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Celebrities headed to Lincoln for USC game

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By CINDY LANGE-KUBICK / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Sep 14, 2007 - 12:39:33 am CDT

Will Ferrell is a yes.

So is Keanu Reeves.

Henry Winkler is a no.

Story Photo
Will Ferrell visits NBC News' TODAY to talk about his "Blades of Glory." (NBC file)

Snoop Dogg? Not fo’ shizzle.

On the eve of a Very Big Football Game, rumors of a Hollywood invasion abounded in this sleepy Midwestern burg.

Lucas Thomas heard them in the halls at East High.

Will Ferrell is coming to town to watch the game in Larry the Cable Guy’s skybox and there’s going to be a bunch of other celebrities there ...

The high school senior figured his friends heard the rumors from their parents who heard them from their neighbors who heard them from their co-workers who read them on the Internet on some site devoted to everythingimaginableabouthuskerfootball.

And so, after days of intense speculation, confirmation: Will Ferrell will be at Memorial Stadium.

The curly-headed actor plans to be on the sideline Saturday with the Trojans when they take on the Cornhuskers, USC Sports Information Director Tim Tessalone said Thursday.

And will he do his “Saturday Night Live” cheerleading routine?

Doubtful.

“He’s indicated he’s going to start at quarterback.”

Ahh, those California types. Always a comedian in the crowd.

USC home games are celebrity magnets, Tessalone said, with folks like George Lucas, Winkler, Nick Lachey, Snoop, Ferrell and others making regular appearances.

On the list to head to Huskerland this weekend: Ferrell, Reeves and San Francisco 49er Ronnie Lott.

“Cagney and Lacey” fans might catch a glimpse of Sharon Gless (Cagney) and her husband, the show’s producer, USC alum Barney Rosenzweig.

Although Tessalone couldn’t confirm it, the Snoop-is-going-to-show rumor lives on the UNL campus, junior Tara Farrester said.

Farrester also heard Luke Wilson of “Legally Blonde” and “Old School” fame might show up.

“I’m going to bring my camera and be prepared,” the business marketing major said.

Her goal: Get Ferrell and Larry the Cable Guy in the same shot.

Over at the Valentino’s To Go on 70th Street, Wade Hilligoss pondered the possibility of watching the USC game and seeing the funny guy from “Talladega Nights” on the sideline at the same time.

Not that he has tickets.

But for a game as big as this one — the No. 1 Trojans vs. the tradition-steeped No. 14 Huskers — he’d pay, oh, $75, the East High senior said.

Throw in Ferrell?

He’s in for $100.

If he does his ultimate cheer, all the better.

Reach Cindy Lange-Kubick at 473-7218 or clangekubick@journalstar.com.


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marvman wrote on September 14, 2007 2:27 am:
" Thats cool but they didnt mention my friend brad from frisco and mary from KC look out lincoln "

pck wrote on September 14, 2007 4:58 am:
" snoop dog.......who cares "

Momma B wrote on September 14, 2007 5:58 am:
" This is going to be the best Lincoln weekend ever! Lets show what the Husker Red carpet really is about. Go Huskers! "

Tim wrote on September 14, 2007 6:05 am:
" I don't get it ...who is Will Farrell ? Has he ever scored a touchdown ? Is he the one who played for Iowa State back in the 70s ? Does he have any quaterback sacks ? Huh !?! "

Chris wrote on September 14, 2007 7:12 am:
" How about a special article on the 81,000 REAL fans that are going to show up? Now that's something! GO BIG RED! "

m wrote on September 14, 2007 7:23 am:
" can't even work up a yawn "

D wrote on September 14, 2007 7:42 am:
" Isn't California just great? I've been ther twice and I am not going back. I'd rather watch corn grow. Did you know 30 million people live on the west side of the big earthquake fault? That's alot of people sliding ito the ocean all at one time. I'm not sure there are enough surf boards. "

... wrote on September 14, 2007 7:58 am:
" All the wannabe gangsters is this town would care if snoop dogg was here. This town is full of wankstas. "

Johnny wrote on September 14, 2007 8:09 am:
" Is OJ coming to town? "

OMG wrote on September 14, 2007 8:12 am:
" Brad and Mary??!!?! Sweet. I'll have my camera ready. "

I don't think....... wrote on September 14, 2007 8:18 am:
" anyone in Memorial stadium on Saturday is really going to give a USC pompom what yoyos are there from Hollywood. We really are hoping, however, that Sam, Marlon, and the rest of the boys show up. "

shann wrote on September 14, 2007 8:21 am:
" ahh..who ever is coming to NE to watch our Huskers and their beloved team....We should welcome them with a HUGE HUSKER welcome!! Cool weather, two great college football teams, and super fun fans! What else could you ask for?? Lincoln is gonna be rockin on Sat! "

Wow. wrote on September 14, 2007 8:32 am:
" Such shallow lives. Who cares. Live your own life and youdon't have to wallow in celebrity. "

Oooooh wrote on September 14, 2007 8:35 am:
" 2 or 3 celebrities vs. 85,000 red-clad Husker fans. Place your bets! "

Mike wrote on September 14, 2007 8:57 am:
" Come on Nebraskans...lets not get caught in this star-struck hollywood garbage. I'm going to ignore these inflated ego-maniacs and hope most of us do as well. Meanwhile, watch out for those on the ground who have tripped over their own tongues. "

will ferril wrote on September 14, 2007 9:14 am:
" I heard Jason Lemon is going to be at the game!!!! "

MW wrote on September 14, 2007 9:26 am:
" Who cares, who are these few? Bragin Lincoln would make it seem like all of Hollywood will be here!!! All for the big dollar! "

Tim Foley wrote on September 14, 2007 9:30 am:
" WHO CARES!!!!!!! The celebrity "worship" in this country is disgusting. There is a war going on and the Journal Star is concerned about what celebrity might show up? People.....get a life. "

billy wrote on September 14, 2007 9:32 am:
" And what? They will be on their private jets as soon as the game gets over. Wow celebritys in Lincoln. Make sure everyone wears their stupid corn cob hats then they can all go back and say hicks hicks hicks. "

terry t wrote on September 14, 2007 9:40 am:
" if usc loses, it would be great if someone would turn to will ferrel and say" Ricky, if you aint first, you're last!!" "

Who Cares wrote on September 14, 2007 9:46 am:
" Who really cares. It is simply amazing to me how our society fawns over "celebrities." It shows the level of our intelligence as a society anymore when such a big deal is made out of things like "Idol" and someone attending a football game. Half of the "celebrities" are losers that would be on the nearest street corner if they weren't doing what they are doing. Get a life and quit idolizing these people. "

skergal wrote on September 14, 2007 9:51 am:
" Where would these people be if SC was having a losing season? At least Sker fans are there in good times and in bad. "

lighten up people... wrote on September 14, 2007 9:59 am:
" some of you people take life so seriously. let us have some fun by getting excited over the possiblility of some BIG names coming to lincoln for the game. you only live once. life is too short. "

Gimme A Break wrote on September 14, 2007 10:15 am:
" To the people who are so discusted at those who idolize "celebs", obviously all who commented on this story read the article, so aren't you all at least a little curious of who will show? So "ha" I say to y'all, give it a rest with the comments about our "intellegence level", maybe some people just appreciate what these people have done in the showbiz industry and want to see them in person once in their lives. "Who's that Nebraskan, acting to smart.....It's you, it's you."Ha "

hollywood wrote on September 14, 2007 10:24 am:
" The great thing about nebraskans is that most of us dont care if you are some hollywood 'star' or the guy who changes your oil. "

Abby wrote on September 14, 2007 10:32 am:
" That is so awesome that Will is coming to Lincoln. YAY! people do care about litte old nebraaka!! "

Not a fan wrote on September 14, 2007 10:37 am:
" Hey "D", ya think maybe Californian's feel the same way about Nebraska? Nebraska would have to shut down if it wasn't for Big Red Football. They don't have any other excitement in their life except football and watching corn grow. "

JCB wrote on September 14, 2007 10:38 am:
" Where's USC greatest football player, O.J. Simpson? If the famouse murderer showed up that would be real news. "

Big Fan wrote on September 14, 2007 10:44 am:
" I just checked the fan web site and Tracy Turman will not be able to make it. He has a prior engagement. I was looking forward to trying to get a picture of him with all of the other celebrities. "

No crap wrote on September 14, 2007 11:01 am:
" All of you people saying who cares, your all hypocrites!! You obviously read the article. Some peoples lives must just really suck to be so negative. I don't give a crap about celebrity life, but think it is cool the Will Ferrel will be at the game. Can't wait to see his face when we win! "

k. wrote on September 14, 2007 11:05 am:
" Some of us care, some of us don't. What is the need to bash on celebrities and the people who are excited for them to be in town? Just because its not "your thing"...or maybe because your lives are so boring that you really would rather "watch the corn grow". I'm pumped that we're going to have some big names at the game! It only adds to the publicity of this epic game. LETS GO HUSKERS!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Just announced wrote on September 14, 2007 11:14 am:
" Rush Limbaugh is coming to the game as well. He just announced it on his show. "

Not a football fan, but... wrote on September 14, 2007 11:20 am:
" I'm from Los Angeles, and let me tell you, there's a reason I chose to live here instead. So let me just say two things: (1) May the Huskers win. (2) May the fans and Lincolnites give the visitors the friendly welcome that out-of-staters are accustomed to. You Nebraskans are fantastic; don't change your attitude for a couple of Hollywood yahoos who think they're visiting the sticks. "

SAHusker wrote on September 14, 2007 11:21 am:
" I just heard Rush Limbaugh say on his showt hat He'll be there too. He actually said some very nice things about Nebraska. "

NUfan wrote on September 14, 2007 11:34 am:
" Britney's doing the halftime show, for real "

GMP wrote on September 14, 2007 11:41 am:
" I'm more impressed with the 80,000+ fans who come from all over NE to watch the game, not to mention the rest of us (over 80,000 probably) who will watch on T.V. Our team are the real celebrities on game day!! "

Hendu wrote on September 14, 2007 11:46 am:
" "Hey, if Jason Lemon is there this thing will be bigger than Farm Aid in the 80's, I will be watching for you Jason!!!" "

HMMMMM wrote on September 14, 2007 11:49 am:
" Well, we all know that OJ will not be there after the latest in Las Vegas. Who cares about the celebrities coming to Lincoln. The HUSKER fans are the celebrities here. "

Herb wrote on September 14, 2007 11:53 am:
" From reading these comments it seems clear Lincoln is a culture of low self esteem. We all know California is where real life takes place so it makes us feel good to put it down. We all know our "intelligence level" here is below sea level so we do have something in common with California. "

kernel mcguckin wrote on September 14, 2007 12:24 pm:
" I am confused as to why it is a big deal that the cable repair guy ("Larry") is going to the game. I am a plumber who is going to the game and I don't see any headlines that say "KERNEL the PLUMBER goes to husker football game!" Go HUSKERS!!!! "

yoshiki wrote on September 14, 2007 12:26 pm:
" Love it when people make enough time to complain about nothing..... "

Oh my... wrote on September 14, 2007 12:32 pm:
" People are so rude! You don't have to care or be excited that they're coming, but you also don't have to be nasty & call names. People are very judgemental anymore... "

Josh wrote on September 14, 2007 12:47 pm:
" Geez people, lighten up. It's cool that celebrities are coming to town- we don't normally get those types here in our little city. And someone commented on "our" society being too obsessed with celebrities.... well guess what, it's not just us- it's all societies- go to Europe, go to any of the Asian countries, go anywhere- and you'll find they're just like us, they are obsessed with their celebrities. It's human nature, so calm down!!! "

J-Rod wrote on September 14, 2007 1:04 pm:
" I heard Jesus was going to make a special appearance and sit with Snoop Dogg. "

the OTHER d wrote on September 14, 2007 1:05 pm:
" all of you saying "who cares" and all that, OBVIOUSLY you care enough to read the article. Come on, there are special placements for articles such as these. If you are concerned about the "war" and "society" then look further in the war and society sections. Sure it's not a big deal celebrities will be here, but it's a fun article and someone is just doing their job! Thank you. :) "

wyohusker wrote on September 14, 2007 1:38 pm:
" Hey JCB......OJ Simpleton won't show cuz he's in Vegas trying to get out of stealing Sports Memorabilia. "

Mike wrote on September 14, 2007 1:44 pm:
" i like outsiders like 'not a fan' thinkig all we have to do is watch big red and farm. Don't let the secret out but we have it pretty good here...when i want to lay on a beach i hop a plane to calif or mexico. I come home to relatitevly little crime, pollution and traffic. But don't tell anyone, they'll be jealous. "

redthat wrote on September 14, 2007 2:07 pm:
" It's my wife's birthday, can she & me go with Larry the C. G.to his skybox? "

Clueless wrote on September 14, 2007 2:15 pm:
" Ok who is Will Farrell and the cable guy? Can I just call Time warner and have the cable guy come watch the game w me..would that be cool? "

Bob wrote on September 14, 2007 2:16 pm:
" They might be so called celebrities but they are no brainers. They can act or whatever they do but that don't have a brain. I don't pay attention to them. "

Lona wrote on September 14, 2007 2:30 pm:
" Jason - get Will's autograph for me, would ya? "

Word?? wrote on September 14, 2007 2:45 pm:
" Really? Jesus is coming with Snoop D-O- double G? I knew they were close, but I didn't realize they were that tight! That's awesome.... I love Jesus!! "

Poor Sports wrote on September 14, 2007 3:02 pm:
" This little city just needs to open their minds and their arms and let everyone know how friendly Huskers are whether they be stars or just here to see the game. Enjoy the weekend and save the gripes for next week. Welcome to all the visitors and have a good time!! Not everyone in Nebraska is a party pooper just don't know how to enjoy life for what it is. "

Boring Life wrote on September 14, 2007 3:17 pm:
" When a person has a boring life, celebrities become interesting. "

Lil Red's Mama wrote on September 14, 2007 5:06 pm:
" It would be fun to watch Larry the Cable guy yelling for the Huskers while the others watch..Hahaha... Go Big Red! "

sue wrote on September 14, 2007 5:08 pm:
" It's really nice some of you can be so "welcoming" to our state... regardless if someone is famous or not... let's be fun people, not mean. "

Farm Aid III wrote on September 14, 2007 5:20 pm:
" ...well I heard that Bruce Springsteen was going to make a surprise appearance and sing the National Anthem. Then Mike Connors was going to do shoot the Der Weiner Slinger deep into the North Stadium up to Larry The Cable Guy's window! "

Face it. It's exciting. wrote on September 14, 2007 5:32 pm:
" The people who aren't excited are just mad because they don't have tickets. Ha ha "

Rich wrote on September 14, 2007 5:33 pm:
" The lack of humor in most of your posts is sad. Anyone remember when Corso predicted OU over NU during Crouch's year? Some Husker college students sent a request that he ride their mechanical bull if NU won. You know what that celebrity (lol) did? He showed up, took pictures, and fun was had by all. They are paid based on their "fans", so if people get excited and get to meet them, great. If you don't get to meet them, don't do the "They think they are better than us" crap. Ever seen 100 people trying to touch someone all at once, it becomes a mob? "

jenny wrote on September 14, 2007 5:52 pm:
" i really don't care if there are going to be celebs. i'm not going to the game to look at them. i'm going for the action! go huskers!! "

joe9wicket wrote on September 14, 2007 7:07 pm:
" I hope Harrison Ford comes for the game...then he can show the other celebs the sights ;-) "

evp wrote on September 14, 2007 7:15 pm:
" Sad Sad Sad - every year I get more depressed living in this football-crazed state where the University and Football pretty much control The World As We Know It here in NE. I will be enjoying time with my family tomorrow and we will NOT be watching or listening to the football game. So go ahead and flame me all you rabidly crazed Husker fans, let's see whose investment of time REALLY pays off in the long run...And hey, how about that Downtown crime rate?? "

Frank the Tank wrote on September 14, 2007 8:31 pm:
" I heard Jesus sold his tickets to Pedro. Anyways, we're going streaking in the quad afterwards. Snoopalop and the man with green hat are coming. Everybody's coming! "

Elvis wrote on September 14, 2007 8:38 pm:
" This is Elvis - people - people have some fun. Crack a smile - enjoy - thank you very much. "

J wrote on September 14, 2007 10:32 pm:
" Who cares. "

Jeorge wrote on September 14, 2007 10:51 pm:
" The posts that tell of Rush Limbaugh coming tells me a lot about why this is the reddest state in the country. Of course he says good things about Nebraska. With out this State no one would be listening to his made-up crap. "

bring em on wrote on September 14, 2007 11:18 pm:
" Forget the celebs, they really don't matter. It is nice Mr. Limbaugh is coming to town. He is a real sports fan. Spoke very well of Nebraska today. Just asking one thing of the celebs and their type from LA. Please leave a ton of money behind when you leave Lincoln. Your money is all we want from you anyway. Don't let the door slap your behind too hard on your way out of the city. "

hal wrote on September 14, 2007 11:42 pm:
" to "evp" Don't come off as being better than anybody else because you choose to "spend time with your family" or look down on Husker fans. Some of my best memories growing up involved my family and Husker football together. We never missed a game we were either at the game, watched it on tv and way back when listened to it on the radio. Funny nobody in my family grew up to be a cold blooded killer, just like 99.9% of all Husker fans. So if you just can't stand how all we live for is Husker football and you are so much better than us then don't let the door hit you in the rear on your way out of this "football crazed state". GO HUSKERS!!!! "

Amanda wrote on September 14, 2007 11:55 pm:
" Ok now it sucks that I have to work this weekend. Ok I so may have to go get someone's tv so at work we can have the game on!! "

stephen wrote on September 15, 2007 1:26 am:
" The only celebrities I would want to see would be Gill, Fryar, Rodgers, and Rozier. "

All I have to say wrote on September 15, 2007 2:24 am:
" is the real celebrities are the Husker players on the field. GO HUSKERS!!! I think it's great that these Hollywood stars are coming here, which is great for publicity and business. This is Dan's (aka Larry the Cable Guy) home state, and I think it's wonderful that he has brought some "friends" along. Let's show these guys how we "Git-R-Done" the Husker way!!! "

Husker Mania wrote on September 15, 2007 7:05 am:
" Its funny how all these comments are bashing the actors and pumping up football. People you really need to get out more. I work with alot of people that can only talk about football. Then when they watch it all they do is yell and scream about all the bad things. Then (heaven forbid ) we would lose, their night is ruined, they just wanna sit around and mope. And for the next 6 days all I hear about is if the huskers wouldve done this, or that....blah blah blah. Im a husker football watcher...I also think it would be cool to meet some celebs, if the huskers win or lose Im gona go out and have fun, if the celebs show up or not im gonna go out and have fun. If you have nothing better to do than just bad mouth ever single thing that isnt NEBRASKA FOOTBALL then stay home and Tivo some football.And leave the rest of the people that want to have fun alone. "

JADE wrote on September 15, 2007 8:23 am:
" I just heard that our great leader pResident, George W. will be at the game! I guess he knows that Nebraska is the only state left that is foolish enough to still like him? "

ugh, wrote on September 15, 2007 8:38 am:
" Stop giving Lincoln a bad name with this small town attitude. I figured people would go out of their way to say "who cares" Don't be so snotty, just welcome them and hope they have fun while they are in our town. I've been to California, it is a fun, fabulous place, stop being so judgmental. "

Bill Barnes wrote on September 15, 2007 9:31 am:
" Ha good one Johnny!OJ has more important things to do than watch football... like armed robbery. He probably will be in Lincoln as part of his never ending search for the real killer! There is no better game day saturday than in LIncoln . Wish I could be there Go Huskers! "

Mark the Alumni wrote on September 15, 2007 10:24 am:
" Yahoos....Who cares also. I hope USC beats them 99-10. "

CO wrote on September 15, 2007 12:38 pm:
" Jesus is bringing the Holy Ghost, they got stuck above the sky-boxes (tickets could not be found) Craig, or Rathman showin up with Ronnie Lott? "

Mahvalus Mike wrote on September 15, 2007 1:03 pm:
" Never mind the football team -- I want to see the USC Song Girls. They are always the hottest, sexiest coeds in all of cheerleading. I'd much rather snuggle up to one of those sweaters than care about whatever Hollywood celebs ride in on the Trojans' coattails. Mmmmmm....tasty! "

Ardith wrote on September 16, 2007 8:43 pm:
" Glad Limbaugh went to Nebraska...got his stink out of Florida for a change. "

brings in money wrote on September 19, 2007 12:10 am:
" Hey the celebs are bringing money into nebraska and Lincoln. That's a good thing. "