Texas Tech basketball’s record has not only earned them a top ten placement in the polls–but for the first time in the school’s history, ESPN’s College Gameday makes its way over to Red Raider Nation.
Texas Tech will face off against Kansas on Saturday, February 24th in United Supermarkets Arena.
Starting off the day, fans will be watching ESPN’s Rece Davis, Jay Bilas, Jay Williams, and Seth Greenberg as they talk Texas Tech, their predictions, and the weekend’s big matchups in college basketball.
“I think if you have ever seen Gameday, the great thing about it is–ya they do focus on the game that day and being on the court–but in between they do segments around campus and around town,” said Robert Giovannetti, senior associate athletics director at Texas Tech.
ESPN College Gameday brings national exposure to not only sports, but to the entire community.
“I think it will be a great opportunity for the university to put its best foot forward, for the city of Lubbock to show how great the city is, and how great the people of West Texas are,” said Giovannetti.
“A price cannot be placed on the value of exposure a two-hour basketball game or four-hour football game gives the institution. When programs are experiencing success, it only enhances that exposure,” said Chris Cook, managing director of communications and marketing at Texas Tech.
The university is expecting between 8,000 to 10,000 people to attend according to Giovannetti. He hopes to “really fill that lower bowl and make it a fun and good time for people.”
While fans may bring their spirit, Giovannetti believes the team will remain focused amid the excitement, but will embrace their accomplishments.
“I think the players look at this as–hey, we have a bigger goal in mind. We can’t worry about game day. But at the same time they realize this is a great reward for us that we’ve been successful,” he said.
The game against the Jayhawks is “really going to decide whats going to happen in the Big 12 against Kansas,” he added.
Admission to ESPN’s College Gameday, a 60 minute show, is free to the public with doors opening at 8:30a.m. and airing between 10-11 a.m.
The game between Texas Tech and Kansas will tip-off at 3:15p.m.
