Saturday marks College GameDay’s maiden voyage to the University of Minnesota ahead of the pivotal Big Ten West matchup between the Golden Gophers and the Wisconsin Badgers. The longest uninterrupted rivalry in college football has a little extra on the line this time around. The winner will not only get The Axe for another year, but will take the Big Ten West crown.
So here’s what Gophers fans need to know about the ESPN’s flagship pregame show:
Where: Northrop Mall
When: The show runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 30. The gates that will allow fans into the College GameDay area open at 5:00 a.m. Tailgate lots, which normally open at 8:00 a.m. will now be open beginning at 6:00 a.m. Increased traffic is expected, so the University is advising fans to arrive early.
Who: The show is hosted by Rece Davis and features college football analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard. It will also feature several prominent Minnesota figures that have yet to be announced. The guest picker, who will give predictions of the college football games happening on Saturday, including the Gophers game, also has not been announced.
After the pregame show is finished, Maturi Pavilion will open up an indoor tailgate, which will last until the game begins. TCF Bank Stadium doors open at 1:00 p.m.