While it wasn’t the first time that College Gameday had been to Blacksburg, the crew had not been to Virginia Tech since 2011, when they came to bring a sense of normalcy back to a vulnerable community after the tragedy of April 16th. Saturday’s visit to Virginia Tech was the 6th appearance in Blacksburg, and the 10th featuring Virginia Tech.
Thousands of fans lined up early to be a part of the excitment, and even though our team did not win the day, we had an absolute blast!
Co-host Rece Davis commented that “this place has been special in the history of College Gameday, and it’s also been special, I think, in the evolution and growth of college football in general on ESPN”.
Virginia Tech’s famous Hokie Stone made for the perfect backdrop.
Davis continued “I think a lot of the Virginia Tech brand was built by the willingness to play on Thursday night. This is a place that I think is unique and special to both our show and to our coverage of the sport as a whole.
One of the hallmarks of Gameday are the signs, and I thought I’d share just a few that I saw. They may not make much sense if you are not a VT or Clemson fan but perhaps you’ll appreciate the creativity.
Gobblers – a reference to our mascot
Dabo Swinney is the Clemson Head Coach
Bud Foster is Virginia Tech’s beloved Defensive Coordinator and Associate Head Coach
Howard’s Rock is touched by every Clemson player as they take the field; Hokie Stone is traditional to Virgina Tech
Kirk Herbstreit is a long time co-host of College Gameday
Enter Sandman by Metallica is the song played as the team takes the field. Check out this link to get a feel for the joyful insanity that reigns in Lane Stadium on game day. Seriously! Check it out!
Despite the loss, it was a great day in Blacksburg.
Proud to be a Hokie!
Go Hokies!
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
Nobody does game mania like you Americans 😀 Delightful post Laurie ❤
Glad you liked it, Pauline. It was such a fun day!
By the way – I’ve contacted the Travel Agent (Charlotte handed me off to their flight expert Pam), and have hired someone to sit the house while I’m gone (or at least keep a presence there so that it won’t appear empty to would be robbers)
It’s really happening ❤ 😀 ❤
It looks like so much fun!!
It really was a blast, Cindy!
Looks like a fabulous day! I like your crowd shots, but the Hokie Stone remains a mystery….
Lisa, check out this link to learn more about Hokie Stone (it’s quick)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokie_Stone
Checked it out. Sandy, dolomitic limestone is what it looks like, though they say dolomite. I was looking for a stone sitting somewhere, crazy me. Thanks! Now I’m a little more culturally aware in the Hokie realm.
I was thinking of you, Laurie! And we were definitely cheering for the Hokies . . . damn Clemson! It looks like you had a really fine day, in spite of the outcome of the game. There is NOTHING better than a big-time college football game!
I knew you would appreciate this post, Kerry 🙂 The day could not have been more fun (well, except for the W). Just super!