The 16-car special train calls attention to the historical connection between the railroad and University with Nebraska communities     

On Board the Big Red Express in Nebraska, June 28, 2014 – Crowds line the route or have been present at whistle stops in Columbus, Grand Island and Kearney today as Union Pacific Railroad’s Big Red Express travels across Nebraska from Omaha to North Platte celebrating railroad history and heritage along with the historical connection the University of Nebraska has with Nebraska communities.  

“Union Pacific is more than 150 years old and the first tracks were laid here in Nebraska   signaling the beginning of Abraham Lincoln’s dream of a Transcontinental railroad. Nebraska is home to our headquarters and nearly 8,000 employees. The Big Red Express special train celebrates not only Union Pacific’s heritage with the communities along our main line from Omaha to North Platte, but also the historical connection the University of Nebraska has with these communities,” said Lance Fritz, president and chief operating officer of Union Pacific Railroad.

“No other railroad in this country has retained their historical passenger equipment like Union Pacific. Each rail car is unique and chronicles a different chapter of Union Pacific’s past. The preservation of our fleet speaks to the high value Union Pacific places on its heritage and its role in America’s history,” said Diane Duren.  

“Two of the most recognizable national brands from the state of Nebraska are the Huskers and Union Pacific. Today is a great day for those two brands to come together and celebrate the support that our great university and a great company have received from Nebraska communities for more than a century,” said Jim Rose, director - Major Gifts, Huskers Athletic Fund.

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Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2004-2013, Union Pacific invested approximately $30 billion in its network and operations to support America’s transportation infrastructure.  The railroad’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific  serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.  

University of Nebraska has built a national reputation as a leading research institution supporting an Athletics program that provides elite educational and athletic opportunities to more than 600 student-athletes. A member of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious athletic conference -- The Big Ten, the Nebraska Cornhuskers (Huskers) compete at the highest level in Division I across 24 varsity sports.