ESPN's live "Gameday" broadcast will visit the University of Houston's campus for the first time ever on Saturday, setting up shop in front of Cullen Circle, adjacent to the Cullen Performance Hall and the University Center. Head coach Kevin Sumlin mentioned the extra attention that "Gameday" brings in his Tuesday press conference is a validation of the program's success.
"For our University it is fantastic. Not just for football, but for our city. It is a window to the world for the University of Houston. It is great, especially for recruiting. It validates what we are trying to do. We want to compete for championships and be a top twenty-five program."
Fans are encouraged to arrive as early as possible on Saturday morning for admittance to the "pit" behind the "Gameday" broadcast team. ESPN begins screening fans for entrance to the "pit" starting at 6 a.m. CT on Saturday, with the broadcast starting at 8 a.m. CT.
The University of Houston has an official page set up for questions, schedules and info related to the "Gameday" broadcast, and the Houston Chronicle spoke with "Gameday" analyst Lee Corso this week, and revealed the Cougar-centric portions of Saturday's broadcast.
Coordinating producer Lee Fitting said the show will include Tom Rinaldi's interview with Case Keenum, an interview with Ware, who is calling the Kentucky-Georgia game for ESPN's SEC Network and, of course, lots of shots of excited UH fans.
"People always ask what is my favorite place to visit," said Fitting, who is in his eighth year with the show. "And I tell them it's anyplace we visit for the first time. The kids get so excited."
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