By Ashley Parsons
With a rivalry as hot as the one between the University of Louisville and Georgetown University, it’s not difficult to see why ESPN deemed it deserving of College GameDay Coverage.
In response to the hyped event, students have already begun preparation. From practicing their free-throw shooting to perfecting their body painting skills, the students at this game plan on being extra spirited.
Freedom Hall’s doors will open at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, with the GameDay coverage to begin at 11:00 a.m. There will be a reserved section for all U of L students. Entertainment, including a chance to make a half court shot worth $7,500, will be provided during this time to those who make it out to the early session.
Students who show up early can also participate in a costume or banner contest. While most are keeping quiet about their ideas, it’s without a doubt something many are looking forward to.
Despite the cold weather, many students have expressed their desire to withstand the hardships of the cold front in order to support their team. With many body parts to paint, students will spend a long time getting ready for the game.
Some spoke of getting to the arena early and painting up while in line outside Freedom Hall, in order to ensure their early entry into the stadium. Sophomore sports administration major Michael Price said he is sure to arrive in the wee hours of the morning.
“To do a good job it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to paint,” Price said. “Plus throw in how we want to be first in line and that makes you get there four hours early.”
Students have mixed emotion about the game being designated as a “White Out” game. Some are questioning the Athletic Department’s decision to “White Out” Georgetown because the Hoyas’ uniforms are white.
Others are ready to psych-out Georgetown with an all-white arena. Freshman mechanical engineering major Scott Beard said he is indifferent to color choice.
“It doesn’t matter what color we are or if it matches the other teams uniform or not,” Beard said. “The white-outs build student unity and really help to build the team’s heart.”
Sophomore Nick Knopf approves of the all white theme.
“It’s kind of cool to see all the fans in the same color,” Knopf said. “It gets the team pumped up and the fans get pretty pumped too.”
With the unity of the fans and athletes that comes with the theme of the game, an intense match-up is ensured.
Students have high hopes not only for the basketball team, but also for each other. While the student body has been criticized over the past few months for lack of spirit, some students are ready to show the world what they can do it. Beard feels confident about the potential of the students.
“Let us show to the nation how wild and crazy Louisville really is,” Beard said.
Whether it’s excitement about the men’s basketball team or the student section winning the hearts of fellow students, the anticipation is climbing.
