A Proud Sponsor of Husker Athletics 

Where Husker Pride Takes Flight and Community Thrives

by Rachel Barth and Samantha Montante

The Lincoln Airport (LNK) is the key hub for travel and logistics in the Midwest as the gateway to Nebraska’s capital city. Lincoln is home to the Huskers and the Lincoln Airport. LNK is the Official Airport of the Huskers, reinforcing its dedication to supporting local and ingraining itself into the community. Husker fans travel well, and LNK is dedicated to getting people where they need to go. This strategic partnership helps align LNK with one of the most recognized brands in all college sports. Beyond that, the University of Nebraska is only 5 minutes from the airport, making it a key component to access UNL for students, faculty, and fans alike. 

A Proud Partner of Husker Athletics

As the Official Airport of the Huskers, LNK plays a vital role in keeping Husker fans connected year-round. Whether it’s Husker football, our championship-caliber volleyball team or spring baseball training, LNK knows Husker fans travel rain or shine. This partnership is a strategic alignment of two strong Nebraska local brands. The partnership not only benefits the airport but also the University, allowing out-of-state students and their families to access the campus. The Lincoln Airport is proud to be one of the first airports to facilitate NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for student-athletes. NIL helps athletes engage with their fans and stay rooted in the community. By linking passengers to the Huskers, LNK attracts visitors from across the country, boosts the local economy, and enhances Lincoln’s reputation as a hub for sports and community spirit. 

Troy Dannen, University of Nebraska Athletic Director, captures the essence of the partnership, “In Nebraska Athletics, we see aviation as more than just a mode of transportation. The Lincoln Airport connects our athletes and coaches to fans and recruits worldwide while staying rooted in the heart of Nebraska. Our partnership with the Lincoln Airport is powerful. We both bring economic empowerment and Midwestern pride to our community and together we elevate Husker Nation to new heights.” 

Connecting Beyond the Runway 

Lincoln Airport’s role in the community extends far beyond travel. When an airport thrives so does its city. The Lincoln Airport is the city’s gateway to tourism, commerce, development, and the military, creating over $1 billion in economic impact. That momentum fuels Lincoln, making it even more prosperous, lively, and vibrant. Through community collaborations with the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA), the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lincoln, and local businesses, LNK fosters growth, promotes regional development, and connects people to new opportunities. 

The Lincoln Airport is not only dedicated to supporting local but hosting local. Through its free Outdoor Movie Series, along with other events and strategic partnerships, LNK keeps Lincoln and nearby areas engaged. For the past four years, LNK has been organizing these family-friendly movie nights, offering the community an opportunity to enjoy films under the stars while supporting local food trucks and allowing businesses and nonprofits to collaborate.

To promote careers in aviation and continue educating the public, LNK offers free tours for school/community groups, families, and aviation enthusiasts. The tours offer exclusive access to the FAA tower and behind-the-scenes views of the brand-new terminal, giving participants a comprehensive look at airport operations. Visitors engage with airport employees and tenants including CommuteAir, Duncan Aviation, Ignite Flight Academy, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), to spark passion in aviation. By working closely with airport tenants, LNK can introduce diverse opportunities and educational value in aviation to the Lincoln community. 

Partnerships That Build for the Future 

In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected to the community is more important than ever. As the Official Airport of Husker Athletics, and now the Good Life Halfsy, LNK has a unique opportunity to reach a wider audience, not just in Nebraska, but across the nation. This year, over 7,000 runners will participate in the Good Life Halfsy, one of Nebraska’s largest races. Through these partnerships, LNK not only helps keep Lincoln’s name thriving but also contributes to regional growth and enhances the city’s reputation. LNK embodies the spirit of community engagement, connectivity, and collaboration. As the strong partner of the Huskers and a vital part of Lincoln’s growth, LNK does more than provide travel services. By supporting local businesses, non-profits, and iconic events like the Good Life Halfsy, LNK’s commitment to the community is evident. The Lincoln Airport is dedicated to building lasting connections that empower the people of Lincoln, elevate Husker Nation, and create new opportunities for everyone we serve. Together, we’re not just building an airport — we’re building a community.