College football’s premier pre-game show, College GameDay, is coming to Baton Rouge on Saturday for No. 14 LSU’s matchup with No. 11 Alabama.
That means that LSU is the center of attention in the college football world this week, and for good reason. The LSU-Alabama rivalry is one of the richest, most emotional and, yes, hateful in all of sports.
Like every year, this rendition will play a big role in the College Football Playoff and SEC Championship race. But the festivities will start long before the teams run onto the field – College GameDay will be a highly-anticipated event you don’t want to miss.
Here’s the LSU student’s guide to College GameDay, live from the Quad:
What is College GameDay?
Each week, College GameDay travels to the campus of the week’s most highly-anticipated matchup. It sets up its table of panelists, including Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee and Lee Corso.
Starting this year, the show also features new panelist Nick Saban, who was formerly the head coach at both Alabama and LSU and won national titles with each program.
The show airs on ESPN from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. local time. During the three-hour program, the experts discuss the various college football matchups of the day.
At the end of the show, the panel and a celebrity guest make their picks on each game of the day, ending with LSU-Alabama and Corso donning the mascot head of his winner pick.
The show also features audience participation, including chants, a kicking competition and the occasional spotlight on standout outfits and signs in the crowd.
What time should I get there?
Standing room in the large viewing pit around the set of College GameDay is first come, first serve. With such a high demand, you may have to start your day rather early to get a decent view of the show.
The pit opens to fans at 5:30 a.m., but the line will be very lengthy by that time. When you should show up truly depends on what you’re hoping to get out of the experience.
If you want a front row seat to College GameDay, you may need to show up between midnight and 2 a.m. Some diehard fans even camp out the night before.
If you’re looking for a more casual viewing experience but would still like to be able to see, showing up around 4 to 7 a.m. may be more appropriate.
If you show up around the time the show starts, it’ll be difficult to see or hear any of the festivities. The crowd will likely engulf the Quad.
What am I allowed to bring into the pit?
One of the most beloved parts of College GameDay is bringing signs into the pit with you. If your sign is funny enough, it might be shown on College GameDay or, better yet, reach internet virality.
However, there are some rules, according to ESPN’s website. Signs can’t be vulgar, political or religious or promote a website. They also can’t be oversized or placed on sticks.
Aside from sign regulations, fans can’t bring bags, food, drinks, writing utensils or dry erase boards. In addition, throwing objects isn’t allowed.
What other times has College GameDay come to LSU?
The last time College GameDay came to Baton Rouge was in 2019 when then-No. 5 LSU faced No. 7 Florida in the midst of a season that ended in a national championship for the Tigers.
In total, including this Saturday’s upcoming show, College GameDay has come to Baton Rouge 14 times, with six of those being for an LSU-Alabama matchup.
In addition, LSU has been involved in an opposing College GameDay matchup twice before in the Brian Kelly era – earlier this season at South Carolina and in 2023 at Alabama.
