Information about College GameDay in the Grove
OXFORD, Miss. – With ESPN’s live “College GameDay” show coming to the Grove for the first time ever this weekend, University of Mississippi officials are adjusting some of the rules and schedules concerning tailgating to ensure that everyone can enjoy the activities safely.
“We are excited that the nation’s premier football pregame show is visiting our campus,” said Ross Bjork, Ole Miss athletics director. “This is one of the biggest events we’ve ever hosted in the Grove, so we ask that everybody be understanding and flexible as we accommodate the production.”
Crews will arrive to begin setting up the “College GameDay” set Wednesday night, and the work will involve moving materials and several pieces of equipment throughout the area on Thursday. Also, the university’s Physical Plant and Landscape Services teams must access the Grove and Circle to distribute trash cans, Hotty Toddy Potties and other game-day essentials Thursday night and early Friday. Pedestrian traffic will be limited in the Grove during this time, and the University Police Department and other personnel will monitor access to assure safety.
University officials aim to have the Grove clear of “GameDay” setup by 9 a.m. Friday so fans and students can enjoy the area without disruption. Tailgate setup will begin, as usual, at 8 p.m. Friday. Campus parking lots will open at 6 a.m. Saturday for fans with parking passes. Saturday’s live broadcast begins at 8 a.m.
The crowd for Saturday’s activities is expected to be much larger than normal, so drop-offs along Grove Loop and University Avenue from Old Taylor Road to the Circle will end no later than 10 a.m. Saturday. If the area becomes too congested and unsafe for cars and pedestrians, the University Police Department may close these streets to vehicles earlier.
“Our fans’ safety is very important to us, so we will watch the situation and adjust the access as needed,” said Tim Walsh, executive director of the Ole Miss Alumni Association. “We encourage everybody to arrive early, be patient and considerate, and enjoy the show. This will be an amazing day for the entire Ole Miss family, and we want everybody to have a good time and return safely home after the game.”