BOONE, N.C. — ESPN's College GameDay is in Boone.
Appearing in the High Country for the first time, the popular college football pregame show will be on campus at Sanford Mall on Saturday morning, before App State's Sun Belt Conference opener against Troy.
"This is what we've been working for since we made the transition to FBS," App State Director of Athletics
Doug Gillin said. "This is a special opportunity to showcase our university, community and football program to a national audience."
Rece Davis leads the show in his eighth season as host. He is joined at the desk by GameDay analysts Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso and David Pollack and reporters Jen Lada, Gene Wojciechowski and newcomer Jess Sims. Senior research producer Chris 'The Bear' Fallica and college football insider Pete Thamel round out the GameDay crew for the season. Pat McAfee joined GameDay for the first time last weekend in Austin, site of the Texas-Alabama game.
This weekend's guest picker was announced Friday: country music star and App State alum Luke Combs.
Corso will be making his 387th headgear pick on Saturday, and regardless of who he picks, it will represent the 66th different school headgear he has donned for
GameDay. App State will be the 77th different school to host
GameDay.
STUDENT/FAN INFO FROM CHANCELLOR EVERTS
- On Thursday, the GameDay bus will stop by the App State @ Hickory Campus on its way to Boone on Thursday afternoon. At 1 p.m., gather at The Rock or Thunder Hill, Raven Rocks and Laurel Creek quad to welcome the bus. Wear your black and gold and show them your App State pride!
- ESPN recording and broadcasting of live shows begin by 8 a.m. on Friday, including College Football Live at 3 p.m. For those who want to line up early for a chance to be in the College GameDay pit on Saturday morning, sleeping bags — but no tents, chairs or coolers — will be permitted on Sanford Mall on Friday night, and Plemmons Student Union restrooms will be open overnight.
- On Saturday, access to the College GameDay pit — located immediately behind the stage — will open at 5:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. School colors and high energy are required! Only 500 fans will be allowed in the pit.
- College GameDay goes live at 9 a.m. on Saturday and runs through noon on ESPN, ESPNU and the ESPN App.
- Kickoff for the App State vs. Troy game at Kidd Brewer Stadium is at 3:30 p.m.
- Parking for Saturday's game follows game day guidelines and operations. Look for an email with parking information soon.
Among the highlights of the GameDay pit are creative and fun handmade signs. This is the chance to show your Mountaineer spirit! App State will host a poster contest that will take place prior to the College GameDay air time on Saturday morning. The grand prizewinner will be announced live during ESPN's College GameDay. To ensure we show the world how clever and creative App State fans are, I've donated some high-stakes prizes:
- The winner of the competition will get A ONE-YEAR FREE RIDE — tuition and fees that can be applied to this current academic year or next academic year!
- 10 people will win $500 free dining dollars to be used at any App State campus dining retail locations.
- 10 people will win $250 free dining dollars to be used at any App State campus dining retail locations.
For full rules and regulations, visit App State's poster contest webpage or the College GameDay FAQ section.
GAMEDAY FAQ
How can I watch the live broadcast?
College GameDay airs from 9 a.m.-noon on ESPN and ESPNU throughout the football season and is available for streaming through the ESPN App. ESPN's social and digital pre-pre-game show Countdown to College GameDay begins at 8:30 a.m. weekly and is available to watch on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and the ESPN App.
How do I get selected to stand in the pit during the live broadcast?
Students and fans have the opportunity for up-close view of the show by standing in the pit immediately adjacent to the stage. Selection is on a first-come, first-serve basis for all fans. Students admitted to the pit are encouraged to wear school colors and should have a numbered wristband. Participants are subject to ESPN security procedures and policies.
What is the ESPN policy for pit participants?
The following items are prohibited in the pit: bags (of any kind), food and drinks, pens, pencils, markers or dry erase boards and signs on sticks. Throwing objects is strictly prohibited in the pit. A number of sign regulations are required as well.
What are the College GameDay sign regulations?
One of the most beloved traditions associated with College GameDay is the making of signs. No vulgar signs, .com, .net, .org, political or religious signs are allowed. For fans entering the pit, signs cannot be on poles or oversized. All signs brought to Saturday's taping will be inspected before entry and must abide by College GameDay's sign policies or will be removed.
