Lincoln was abuzz Saturday night as football fans drove, walked and cycled to Memorial Stadium.

Some were first-timers who had never witnessed this great sea of red called Husker Nation. Many were old friends who stepped with pep as they walked a familiar path.

But this wasn't just another game for any of them. They were making history as they tailgated, chowed down on hot dogs and cheered at NU's 300th consecutive sellout game.

Lincolnite Mike McDannel planned a special outfit for this day. The 49-year-old wore a red velvet blazer and matching fedora, a red tie with the word “Nebraska” embroidered in white and socks with tiny N's covering them. His retro digs once were worn by his father, Donald, who passed away in 2001.

Dad and Mom Caroline introduced Mike to the passion behind Husker fans years ago. The then-Grand Island family bought season tickets with their vacation money.

Mike's first NU game was in 1968. He might have the ticket to prove it, he said as he took off his fedora and flipped it upside down. Seven ticket stubs were tucked inside the cap's sweatband. Some dated to 1971, when the admission price was $6.

Mike and his mom grabbed spots at the nearby coffeehouse patio to watch fans file in, another tradition they've kept for years.

Some fans were dressed in vintage wear — including skinny neckties; red-and-white-striped overalls; and even one red-and-white go-go dress — but mostly they wore Husker shirts.

“It's really a sight to see,” said Caroline, who has been attending games since the 1950s.

Just then, a man in a red dress and red cowboy hat walked by. Earlier, two women dressed as Elvis (think sideburns, oversize gold glasses and red capes) danced along 10th Street.

“When you sit in the stadium tonight,” Caroline said, “there are no words to describe it.”

“The energy, the passion,” added Mike, “you're not going to find that anywhere else.”