New Set Revealed for Longhorn Network Pregame Show Texas GameDay

Texas GameDay, Longhorn Network’s college football pregame show, is set to air from two new locations this year. Beginning Saturday, Sept.12, the show is live at the corner of 23^rd and Dedman (map) two-and-a-half hours before every home game. Positioned outside of Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium, Gate 25, the new set will be surrounded by UT fandom and provides a  prime view as players and coaches make their entrance into the stadium during the “Texas Stampede”. For the last hour, the show transitions to a sideline set as the stands fill and the team warms up prior to kick off.

“The new location allows us to even further illuminate the experience of Texas football and directly engage with fans on game day,” said Tom McCollum, LHN coordinating producer. “We are still able to bring viewers into the stadium and provide a unique vantage point with the sideline flex-set, while also having more interaction with fans outside the gates prior to the game.”

The Texas GameDay set was previously located in the southeast corner end zone.

Offering a uniquely Austin vibe, the new set includes a classic Airstream trailer that will serve as an on-location hub for the show. The desk remains the focal point of the telecast at both locations and includes a new face this season.

LHN analyst David Thomas joins host Lowell Galindo, and analysts Vince Young and Ricky Williams as a permanent show contributor this season. Thomas played on the 2005 BCS National Championship Team as a tight end alongside quarterback, and fellow LHN analyst, Vince Young. He went on to play six years in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints (2010). In past seasons, Thomas has provided in-studio analysis for a variety of shows, including, Longhorn Extra: Upon Further Review.

In addition to Thomas, Kasey Studdard, former Texas’ offensive lineman also on the 2005 BCS National Championship team, will have a contributing role this season. Jane Slater returns as well serving as a reporter for all home and away Longhorn games.

The new on-air team and elements of the new set will appear in a series of Texas GameDay advertising spots, the first of which debuts today. Entitled, “Night Light”, the new promo features the famed UT Tower as a source of light for the commentators’ late-night show prep.

The show returns for its fifth season Saturday, Sept. 5, live from the LHN studio for Texas’ first game on the road. The new set will make its debut the following weekend, for the UT home opener against Rice. The game airs on LHN at 7 p.m., with pregame coverage on Texas GameDay beginning at 4:30 p.m.

 

 

About Longhorn Network
ESPN has a 20-year agreement to own and operate a year-round, 24-hour network dedicated to Texas athletics in partnership with UT and IMG College.  Longhorn Network (LHN) offers a variety of content, highlighted by more than 175 exclusive events annually from 20 sports, original series and studio shows, historical programming and academic and cultural happenings. The network is also available to subscribers via WatchESPN on smartphones, tablets, computers, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

 

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