Multiple Changes Coming to ESPN's College Gameday
ESPN’s College Gameday will have somewhat of a new look and feel this season. The network’s massively successful pregame show experienced a 10 percent ratings increase last season over 2012 and an expanded hour. Despite that, as Gameday opens its season in Fort Worth for the Cowboys Classic featuring Florida State versus Oklahoma State, coordinating producer Lee Fitting plans to make some changes that will improve the show.
As if adding another hour, expanding the show from 9 a.m.-noon eastern, wasn’t enough, Gameday’s opening hour will have limited commercials this season featuring longer segments built around conversation aimed at the more hardcore football fan. “I think we need to have stronger opinions and more opinions, but do so organically,” host Chris Fowler told Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch.
However, making the show longer means asking more from students and fans that often camp out over night to experience it. Fitting recognizes that and has plans to hire an on-site DJ to play music during breaks off-air. “You keep the crowd energized and it becomes more of a party,” Fitting told Deitsch.
SEC fans have probably wondered if the SEC Network’s new SEC Nation will be a Gameday spinoff, and Fitting alluded to there being some cross-promotion when the editorial direction of both shows dictate. SEC Nation hosts Paul Finebaum, Tim Tebow and Marcus Spears will appear on College Gameday when not appearing on the SEC Network’s pregame show. Fitting also said Gameday’s David Pollack will appear on SEC Nation as well.
Despite Lee Corso nearing 80 and Fowler having replaced Brent Musburger, who moved to the SEC Network, on ABC’s Saturday Night Football, I wouldn’t expect any decline in the ratings or quality of Gameday.