ESPN College GameDay 2023
Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:00 AM - Sat, 18 Nov 2023 12:00 AM
A message from Dr. Tim Miller:
Hey Dukes,
I hope you are getting excited about ESPN’s College GameDay coming to JMU this week. The past two times they’ve been here it was a lot of fun and I want to outline what to expect, how to keep yourself and others safe, as well as some expectations from me.
National attention
There will be tv cameras all around campus, particularly on the Quad. We’re so excited to show off our beautiful campus and to spotlight everything that makes JMU special. Many of you will have a chance to be on national tv so it’s your opportunity to show our spirit and support for JMU and our incredible football team. Please represent JMU and yourself in a way that will make all of us proud.
Safety
I know I’m stating the obvious, but there will be a lot of people coming to campus for the GameDay experience. I know that if you participate, you’ll want to make the most of the experience. The same advice as any weekend applies:
- Consider beforehand what you want to get from the experience, and how you can make choices that reflect and protect your plan and values
- Make a plan ahead of time and share it with others
- Stay with a group you trust
- Keep phones charged - a portable charger is a good idea
- Look out for each other and those around you and call for help (911) if needed
- Share your location with others you trust
- Have a plan for how you're getting home, recognizing there will likely be a wait for Uber and Lyft
If you or your friends choose to drink:
- Eat before and while drinking
- Pace yourself by setting a drinking limit, sipping your drinks, and/or alternating with water
If someone’s been using substances and they get sick while they are passed out, are unresponsive to pinching or shaking, their breathing is slow, shallow or irregular, or their skin is cold, blue or clammy, call 911 right away. Please look out for each other, and don’t hesitate to call for help. Learn more about the Enlightened Citizen Amnesty Process (ECAP), so you feel comfortable stepping up for someone who needs it. I trust and expect that you all will look out for each other and keep yourselves safe.
Signs
If you’ve ever watched GameDay, you know that signs are a big part of the experience. It’s impossible not to notice some of the catchy ones that are out there each week, and I have great respect for those who can make a statement that is clever and meaningful without being disrespectful. If you want to make your own sign, you can join us at the Clubhouse (Taylor 208), this Wednesday 3-5 p.m. Just a reminder, once it’s been broadcast, it’s out there forever and will be seen by your family, friends and future employers. Also, ESPN has rules about what you can put on signs so be sure you check those out first. I’m really looking forward to seeing what you all come up with, so let’s see your creativity and show the country how clever you all are!
Before the GameDay – lining up for “the pit”
Start by checking the timeline for the event. If you plan to arrive early, lining up will be permitted on the Quad beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday evening and tents, glass, coolers or alcohol are not allowed. In addition, no open flames or weapons are permitted on campus. The Quad will be monitored throughout the evening and into the event on Saturday. I trust you to be kind to those helping with this event throughout your GameDay experience. Spend this time celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime experience and socializing with your fellow Dukes.
After GameDay
Come hang out with me on the Commons after College GameDay for some free food, photos and music. We will have JMU spirit items we are handing out and a backdrop for you to get your JMU GameDay pictures!
Tickets and the Football Game
The game is sold out and student tickets cannot be sold or transferred. If someone tries to sell you their student ticket, I recommend you not pay them money for a ticket you won’t be able to use at the game. If you have a ticket and are not able to come to the game, please return it through the ticket service for someone else to use. If you are looking for a ticket, use JMU Sports or SeatGeek.
I encourage you to stay for the full game if you have a ticket. They need us from the kickoff to the Alma Mater after the game. As you are cheering on our Dukes, keep in mind how you are representing JMU.
Parking
If you have family or friends who will be visiting, please be sure they understand the parking rules at your complex and on campus. That way they won’t have to worry about their car being towed, which I hear happens frequently off campus. There are also shuttles that will be running through the community, including apartment complexes which may be your best travel plan to campus on Saturday. Visit this GameDay page for locations.
Enjoy the experience
Even if you’re not excited about football (or the Jonas Brothers), I hope you will enjoy the energy and excitement that will surround our campus. So, to the whole JMU community, let’s show the world who we are and what JMU Nation is all about!
A safe game day is the best GameDay!
For the most updated information visit this GameDay page from JMU Athletics.
Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
If you are planning to leave a vehicle on campus during Thanksgiving Break, please remember that normal regulations will be in effect for reserved football parking lots. To avoid a ticket and tow, avoid leaving your vehicles in the following parking lots:
- C3, R1 and R8 Lots by the Village
- C4 Lot by Hillside
- L Lot at Lakeview Hall
- F, G, P, C5, and C9 Lots near Godwin and Showker
- K Lot behind FedEx on S Main Street
- D2 and C10 Lots across from King Hall and the Rose Library
- Convocation Center lots A, B, D, and E
- Champions Drive Parking Deck
If you are staying on campus to attend the ESPN GameDay event and the football game, be sure to have your vehicle moved from the reserved lots no later than 10:00 P.M. on Friday, November 17! Vehicles remaining in lots at 5:00 A.M. on game day Saturday will be ticketed and towed to R9 (310 S. Willow Street) located behind Memorial Hall.
Alternative Lots are listed below:
- R3, R17 and R18 Lots on Harrison Street
- R19 and R20 Lots on Main Street
- R13, R14 and R15 Lots on Grace Street
- R2 Lot on Port Republic Road
Please refer to the campus parking map to view available resident parking lots or visit JMU Sports for more information about football parking. If you have questions, please contact Parking Services during business hours, Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 540-568-3300.
Eagle and Shorts Hall Pickup Info:
All residents of Eagle and Shorts Halls leaving on Saturday will need to be picked up at the Hartman Hall bus loop area off Bluestone Drive. See the attached map below.
Champions Drive will be unavailable for resident pickup for all of Saturday. Champions Drive will have heavy game day traffic before, during and after the game. Student/family vehicles will not be able to stop or park near the Champions Drive sidewalk to load your belongings.