Notre Dame Makes College Football History With ESPN GameDay Returning

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Everything is new & intrigue is high with new 12-team CFP format
So much of the appeal of college football leans on traditions. Those of the sport overall. Those of individual schools, players, and coaches. These traditions, and the unique feelings of nostalgia that come with being a college football fan are exactly why people have been drawn to the sport so strongly for so long.
2024's version of college football has ramped things up a notch with a dose of modernity mixed with the traditions. On top of the normal pageantry, we now also get to be treated to a 12-team playoff in which everything about it is new. Every debate and every potential outcome is new. The entire way we now look at postseason college football is new.
It's an honor for Notre Dame to be chosen as the host venue for the initial game of this grand experiment with all of America watching. This event was already going to be must-see TV, and with the recent news that ESPN College GameDay will be on Notre Dame's campus for the game, the media hype has accelerated even more.
We're ready for an electric first round of the CFP with DOUBLE the GameDay shows 🍿
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) December 11, 2024
📍 First stop: @IndianaFootball at @NDFootball | Dec. 20 at 3:30 PM ET
📍 Second stop: @Vol_Football at @OhioStateFB | Dec. 21 at 9 AM ET
SEE YOU THERE 👏 pic.twitter.com/7oNXTrM1y1
Back to the future in South Bend, Indiana
ESPN's first "road show" was at Notre Dame for 1993's iconic all-time matchup between the number two Irish and number one Seminoles from Florida State. Lou Holtz vs Bobby Bowden for all the glory. The fact that the initial GameDay road show of the modern era is returning to where it all started is nothing short of heartwarming.
Even for those who prefer FOX's preview show with Notre Dame's very own Brady Quinn over a modern ESPN product, everyone knows what GameDay being on your campus means. It means your school matters. Your team matters. Notre Dame matters.
After all these years, that still remains as true as ever.
For more Irish news & notes follow John on Twitter @alwaysirishINC, Always Irish on Youtube and or your preferred audio podcast provider.
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Founder and content creator of the Always Irish LLC Notre Dame Football social media, podcast, and radio show brand since 2016 covering all things Irish football daily from the fan's perspective. Previously Notre Dame Football staff writer for USA TODAY Fighting Irish Wire before joining Notre Dame On SI. Known as the “voice of the Irish fan.”