LISA MUNGER / For the Lincoln Journal Star

When George Gifford walked into Memorial Stadium for the first time on Saturday night, it wasn't exactly like he thought it would be.

He was there for a comedy show, not a football game featuring his beloved Huskers.

Gifford and more than 50,000 others bottlenecked their way through a few open gates and made their way into the stadium to see Larry the Cable Guy, one of their own, make them laugh.

"I wouldn't be sitting out here in the rain for just anyone," said Gifford, of Silver Creek, as a light drizzle fell. "It matters a lot to me that he's from Nebraska. He's not big-city. And he knows how to make fun of himself."

In fact, with his trademark cut-off flannel shirt and camouflage hat, Larry could've blended right in with the crowd on hand for his performance: It was Nebraska casual, anything goes.

A few fans dressed just like the comedian, though they wouldn't say whether it was schtick for the event or their regular wear.

Chad Klein borrowed his friend's cut-off flannel shirt to dress like Larry for the evening.

"It makes it more festive," he said.

Klein said it didn't matter so much to him that Larry was from Nebraska, just that his comedy act addressed things like working and raising a family that everyone could identify with.

"He's an everyday person," Klein said. "That's what matters."

The crowd seemed less rowdy than one might expect for, say, a Lynard Skynard concert, but some racy jokes made for a less than family-friendly atmosphere.

Before the show, Carly Walker said she hoped her 5-year-old would breeze over the less appropriate content.

But she commended Larry for bringing his show to Nebraska.

"He has funny, classic humor," said Walker, of Snyder. "It's good to have him back home."

Reach Lisa Munger at lisagmunger@gmail.com.