Oh, to be a student again. As soon as ESPN announced College GameDay was coming to Morgantown for the WVU vs. TCU game, excited students began camping out on the Mountainlair Plaza.
Over the course of 6 days, students set up nearly 250 tents on the green, decking them out with festive Christmas lights, signs, games, furniture and TVs. They even created a website and Twitter handle.
As Dave and I walked through the populated Tent City, the energy felt like almost heaven. The students were more than happy to share their stories about how long they’d been camping out and their many notable visitors.
I marvel at the dedication and commitment of these diehard students who camped out for days just to show College GameDay – and the nation – just how deep Mountaineer pride runs through West Virginia University.
Dave playin’ some foosball with the students.
Tent City built up a contagious level of school spirit as distinguished guests stopped by throughout the week bearing gifts of the tomato-sauce-and-pepperoni kind. On Halloween, WVU Head Coach Dana Holgorsen waded through the crowded and colorful Tent City to deliver pizzas to the students.
.@Holgorsendana passing out pizzas to @WVU_TentCity! #WVU pic.twitter.com/7ZH1QhqOiL — West Virginia Pride (@WestVaPride) October 31, 2014
The Mountaineer Maniacs also gave out free pizzas and supplies to make signs for College GameDay.
We will be out on the Mountainlair Green this Friday at 10AM with posters & markers for everyone to make a sign! FREE PIZZA at 12 & T-Shirts — Mountaineer Maniacs (@WVUMANIACS) October 30, 2014
The staff from the student newspaper, Daily Athenaeum, sweetened last Friday morning by bringing them the official breakfast of champions.
Hey @WVU_TentCity, our staff will be on the green this morning from now until 9 a.m. Stop by and see us for free hot chocolate & donuts! — The Daily Athenaeum (@DailyAthenaeum) October 31, 2014
WVU President E. Gordon Gee joined in the fun as well.
#WVU President @gordongee is delivering soup from Panera to the kids at @WVU_TentCity pic.twitter.com/v9oc1CfBGk — Marc Basham (@marc_b) October 29, 2014
Let’s go Mountaineers!!! pic.twitter.com/gSjk4knLFw — E. Gordon Gee (@gordongee) November 1, 2014
Stopped by Tent City. Maybe I will sleep here tonight! pic.twitter.com/7IjjOnUtjM — E. Gordon Gee (@gordongee) October 30, 2014
On Thursday before the game, ESPN selected West Virginia native and country music star Brad Paisley as College GameDay’s guest picker.
Hello West Virginia! Good memories here thru the years. @CollegeGameDay honored to have native @BradPaisley join as guest picker! — Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) October 30, 2014
Hey @BradPaisley here’s a small part of Tent City waiting for your @CollegeGameDay picks! Fun at #WVU pic.twitter.com/vlo07kUVs0 — Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) October 30, 2014
I believe from the moment he stepped foot in Morgantown, the Grammy award winning Paisley let the good times roll. And I’m not sure, but he may have even had some moonshine in the trunk.
Let’s goooooooo pic.twitter.com/6oefQc1fWT — Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) November 1, 2014
I think it’s safe to say the ESPN announcers were blown away at the uniquely wild and wonderful reception they got in Morgantown.
Dear @WVU_TentCity @CollegeGameDay proud/flattered to be surrounded by you. Now get proper rest, stay warm tonight. Tomorrow is a big day! — Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) November 1, 2014
I’m chilling at the best spot on campus @wvu_tentcity. @CollegeGameDay is here! pic.twitter.com/OC9JYiUWiT — Desmond Howard (@DesmondHoward) October 30, 2014
Thank you WVU for a great weekend. Know it was a very tough game to lose, but what an incredible experience in Morgantown. Thank you again! — Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 2, 2014
Thanks, Morgantown for your hospitality! @CollegeGameDay appreciates you. Homeward bound. See you next time. — Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) November 2, 2014
“WVU is the most underrated fan base in the country.” – @KirkHerbstreit — College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) November 1, 2014
In its 30 years of broadcast, this was only the second time College GameDay came to Morgantown. The last time was in 2011 when WVU played LSU.
A beautiful @CollegeGameDay scene in ’11. We’ll see you again Saturday, Morgantown! #WVU #TCU pic.twitter.com/W3DJfxk6do — Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) October 26, 2014
We hope that the unmatched hype and display of school spirit by WVU students makes ESPN choose Morgantown again soon as a College GameDay destination.
Thank you to @cbfowler, @KirkHerbstreit, @davidpollack47, @DesmondHoward and all of @CollegeGameDay. Come back soon! pic.twitter.com/K81lxEp92b — WVU Football (@WVUfootball) November 2, 2014
WVU is definitely the greatest school in the country #TentCity pic.twitter.com/uPvy4z5UMd — Tent City WVU (@TentCityWVU) October 31, 2014
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