Attending ESPN College GameDay In Charlotte? Here’s What You Need To Know
College football is back! There were a couple of week zero games last weekend but the real action kicks off this week. As a die-hard NC State fan Thursday night, when we take on UCONN in Connecticut, can’t come soon enough! I’ll have to wait one more week to see my team in person, but I’ll still be getting my college football environment when ESPN College GameDay comes to Charlotte. The Duke’s Mayo College Kickoff Game brings the battle of the Carolinas to a national stage, on Saturday night on ESPN. But eyes will be on Charlotte all day long with the beloved college football pregame show live from the Queen City that morning.
Since my team will have already played, and my mom attended South Carolina whom I also cheer for, I will be crossing this experience off my bucket list. Well, as a temporary cross-off, until I get to experience it in Raleigh one day.
Planning on attending ESPN College GameDay in Charlotte? Here’s all the info you’ll need to know before attending!
When: Saturday, September 2nd
Where: Romare Bearden Park in Uptown Charlotte
What Time Should You Arrive: The show airs from 9 am to noon. So you can arrive anytime in that window to see and experience College Game Day. Now if you want to be front and center in what is known as “the pit”, you’ll need to arrive earlier. The pit itself opens at 6:30 am.
How Should I Get There: There is no designated parking so you’ll have to find a pay lot (there are numerous in the area). Taking the light rail would also be a good alternative as well.
How Do I Get In The Pit: Admission is on a first-come, first-serve basis for all fans. Students and fans admitted to the pit are encouraged to wear school colors and should have a numbered wristband.
Rules & Regs For The Pit: The following items are prohibited, bags (of any kind), food and drinks, pens, pencils, markers, or dry erase boards and signs on sticks. Throwing objects is strictly prohibited.
What About Those Infamous Game Day Signs: If you’ve ever seen a broadcast of Game Day you know what I’m talking about. Of course, signs will be allowed, according to GameDay “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.”
Don’t Want To Attend But Want To Watch: College GameDay airs at 9 AM ET – Noon ET on ESPN and ESPNU and is available for streaming through the ESPN App.
For full details, you can visit College GameDay’s website here. The only question I have left to be answered? Who is the guest picker and which school will he be repping? Darius Rucker, are you available? Go Cocks!
7 Hilarious Football Fan Superstitions Shared by Redditors
Jersey Power
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For some fans, the belief in “jersey power” is real, relying on their chosen jersey to bring their team to victory. A Reddit user revealed, “I change jerseys every game. Never wear the same one twice in a row.” They mentioned that during one season, the Jaguars secured a 3-1 record when following this practice, but experienced a 0-12 record when they didn’t.
Fiery Ritual
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Some fans unquestionably take their rituals to the extreme. During Vince Young’s playing days, a Redditor mentioned that they used to perform a rather unconventional practice of burning a photo of the player. They would attach a picture of his face to a Barbie doll and place it on the grill as part of their ritual.
Sound of Silence
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This particular approach might come across as a bit harsh, yet it seems to show results for this person. Apparently, ignoring their wife and kid during the game is their strategy. “I know it’s weird and the results haven’t been great, but I’m not going to risk it,” they wrote. Priorities, dude!
Quantum Football Mechanics
Some say that dissecting your superstitions like a science can work wonders. A Reddit user shared their approach, saying that if, for some reason, they tune into the game late and the Ravens are in the lead, they turn the game off. “Watching will only swing the game in the opposite direction. It’s like the Heisenberg Principle of quantum football mechanics. Intense observation will only change the outcome,” they humorously explained. That’s dedication!
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Designated Sweet Spot
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Having a lucky seat or a designated sweet spot to park yourself during every football game is a ritual many fans swear by. According to one person, during game days, they make a point to occupy the exact same barstool. They mentioned, “Everyone has assigned seats at the bar.”
Goodbye Hygiene
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Some hardcore football fans throw hygiene to the wind. A Reddit user opened up about their peculiar belief. If they don’t shower right before the game, they’re convinced the Eagles will end up on the losing side. They added, “Sometimes if we had a crappy first half, I’ll take another shower, for a fresh start.”
Habitual Counting
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Luck can take some interesting forms, like the practice of counting things a specific number of times. A person mentioned that on game days, they apply three strokes of deodorant per armpit in support of Russell Wilson. Some people are all about the idea that stuff tends to go down in threes.
