Staging For Parade of Athletes (7:15 – 8 p.m. Northwest of Stadium)
• Parade of Athletes (8 p.m.)
• Skydivers (Lincoln Sport Parachute Club)
• Special Introductions
• Presentation of Colors (Nebraska National Guard)
• National Anthem
• Oath of Athletes
• Entertainment Act
• Mascot Challenge
• Caldron-Lighting (Mystery Torchlighter)
• Opening Declaration
• Fireworks / Autographs (approx. 9:30 p.m.)

Prior to the Opening Ceremonies, athletes and guests are invited to enjoy SportFest from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in and around East High School. Attractions include the athlete meal, compliments of Arby’s of Lincoln, Pepsi Cola of Lincoln and Hiland Dairy, Exhibitor Booths and other attractions will be on hand. At 7:15 p.m., SportFest closes and athletes move to the parade-staging area in the park between East High School and Seacrest Stadium.

The Opening Ceremonies begins with the traditional parade of athletes, sponsored by BNSF Railways. Here, the stars of the show, Cornhusker State Games athletes, get rock-star treatment, entering the stadium under a fogging archway, waving commemorative parade flags in front of the grandstands to cheers and applause before taking their seats in the east stadium.  The parade is traditionally led by a prominent sports figure crowned as the Parade Marshal.

Next the skydiving exhibition takes place, sponsored by Crete Carrier. Skydivers from the Lincoln Sport Parachute Club then make their entrance from above, followed by the presentation of colors by the Nebraska National Guard. The Star Spangled Banner will be performed by the winner of the state-wide National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Amigos/Kings Classic.

Athletes will then recite the Oath of Athletes.

Several lovable local mascots will be on hand for the annual CSG Mascot dash joining perennial Champion Sporty (Nebraska Sports Council).

The shining moment of every CSG Opening Ceremonies is the caldron-lighting by a mystery athlete, which is followed by the opening declaration from the CSG Honorary Chairman.

The Ceremonies conclude with a rousing fireworks display.

Registered Cornhusker State Games Athletes—FREE via their Athlete Pass, which is included in the athlete packet or team box.

A Spectator Pass for non-participants, which costs $15 and includes free admission to all CSG sport venues, can be purchased on site.

Admission to Opening Ceremonies alone is $10 for adults, $5 for students (6-18 years), free for kids 5 and under, and can be paid on site at entrance gates.

Non-athletes can also enjoy the SportFest athlete meal for $5 payable at the SportFest entrance.

Volunteer opportunities will be available soon!

As plans come together, you will be contacted by one of our management team members with assignment details. Please be patient, as the volunteer assignment process is very time-consuming. With nearly 2,000 volunteers, our team of volunteer managers will be extremely busy over the next several months.

If you have any questions, please contact the Cornhusker State Games office at info@nebraskasportscouncil.com.