KEARNEY, NE — Changes are coming to the Nebraska Athletic Department and two of its premier venues.

The Nebraska Board of Regents held its monthly meeting in Kearney on Friday morning and expressed unanimous support for three new items.

Starting immediately, the Huskers will transition their multimedia rights to Playfly Sports in a 15-year, $300 million contract. University President Ted Carter likes the deal for more than just financial reasons.

“This playing field is changing dramatically," Carter said. "Fans want more and this will be able to respond to that.”

Nebraska took its media rights in-house in June 2021 after its contract with IMG expired. The Playfly contract includes $2.25 million for a name, image and likeness fund - something the university couldn’t legally do.

It was a different provision that earned Regent Jim Pillen’s vote.

“15 years is a long time - technological advancements - this contract having a seven-year look-in is really important," Pillen said. "I’m able to vote for it because of that.”

The Regents approved a change in the process for considering Memorial Stadium renovations. The university can now hire a program manager, design team, and construction team before the approval of a program statement.

“I think it makes great sense on a project of this size and complexity, for us to get a lot of input and a lot of voices that can easily be heard,” Regent Bob Phares said.

Alcohol sales are likely coming to Pinnacle Bank Arena for Nebraska men’s and women’s basketball games. The Regents approved a two-year pilot program. Carter is confident the change won’t increase binge drinking.

“We actually think this will reduce that by (selling alcohol) responsibly," Carter said. "Pinnacle Bank Arena is already set up to do it. They have the responsibility for managing that.”

90 percent of revenue from alcohol sales will go to the city. 10 percent will go to the university. 

“It’s a good move whenever we can treat adults as adults," Regent Rob Schafer said. "If somebody wants to go to a ballgame and have a beer, let’s give that a shot and see what happens.”

There are no discussions yet about adding alcohol sales at other venues. The policy change still needs approval from the Lincoln City Council.