When ESPN announced that College GameDay was heading to Nashville for the Vanderbilt versus Missouri game, the community buzzed with a contagious excitement. Soon enough, tickets sold out, people were anticipating who the guest picker would be and the Vanderbilt Bookstore drew a line out the door, but that’s not all that happened. Behind the scenes, Vanderbilt staff from across campus quickly jumped into action, doing the meticulous work needed to make the national broadcast a success.
“Hosting ESPN College GameDay was a privilege for our university and a proud moment for the entire Commodore community,” said Darren Reisberg, vice chancellor for administration. “It came during a thrilling season of momentum for Vanderbilt and is a great demonstration of the collaboration and diligent work behind the scenes.”
A team effort
With only days to prepare, teams across the Division of Administration came together to pivot, problem-solve and pull off ESPN College GameDay.
Parking and Transportation diligently coordinated a web of logistics across campus to support ESPN’s crew during set-up, broadcast, and take-down of the set.
Vanderbilt University Public Safety coordinated with ESPN, Metro Nashville Police Department and more to ensure safety in advance of the event, with many officers working overnight as students excitedly posted up for their prime spots on Wyatt Lawn. VUPS planned and executed security throughout the broadcast, in addition to their already thorough standard day-to-day and game operations, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center coverage and Emergency Operations from dispatch to assessing risks ranging from weather to tripping hazards.
Campus Dining opened Commons locations early to accommodate hungry students participating in the College GameDay broadcast.
Printing Services collaborated with several departments across campus, including Catering and Events (menus, banners and signage), Facilities (restroom signage), Athletics (shuttle signage, opposing team lineups, credentials and perhaps most notably, locker name plates for Beau, Peter and Mitch Herbstreit).
Card Services coordinated the necessary campus access for ESPN crewmembers and worked with Events and Catering to ensure the point of sale for food and drink was running smoothly.
Communications and Marketing worked with university leadership, Parking and Transportation, Campus Dining and Vanderbilt University Communications and Marketing to share campus updates with the community and provided on-site support, capturing behind-the-scenes content with VUPS.
“The Division of Administration came together to ensure a successful College GameDay and game experience,” said David ter Kuile, COO for the Division of Administration and associate vice chancellor for Auxiliary Services. “Parking went above and beyond to support ESPN and our community; Public Safety and Emergency Management kept everyone safe and coordinated; Card Services, Printing and Transportation ensured seamless logistics; and Campus Dining opened early and stayed late to serve students and guests. It was an outstanding team effort that showcased Vanderbilt at its best.”
Campus collaboration in action
College GameDay perfectly showcased the One Vanderbilt spirit in action. Departments across the Division of Administration worked hand in hand within the Division but also with others both internally and across campus for the entire community, all with a quick turnaround.
The coordination and operational excellence required to host College GameDay reflect what makes the Division of Administration special: people who take pride in their work, care about the details and collaborate for a greater Vanderbilt experience for all.
When the cameras went live on Saturday, College GameDay captured the energy and spirit of the Commodores, but behind the broadcast was the dedicated staff whose work made it all possible.