The game didn’t turn out the way we’d hoped, but even that end result wasn’t enough to spoil a tremendous day on the Brazos last Saturday.
Baylor Family, we urged you to turn out for ESPN’s College GameDay — and boy, did you come through! From the student campout Friday night, through the broadcast Saturday morning, and on to the primetime broadcast Saturday night in front of a McLane Stadium-record 50,233 fans — this was, without a doubt, the best gameday atmosphere we’ve seen in McLane’s six-year history.
Until next time @CollegeGameDay
#SicEm
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— Baylor Athletics (@BaylorAthletics) November 16, 2019
To everyone who came — y’all rocked it. The ESPN crew couldn’t stop raving over what an impressive crowd and setting Baylor offered, from beautiful McLane Stadium to sailgating and beyond. You showed up en masse, were loud and proud, and represented the university well.
A few fun tidbits from the day:
CAMPOUT: Friday night, Baylor students weren’t the only ones awaiting GameDay’s arrival… President Livingstone, Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades, men’s basketball coach Scott Drew and baseball coach Steve Rodriguez all stopped by with warm drinks and food for the students.
GAMEDAY SIGNS: The creativity Baylor fans showed in making their GameDay signs was noticed and commented on widely on social media. My favorite? The “Saturday Night Smockdown.”
GUEST PICKERS: Having America’s favorite Baylor couple, Chip and Joanna Gaines, as the guest pickers on the broadcast brought additional eyes to the GameDay broadcast, with media coverage that included People magazine and Southern Living.
Miss out on the experience? Relive it through the magic of multimedia:
VIDEOS: Student campout || Welcome to Baylor, ESPN! || Matt Rhule feature and interview || Pat McAfee’s splash into the Brazos || Chip & Joanna’s arrival on a tractor || Lee Corso picks Baylor
PHOTOS: Student campout || A look back at GameDay || The best GameDay signs
Thanks to everyone who played a part in making this experience a reality, from ESPN and Chip & Jo, to the students, alumni and friends who turned out, to the countless Baylor staff who worked long hours behind the scenes to bring it all together.
Sic ’em, Bears!