University of Houston Athletics
ESPN’s College GameDay is Coming to Houston!
Show airs from the Fertitta Center at 10 a.m. on March 2
For the first time in Houston Basketball history, ESPN’s College GameDay Covered by State Farm will visit the Fertitta Center before the Cougars’ March 2 American Athletic Conference showdown against UCF.
The show will air live on ESPN from the Fertitta Center court from 10 to 11 a.m., March 2 with hosts Rece Davis, Jay Bilas, Seth Greenberg and Jay Williams.
Houston fans are invited to attend the show for FREE with FREE parking available. Doors open for University of Houston students at 8:30 a.m. with doors for non-UH students opening at 9 a.m.
Tickets are not needed to attend ESPN College Gameday Covered by State Farm! All seating within the arena will be first-come, first-serve with the first 600 students having access to sideline club seating immediately behind the ESPN set.
Following the conclusion of the show, fans will be asked to clear the Fertitta Center in preparation for Houston’s 3 p.m. showdown vs. UCF. The Fertitta Center doors will reopen for ticket holders for the Houston-UCF game at 1:30 p.m. Tickets for the game are sold out.
Student Entrance
UH students with a current UH student ID will lineup at the Fertitta Center Club entrance on the Holman Street side of the arena. Doors will open for students at 8:30 a.m. with the first 600 students in line entering the arena through the Fertitta Center Club entrance and having access to sideline club seating immediately behind the ESPN set.
After the first 600 have entered, students will then enter the Holman Street entrance and fill in sections 101-105 before seating is then opened to the lower bowl.
Students are encouraged to get in line early for a chance to compete in the State Farm half-court shot and a chance to win $19,000 courtesy of State Farm.
Students must have a current ID to qualify for student entrance and seating.
Non-Student Entrance
Entry to the Fertitta Center for non-UH students will begin at 9 a.m. through the Holman Street entrance and seating will be first-come, first-serve.
ESPN Rules & Regulations for Signs
- No offensive, vulgar, inappropriate or solicitation signage will be allowed
- No political or .com, .org, .net signage
- No signs or flags on a stick
- No dry erase boards
Free parking will be available Saturday morning from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. in lot 12B with overflow free parking available in Lots 16B, 16D and 16G. A full map of parking for ESPN College Gameday Covered by State Farm can be found below.
Donor parking will also be available for those holding a donor parking pass for the March 2 UCF game.
Friday Welcome Party
Students and fans are encouraged to join the Spirit of Houston on Friday at 11:30 a.m. to help officially welcome ESPN College Gameday Covered by State Farm with the arrival of the show’s iconic motor coach on Holman Street.
Wear red as part of Cougar Red Friday and let’s show the nation how excited we are to welcome the show to the University of Houston campus for the first time in its history!
All fans entering the Fertitta Center should note the facility's clear-bag policy.
The following items are allowed inside Fertitta Center events:
• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches
• 1-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar)
• A small clutch purse no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches, with or without a handle or strap (These small clutches remain subject to search)
Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the doors by arena personnel.
In addition to the clear-bag policy, fans should note that walk-through magnetometers are in place at all entry points of the Fertitta Center.
Guests will be asked to remove all objects from their pockets and place them on a table prior to walking through the metal detector. However, guests will NOT need to remove their shoes, belts, watches or jewelry.