Melichar celebrates 66 decades before closing the location

LINCOLN, Neb. (COLOGNE) -For more than five decades, Melichar’s 66 Gas Station has been an integral part of many Husker fans’ game day experience. Now, as the family-owned business prepares to move to a new location, Saturday celebrated its last outing for the Spring Game.

Five hours before the Spring Game, people gathered at 66 Melichar.

“It’s a good day, a good day,” said Bruce Melichar, co-owner of Melichar’s 66.

A gateway to Lincoln and Haymarket, the family business has become a staple in the community and a destination on Husker game day.

For decades, Lincoln looked to Melichar for score predictions and special messages, but now that era is over as the Lincoln Bold Tower begins to take its place in the coming years.

“It’s obviously very sad and it’s going to be a difficult transition,” said Jeff Melichar, co-director. “But we kind of wanted to go with a party and have a good time.”

Dozens of families came to rest and have fun. Jeff and Bruce said their record is 62 cars on the lot. Wayne and Chris Schulz are part of one of those families and have been parking in the car since 1969.

“Our family just grew up here,” Chris said. “Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are all showing up today.”

Hundreds turned out to drink, eat and remember as a tradition that has touched thousands of lives comes to an end.

“It’s going to be different and they’re going to park somewhere else, but right now we’re going to their parties and we’re going to drink in their seats,” Bruce said. “So we’re not going to miss this thing entirely.”

Melichar’s 66-year-old’s last day is May 16, and they are mostly moved the weekend before. Demolition begins next week.

Copyright 2023 KOLN. All rights reserved.