COLUMBIA, S.C. — Football fans are excited about Saturday’s anticipated matchup between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Lousiana State University Tigers. Adding to the thrill is that ESPN’s "College GameDay" is in town to showcase the event on a national stage.
The game is set for 12 p.m. Saturday, but before it begins, ESPN will broadcast from Gamecock Park across from Williams-Brice Stadium throughout the morning before moving inside for their 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. broadcast, which will feature USC women's basketball coach Dawn Staley as the celebrity guest picker.
“They have ‘College GameDay’ here this weekend,” said Gamecock superfan Mark Magnan, who has been tailgating at the RV lot near Williams-Brice Stadium for every home game the last five years. “We’ll be up at 6, make a little breakfast and coffee, and we’re probably going to head over there [to College GameDay] at about 7.”
Magnan and his friend Paul have made a tradition of tailgating at the RV tailgate lot, where they enjoy the community feel and the great vantage point.
“We love it here because it’s close, and we have a beautiful view of the stadium,” Magnan said. “Even after the game, when the stadium is all lit up, we stay out and have fires going, depending on the weather.”
Jim Davis, the father of a senior Gamecock cheerleader, shares a similar passion for Gamecock football. He and his wife also tailgate in the RV lot, making each home game a family affair.
“We’re going to have five campers in this little area— all friends and family,” Davis said. “Typically, any given Saturday, we’ll have 50 to 60 people tailgating with us.”
With ESPN’s "College GameDay" in Columbia for the first time in a decade, Davis expects an even larger crowd than usual.
“It’s exciting to see them come because it’s going to bring a lot more fans,” he said. “And LSU is always a big game.”