1. Boone is special
Boone welcomed ESPN’s College GameDay for the first time Saturday, drawing in national media attention and crowding Sanford Mall with thousands of fans. Not only did the small college town put on a great show, it exceeded the standard set by larger schools that host College GameDay more frequently.
“That was one of the most memorable shows I’ve ever done,” said College GameDay host Rece Davis following Saturday’s three-hour filming.
Boone is also special for its loyalty and love for its own. That’s always been evidenced by the support given to the football team, but when former App State student and country music star Luke Combs returned home to appear as the guest picker on GameDay, Sanford Mall reached its peak volume and cheered louder for Combs than any of the sports celebrities on the GameDay set.