Opening
Ceremonies

SportFest 4:30 – 7 p.m. Lincoln East High School

The SportFest Athlete Meal, including Arby’s sandwich, chips, Pepsi soft drinks/water and Hiland Dairy ice cream treats will be served from 4:30 – 7 p.m. in the East High Auditorium. The Vendor Fair also takes place from 4:30 – 7 p.m. in the East High Main Gym along with athlete/celebrity meet-and-greets. A Nebraska Army National Guard Helicopter will be on display in the park just southeast of the main entrance; Guard personnel will be on hand to share information on the helicopter and general information on serving in the National Guard. Parade of Athletes staging takes place from 7-8 p.m. in the park between East High and Seacrest Field.

Opening Ceremonies 8 – 9:30 p.m. Seacrest Field

Seacrest Field gates open at 6 p.m. and early-arriving guests can enjoy a Nebraska Sports Council video program and a mini-concert by the Lincoln Continentals barbershop choir. Opening Ceremonies begin at 8 p.m. as follows:

• Welcome Remarks (PA: JP Kyhn, Field: Kevin Sjuts, Governor Pete Ricketts)
• Parade of Athletes (Parade Marshal: Kathi Wieskamp)
• Presentation of Colors / Giant Flag (Nebraska National Guard)
• National Anthem (Lincoln Continentals)
• Axe Throwing Explanation (Jesse Rood)
• Special Introductions (NSC Officers, Honorary Chairman, Mayor, Nebraska Adjutant General Daryl Bohac, LPS Superintendent/Board Member, U.S. • Congressional Reps, Miss Nebraska (USA, America and Rodeo)
• Axe Throwing Attempt (Jesse Rood)
• Oath of Athletes (Olivia Ferrell, Karlee Seevers, Abbie Squier)
• Skydivers (Lincoln Sport Parachute Club)
• Axe Throwing Attempt (Jesse Rood)
• Freestyle MotoX Exhibition (Scott Murray, Logan Allan, Scotty Miller)
• Torch Lighting (Mystery Torchlighter)
• Opening Declaration (Honorary Chairman: Dr. Dan Rosenquist)
• Fireworks

Admission for SportFest & Opening Ceremonies is free for registered athletes with the CSG SuperPass. Spectator admission: $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 6-17 and free for kids 5 and Under.

IMPORTANT NOTE – Packet Pickup for registered athletes will be available in the Lincoln East High School Main Gym Friday, July 15 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Athlete packets include: CSG Super Pass, good for admission to SportFest, Opening Ceremonies and all CSG sport venues where admission is charged and CSG athlete shirt for those registered on or before June 1.

The Opening Ceremonies, which will be televised and streamed by News Channel Nebraska, officially kick-off competition in more than 70 sports in the 38th annual Cornhusker State Games.  Most events will be held July 15-24th and officials expect more than 10,000 participants.  Those interested can find information and register at CornhuskerStateGames.com.

The Ceremonies PA announcer is JP Kyhn, PA voice of Husker basketball and host of Lincoln radio station KZKX’s morning show.  A 1011 sports anchor Kevin Sjuts will serve as the field emcee.

Admission for SportFest & Opening Ceremonies is free for registered athletes with the CSG SuperPass. Spectator admission: $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 6-17 and free for kids 5 and Under.

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Volunteer opportunities will be available soon!

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