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College GameDay in Ames: What you need to know

AMES — ESPN’s College GameDay crew is heading to Ames for the Cy-Hawk game this Saturday. Kickoff between Iowa State and No. 19 Iowa (televised on FS1) is...

AMES — ESPN’s College GameDay crew is heading to Ames for the Cy-Hawk game this Saturday.

Kickoff between Iowa State and No. 19 Iowa (televised on FS1) is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Local 5 gathered all the information you need to know about it so that you can be prepared for the show.

What is College GameDay?

College GameDay is a three-hour pre-game show by ESPN that takes viewers on the road to college campuses across the country.

The show is hosted by Rece Davis with analysts Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso. David Pollack and Maria Taylor are contributors.

The crew always ends the show with a “headgear pick,” where Corso puts on the helmet, mascot head, or other headgear from the team he believes will win the game.

When and where will they be in Ames?

College Gameday announced they’ll be set up in the plaza south of Jack Trice Stadium, near University Blvd and S 16th St.

Wait- I heard something about signs?

Signs are one of the iconic parts of College GameDay. Fans really get creative with them, too.

ESPN does have some rules about the use of signs, so make sure you get familiar with them.

Who will be the guest picker?

College GameDay has a new guest picker every week. It varies from former athletes to celebrities.

Who do you think should be the guest picker for Saturday’s game?

What’s the deal with parking?

The City of Ames recently doubled parking fines in areas near Jack Trice on game days, so be wary of where you park.

Iowa State University Police Chief Michael Newton says to plan ahead and make sure you know where you’re going to park on game day.

“Make sure that you’ve thought through that, and also be patient. It’s going to be a very busy weekend,” Newton said.

Cyclone Football tweeted out Monday that the parking lots will be opening up at 5 a.m. Saturday.

How many people are allowed in the pit area?

According to Iowa State University, a limited number of fans (roughly 500-700) will be allowed in the pit located behind the stage. ESPN staff will manage entry (administering security measures, making certain signs are appropriate, etc.). No food or drink of any kind is allowed.

What does the weekend schedule of events look like?

THURSDAY(Sept. 12)

1 p.m. – CollegeGameDay bus arrives off University Avenue near the entrance to Reiman Gardens(south of the stadium).

FRIDAY(Sept. 13)

2 p.m. – “CollegeFootball Live” telecast

The 30-minuteshow features ESPN personalities Desmond Howard, David Pollack and GeneWojciechowski, with Maria Taylor hosting. It will be located on the grass nearthe show’s set or on the demo field. Corn hole games and sponsor activationelements will operate from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be a few live “hits” fromthe site on ESPN throughout the day.

SATURDAY(Sept. 14)

5:30 a.m. –Entry to both the pit and the areas surrounding the stage open

Early morning –ESPN SportsCenter “live hits”

7:30 a.m. –Twitter “Countdown to GameDay with Maria Taylor, David Pollack and Jason Fitz”

8 a.m. –College GameDay starts

11 a.m. –College GameDay ends

12:30 p.m. –Spirit Walk (S. 4th Street with entrance at the north end of the Bergstromfacility)

1 p.m. –Stadium gates open for premium areas and ISU students

1:30 p.m. –Stadium gates open for general public seating

3 p.m. –Kickoff for Iowa State vs. Iowa at MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack TriceStadium

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