UF sophomore Leah Barr sat in the Rowdy Reptiles section of the O'Connell Center, waiting, leaning forward, tan cowboy boots angled in.
"I actually went to this concert two weeks ago in Tampa," Barr said. "He's an amazing (songwriter)."
About 6,000 people, many donning blue jeans and cowboy hats or boots, flocked to the O'Connell Center on Thursday night to see Brad Paisley in concert with opening acts Chuck Wicks and Jewel.
Singer-songwriter Jewel was second to hit the stage, and after about six guitar changes, she shared her special yodeling talent before saying goodnight.
Between acts, the audience sat around listening to country hits, but when the lights dimmed for the third time, the crowd turned up the volume.
A guitar solo sounded as a spotlight hit the white Stetson of someone standing on the upstage platform, which the crowd took to be Paisley.
But then the lights came up and there he was on a catwalk extending into the middle of the floor crowd, wearing a black shirt, jeans, boots, a cream-colored cowboy hat and a huge smile.
The audience's energy was almost palpable as he strapped on a blue electric guitar. Audience members stomped their feet and clapped with the music; some did the Gator chomp.
"I am so pleased to be at Florida," Paisley said during an interlude while playing a guitar. "The place where Heisman Trophy winners are born."
Later, Gators quarterback Tim Tebow joined Paisley onstage to help sing "I'm Still a Guy."
Paisley's songs pumped out feel-good energy and lyrics about American life, but during a slower hit, the mood calmed.
Guys stuck their fists in their jean pockets, girls rocked back and forth, and couples swayed together from their seats in the audience.
"This is the Paisley Party," Paisley said. "This being an election year, the only party that matters is the Paisley Party."
Alligator Writer Rachael Pino contributed to this report.
