Going to 'College GameDay' to cheer on Tennessee football? Here's a guide

ESPN "College GameDay" is coming back to Knoxville for one of the most anticipated Tennessee games in a decade between two top-10 schools.

Will the Vols defeat SEC rival Alabama and end the night with the sweet taste of victory and cigars?

Last time the TV program was in town on Sept. 24, the Vols exercised their Florida demons.

"College GameDay" will air from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and will again take place at Ayres Hall.

Heading down to GameDay? The traveling football analysis show has its own set of guidelines, but Knox News has some tips you won't find on the show's FAQ page to make your experience easier.

What time should I arrive for ESPN's "College GameDay"?

No. 8 Tennessee (5-0, 2-0 SEC) will face No. 1 Alabama (6-0, 3-0) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday on CBS. But when it comes to "GameDay," the early bird gets the worm − or, at least, a spot in the pit.

The pit opens at 6:30 a.m., well before the show's 9 a.m. start. Set your alarm early and have a pot of coffee ready to go, as the pit is first come, first serve. Some people even camp out for a prime spot in the rowdy crowd.

People who arrive later than 6:30 a.m. likely will be out of luck. But don't worry; you don't have to be in the pit to be a part of the crowd. Hundreds of people gathered behind the pit's gates last time the show was in town.

Get your walking legs ready

Parking on campus is difficult on normal days, and it's only more challenging (and expensive) when Lee Corso and the rest of the "GameDay" crew is in town.

Unless you luck out with a nearby parking spot, plan on walking to the Ayres Hall lawn at 1403 Circle Drive.

If you're looking for free parking options, head to the upper levels of Langley Garage at 530 Summer Place in downtown Knoxville. The Market Square and State Street garages also are good downtown options.

Sticking around for the game? Check out the all-day metered parking available nearby.

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Pack accordingly

The show is three hours long, so bring everything you need.

The pit has more restrictions, and the following items will not be allowed:

• Bags of any kind

• Food and drinks

• Pens, pencils and markers

• Dry-erase boards

• Signs on sticks

If you don't bring a sign but want to be a part of the "GameDay" tradition, stations with posters and markers are on hand to create your masterpiece. So are bathrooms.

If you're planning to hang outside the pit, bring chairs, snacks, water and your caffeine boost of choice. It will be cold in the morning but could warm up quick, so dress in layers.

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Will I have internet at "GameDay"?

Internet and cell connection will be spotty at best.

If you want to post photos on Instagram, find your friends via group chat or tweet about the experience, you're going to have to step away from the crazy "GameDay" crowd.

Last time the show was in town at Ayres Hall, reception started becoming available near the student union.

Bring the energy

Yes, you will be up early. But if you're going to "GameDay," you must bring energy to show the national audience what Rocky Top is all about.

You don't have to shave your chest hair to look like a Power T (yes, somebody did that last time) or scream your head off for three straight hours. But don't be the person who's falling asleep one hour into the show.

You never know when "GameDay" will be back in Knoxville (before this season, it had been six years since its last visit), so have fun cheering the Vols with hundreds of other fans.

Silas Sloan: Covering growth and development in East Tennessee
Twitter: @silasloan| Email: silas.sloan@knoxnews.com
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: ESPN 'College GameDay' at Tennessee vs Alabama: Guide for Vols fans