LINCOLN, Neb. — Sidney fans traveling to Lincoln for Tuesday’s Class C1 state football championship will have a central gathering spot - and students will get extra time to make the trip.

A Red Raider Rally Tailgate Party is set for Monday, Nov. 24, at 6 p.m. CT at The Tavern on the Square, 816 P Street in Lincoln’s Haymarket district with Hometown Liquor, 987 The Big Boy and Cheyenne County Country. 

The tailgate is free and open to all ages. Fans can enjoy drinks, a live broadcast, giveaways and live music from Jackson Wayne. The first 100 people through the door will receive a limited-edition Raider Rally Towel. Attendees wearing red, black and white will receive a free drink and pizza while supplies last, thanks to contributions from anonymous donors.

Superintendent Andrew Farber announced Sidney Public Schools will dismiss at noon on Monday, Nov. 24, and classes will be canceled Tuesday, Nov. 25, to allow families, students and staff to attend the championship at Memorial Stadium. Sidney plays Wahoo at 10:15 a.m. CT Tuesday.

“To allow our students, families, and staff the opportunity to attend and support the team, school will dismiss at noon on Monday … and there will be no school on Tuesday,” Farber said. He encouraged travelers to be safe and “cheer loud.”

The Tavern on the Square is owned by Sidney High School graduate Matt Taylor. Fellow graduate Josh Batt will also be on site with shirt designs from his company, Triple B Screen Printing.

The championship game will air on 987 The Big Boy and Cheyenne County Country.