Buckle up, basketball fans—Nebraska's women's hoops squad is charging into an electrifying matchup against Illinois, and the goal? To absolutely cram Pinnacle Bank Arena with roaring supporters!
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this rivalry just a heated tradition, or does it sometimes overshadow the pure joy of the game? Let's dive deeper into what makes this clash so captivating.
Written by Brooke Peterson on Friday, October 10th, 2025, at 5:47 PM.
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LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska women's basketball team is ramping up for a high-stakes battle with Illinois this Saturday, January 24, right at Pinnacle Bank Arena. With the tip-off scheduled for 1 p.m., the event is expected to buzz with excitement as the Huskers push to "Pack PBA"—a fun initiative to fill the venue with enthusiastic fans. Both Nebraska and Illinois earned spots in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, and their past encounters have been fiercely competitive. Last season, the teams split their games, with Nebraska overcoming the Illini in the conference tournament by a score of 74-70 on March 6, after dropping a 77-68 decision in Champaign on February 16.
For those new to college basketball, "Pack PBA" simply means rallying supporters to create an overwhelming home crowd advantage, which can energize players and intimidate opponents—think of it as turning the arena into a fortress of noise and spirit. Nebraska's women's program has a stellar track record in this department, consistently ranking among the nation's top 25 teams for home attendance over the past 15 years. To put that in perspective, imagine drawing thousands of passionate fans for every game; last season, they welcomed nearly 10,000 for a showdown against No. 12 Ohio State and shattered a school record with 15,042 attendees for a win over No. 2 Iowa on February 11, 2024. These numbers highlight how community support can transform a game into an unforgettable event, boosting morale and potentially swaying the outcome.
And this is the part most people miss: While some argue that such massive crowds prove the team's star power, others wonder if ticket prices or accessibility might be limiting broader fan engagement. Is it fair that only the most dedicated or affluent supporters get to experience this electric atmosphere?
If you're itching to cheer on the Huskers, you can snag season tickets or Starting 5 Mini-Plan options through the Nebraska Athletic Ticket Office at Huskers.com. Single-game tickets go on sale starting Tuesday, October 14.
What are your thoughts on the Nebraska-Illinois rivalry? Do you believe home court advantage is overrated, or is it a game-changer? And should more be done to make games affordable for everyone? Drop your opinions in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take!
