BLOOMINGTON — Indiana University is set to make history as ESPN’s College GameDay rolls into town for only the second time in the show’s 37-year existence. The live broadcast will occur on campus this Saturday, leading to the highly anticipated showdown against the University of Washington Huskies at Memorial Stadium.
Phil Powell, director of the Indiana Business Research Center, highlighted this event’s significance for the university and the local community, saying having GameDay in Bloomington is unprecedented, bringing many visitors to the community.
This appearance on College GameDay is pivotal for the Hoosiers, coinciding with the first season of the Big Ten’s expansion to the West Coast. As the conference now stretches from coast to coast, IU’s opportunity to showcase its program nationally is monumental.
The exposure provided by College GameDay is expected to have lasting effects, not just for the football program but also for the university as a whole. With a shrinking pool of college applicants due to demographic changes, Powell noted that visibility on a platform like College GameDay could help attract students nationwide.
The Hoosiers are enjoying their best start since 1967, sitting undefeated and ranked 13th in the country. This success has paved the way for the College GameDay broadcast; without it, the show would likely not be making its way to Bloomington. Powell credited first-year head coach Curt Cignetti for this resurgence in the program’s fortunes, drawing a parallel to Alabama’s Coach Nick Saban, whose tenure has significantly boosted application numbers at his university.
As excitement builds for Saturday’s live broadcast, fans are encouraged to join the festivities by bringing signs and showing their support. The live show is set to kick off at 9 a.m. next to Memorial Stadium, creating an electric atmosphere ahead of the game.
With College GameDay in town, Indiana University is poised to shine on a national stage, celebrating its football team’s achievements and the vibrant spirit of its campus community.
