Strangest Nebraska football revenue stream yet likely dead on arrival
Over the last year, there’s been a lot of talk about the home of Nebraska football. Whether it was the potential of selling booze there, or expanding Memorial Stadium, or even putting any expansion project on hold, the place has been the subject of many a headline.
It’s safe to assume that before this week, the subject of storing the remains of Husker fans was not discussed. However, it’s hard to argue it wouldn’t be a heck of a revenue stream. Even if it’s almost certainly not going to happen.
Strangest Nebraska football revenue stream idea already dead
Omaha Regent Barb Weitz listed allowing the Husker faithful to make their permanent address inside Memorial Stadium as one potential revenue driver during discussion of the NU system's budget on Thursday.
"I, as a regent, am committed to finding new sources of revenue," she said. "I already told everybody about my idea of a columbarium under Memorial (Stadium)."
While most people in the meeting dismissed the suggestion as a joke, Weist made it clear she did bring up the concept to former Nebraska president Ted Carter when the plans for a $450 million renovation of the stadium were first floating around.
For those not understanding the idea of a columbarium, Weitz was suggesting that the university allow people to store their ashes when they passed on, at Memorial Stadium.
Wetiz said her plan would have different niches for burial urns throughout the stadium, with varying prices. A spot near the 50-yard line or under the end zone would net a higher price than other areas of the stadium, for example, while a niche with a forever view of the Tunnel Walk could also go for a premium.
It's unlikely, in fact, almost impossible, that the university moves forward on the idea from Weitz. And while it’s not going to happen, the Regent might be on to something, Nebraska football fans would almost certainly would have lined up to take advantage if it ever went into effect.