On Saturday, College GameDay will visit Mississippi State University for the first time ever. Most people have seen glimpses of GameDay on their TVs over the years, some may even be religious watchers of the weekly program in the fall, but how many people know how to make the most of the College GameDay experience? Given its history, it could be another 25 years or so before the program returns to the Magnolia State. So, I put together the four best ways to make the most out of the first College GameDay visit in MSU history.
1. Get there early.
I interviewed three people that have attended GameDay before, and the first thing each of them said to me was get there early.
“Getting there early is key. I don’t think we slept and got there at 4 a.m., and we were late,” Griffin Marcom said about the University of Tennessee’s last GameDay two seasons ago.
“Get there really early. I thought 5:30 a.m. was a good time, and the line was already out of the Grove to the Union,” Sam Glosson said about Ole Miss’s first GameDay last weekend.
So, how early is too early? I do not think there is a right answer to that question. People will presumably be camping out at the set to ensure that they have a front row spot Saturday morning. A front row spot can add to the entire experience.
“Being up front is key to a great time. If Smith (Howell) and I weren’t front row I don’t think it would’ve been that fun,” Marcom said.
Being front row will also greatly increase your chances of being on TV. There is always something cool about being on ESPN, even for a second. Even if the line has backed up and there is no room at the front of the set, try to get on the front row of the set on the right, if viewing the set from the front. I was not able to make it to the front of the set for SEC Nation last week, so I got a spot over to the right. There is less of a chance to get on TV, but the Dawg Walk will come from that direction. A high five from Dak Prescott is pretty sweet too.
2. Know it is a war of attrition. 
Showing up to the set between 4 and 5 a.m. for a show beginning at 8 a.m. can really wear down anyone’s energy level. GameDay is built around the energy of the home team’s fans. Mentally prepare for the fact there will be hours and hours of standing.
“Pace yourself because it’s a long day,” Glosson said about the waiting around.
“Definitely drink water and be ready to stand for hours, more than half of which not being that exciting,” Marcom said. 
Just from my experience with SEC Nation this past weekend, the time flies by pretty quick. The energy in the crowd makes the waiting a lot easier. Getting mentally ready to stand in a crowd for seven hours will absolutely make the dead time go quicker.
3. Make a sign. 
College GameDay is known for its clever signs. It is part of the experience of College GameDay to hoist up a sign when the camera pans the crowd.
“Also, I remember, they were really strict about signs,” Smith Howell said. He was also in attendance at Tennessee’s last GameDay.
SEC Nation was strict about signs, so College GameDay will be extremely strict about them. If the thought crosses your mind, “Will this sign be okay to make?,” it probably is not okay to make and will be taken.
For SEC Nation, I had a friend make a sign that read “OLE MISS SUCKS.” This sign was taken away because of the word ‘suck.’ Be aware it is a show children watch, so be mindful of the audience.
4. Go and enjoy.
There will inevitably be people that will push this aside and not think twice about going. This is the first time in MSU history College GameDay has been in the Junction, so make sure and go to see what all the fuss is about. This is the greatest time in MSU football history. Squeeze every bit of last memory and fun out of these next few months.
“Totally worth it though, especially if you’ve never been,” Howell said.
This is an experience that has never come around and could before, and literally decades could pass before it returns. The entire college football world will be watching how Mississippi State handles College GameDay. Be there early with a sign and a cowbell, and show College GameDay what they have been missing.