Neil Smith?s Homecoming Highlights Husker Nation Pavilion Events

Lincoln ? How would you like to sample an entree prepared by a six-time NFL Pro Bowler and his mom?

That is just one of the features in store for fans who come to the Husker Nation Pavilion before Saturday's homecoming game against Texas A&M. Former Husker All-American Neil Smith and his mother, Lutisha, will be cooking a dish of smoked sausage and red beans. Lutisha has been serving the recipe over the years at events, including NFL Super Bowl parties, and many former teammates and NFL stars have enjoyed this long-time family recipe from Louisiana.

Fans who purchase the book "In the Kitchen with Lutisha: Cooking with a Mother's Love" on Saturday at the Husker Nation Pavilion can get their copy autographed by former Husker All-American Neil Smith.

Their book, "In the Kitchen with Lutisha: Cooking with a Mother's Love" will be available for purchase at the Husker Nation Pavilion, and five dollars of the $24.95 sale price will be donated to the Husker Athletic Scholarship Fund. Fans that purchase their copies on Saturday can also get their book personally autographed by Neil Smith.

While fans can get a sample of the tasty appetizer from Smith and his mother, more adventurous types can fly high above Memorial Stadium, as RE/MAX will be giving free teathered hot-air balloon rides (weather permitting) in the Pavilion area from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Take your camera to catch a different view on a Husker game day.

In addition to the various games and activities around the Pavilion throughout the morning, including Pinnacle's pregame show with Jim Rose and Adrian Fiala, men's basketball season tickets will be for sale, as fans will be able to catch all 19 games (17 regular-season contests and two exhibitions) for the special price of $99. Fans who buy tickets at the Pavilion this weekend will be eligible to win a pair of tickets for the Nov. 15 football game against Kansas State.

The Husker Nation Pavilion opens three hours before every home game, includes musical groups, interactive exhibits and venders from around the area. This Saturday, members of the Husker soccer and wrestling teams will be signing autographs, while fans that don't have tickets to Saturday's game can watch all the festivities on the big screen television located adjacent to Memorial Stadium.

For more information on the Husker Nation Pavilion, including area features and corporate tent information, go to Huskers.com.