Sept. 28, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Count ESPN’s College GameDay crew – yes, Chris Fowler, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard – among the audience for Vanderbilt’s nationally televised meeting with Southeastern Conference Western Division power Auburn this Saturday on campus.
ESPN officials confirmed Sunday morning that its popular “College GameDay Built by the Home Depot” show will broadcast from the Vanderbilt campus on Saturday, October 4. It will mark College GameDay’s first appearance in Nashville.
Vanderbilt officials were pleased with news of College GameDay’s announcement.
“This is tremendous for our university, Coach (Bobby) Johnson’s program and this great city,” Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor for Student Athletics and University Affairs David Williams II said. “ESPN’s decision to bring College GameDay to Vanderbilt speaks volumes about the outstanding job Bobby Johnson had done during his tenure and the student-athletes he has attracted into our football program. We’re extremely pleased and excited about this announcement.”
Johnson echoed those sentiments.
“I think it’s great for our university, our fans, and our players and coaches,” Johnson said. “It’s definitely going to add to the excitement level as we prepare for an important SEC game.”
The nationally ranked Commodores, 4-0 overall and 2-0 in SEC play, will attempt to reach 5-0 for the first time since World War II when Auburn comes to campus. The Tigers, 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the SEC, are coming off a hard-fought 14-12 win over Tennessee at Auburn.
The arrival of ESPN’s College GameDay in Nashville also adds to a huge national spotlight on the city during the coming 10 days. In addition to Vanderbilt’s national televised football game, the American public will focus on Nashville on Tuesday, Oct. 7, as nearby Belmont University hosts the second Presidential Debate at the Curb Center.
