Game 4: Saturday, September 20, 2025 | Michigan at Nebraska | Memorial Stadium, Lincoln | 12:00 PM
Michigan heads to Lincoln for its first Big Ten road test of the season. While the Wolverines and Cornhuskers battle on the field, Ann Arbor and Lincoln share common strengths in education, research, and community growth that fuel economic vitality across both regions.
Did You Know?
Ann Arbor & Lincoln Connections
- Historic Stadiums: Michigan Stadium is the largest in the U.S. with a capacity of nearly 108,000, while Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium is known for their “Sea of Red,” selling out every home game since November 1962 (over 400 games!).
- College Town Vibes: Both Ann Arbor and Lincoln consistently appear on “best college towns” lists for their mix of culture, sports, and university-driven energy.
- Foodie Favorites: Lincoln is known for its Runza sandwiches, bread stuffed with beef, cabbage, and onions. Ann Arbor fans might grab Zingerman’s Reubens or Frita Batidos’ Cuban burgers before a game.
Shared Innovation Focus: Ann Arbor is a hub for mobility and life sciences, while Lincoln is home to the Nebraska Innovation Campus, which supports startups in agriculture, food, and biotech.
How Our Communities Compare
Ann Arbor and Lincoln are both thriving midwestern hubs where universities anchor the local economy. Ann Arbor’s population is 122,914, with a median household income of $80,603 and 76.8% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Lincoln, with a population of 291,082, reports a median household income of $68,050 and 42.5% of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The cost of living is similar across both regions, with Ann Arbor at 99.6 and Lincoln slightly lower at 95.2. Unemployment rates are also close, with 5.3% in Washtenaw County compared to 2.9% in Lancaster County.
Comparing the Universities
The University of Michigan and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are both members of the Big Ten Conference, but they differ in size and national rankings. Michigan enrolls 52,065 students and awarded 16,132 degrees in 2022–23, while Nebraska enrolls 23,986 students and awarded 5,841 degrees.
U-M ranked #3 among Top Public Schools, with $1.93 billion in research expenditures placing it fourth in the nation. Nebraska ranked #81 among public schools, with $617 million in research spending placing it among the top 60 universities
Beyond the Field
Ann Arbor and Lincoln are more than just football towns. Both cities balance a small-town feel with the amenities of a larger metro area, thanks to their university communities. Arts, music, and festivals are part of the year-round culture, and both regions are known for being welcoming destinations for students, alumni, and visitors.
Lincoln’s revitalized downtown and Haymarket District are filled with restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues that mirror the lively character of downtown Ann Arbor. Both cities have invested in creating walkable, bike-friendly environments that appeal to young professionals and families alike.
Whether it is tailgating in Lincoln or enjoying a fall Saturday in Ann Arbor, the sense of community pride is unmistakable in both places.
In Case You Missed It
Catch up on our previous posts from this season:
Game 1: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. New Mexico
Game 2: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Oklahoma
Game 3: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Central Michigan
Want to learn more? Ann Arbor SPARK’s business development team can connect you with data, resources, and insights to support your business growth in our region.
