ESPN’s College GameDay setup begins Thursday, and the location may cause some Grove regulars to find a new place to tailgate for the Alabama game this weekend.
Ole Miss Athletics released a graphic Tuesday with the set location for the network’s college football pre-show.
The set location was chosen because a large chunk of the area is already roped off from tent setup between the turf in front of the stage and the stage itself where the band, spirit squad and cheerleaders perform before kickoff.
The fans most affected will be those who usually set up behind the stage or those who find a home between the turf and the Walk of Champions. However, if these tents shift to new locations, others will be displaced from their typical tailgating spot as well. The Home Depot bus will be parked behind the stage, next to University Avenue.
“With any production of this size and scope, some of our fans’ traditions may be affected,” athletics director Ross Bjork said. “We don’t take this lightly and hope that you will work with us to accommodate this very unique opportunity.”
The Grove opens at 9 a.m. Friday, but fans will not be allowed to set up tents until the usual 8 p.m. On-campus parking begins 6 a.m. Saturday, and the pits around the stage will open for fans at the same time. At 7, shuttle service from off-campus lots will begin, with GameDay going live at 8.
University Avenue and Grove Loop will close at 10 a.m. to traffic, with the Walk of Champions at noon and the marching band at 1 p.m. in the Circle.
Amelia Camurati is managing editor and can be reached at amelia.camurati@hottytoddy.com.
