First Take was supposed to be on the road later this month, broadcasting from Atlanta ahead of the Week 0 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff between North Carolina Central and Alcorn State. With the Delta variant causing a surge in Covid-19 infections across the country, that appearance has been cancelled.
The show was also scheduled to visit Memphis in September for the Southern Heritage Classic. Antoine Lewis, the show’s Senior Coordinating Producer, issued a statement saying that the show has made the “decision to change from an on-site to a virtual presence” for that event.
So far, no change has been announced for College GameDay. That could be for one of two reasons. First, the show continued to travel last year during the height of the pandemic and with no vaccine available to anyone. The usual crowds were missing though. While that was pointed out over and over as the reason that the show lacked it’s usual atmosphere, it could be an option again in 2021.
The other reason, as pointed out by Awful Announcing’s Andrew Bucholtz, is that while First Take usually chooses indoor venues when it hits the road, College GameDay is always done outside. That certainly mitigates some risk for Lee Fitting and crew.
Change could still be coming. There is plenty of time for situations to change and ESPN to re-evaluate its stance before the college football season starts. As of right now though, Awful Announcing reports that ESPN is planning to have College Gameday live in Atlanta on August 28 and live from Charlotte the following week.
