Will President Trump's Arrival Delay the National Championship Game?
The College Football Playoff National Championship game between the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes was set to kick off around 7:50 p.m. EST on Monday night. But, as the anticipation built, a different kind of question arose: Would the arrival of former President Donald Trump cause a delay?
Trump's presence at the game in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, alongside figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, raised concerns. While the pre-game coverage was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. EST, including ESPN's pregame show, the national anthem, and the coin toss, the potential for delays loomed large.
Trump's history at high-profile events offers a glimpse into what might happen. He has attended several college football games during his presidency, including two previous national championship games. In 2018, his attendance at the title game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide in Atlanta caused significant delays for fans entering the stadium. And this is the part most people miss... His arrival at the U.S. Open in September also led to delays due to security measures, with the match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz starting a half-hour late.
This concern was on Pat McAfee's mind during a conversation with guest Nick Saban. McAfee mentioned that they might need to 'vamp' for extra time during the pregame due to potential Trump-related delays. He pointed out the extended entry times at the U.S. Open, suggesting a similar situation could occur. "You think they'll delay the start of the game?" asked co-host A.J. Hawk. McAfee responded with uncertainty.
Saban seemed to recall that Trump's attendance at the 2018 national championship game caused problems. McAfee agreed, stating that there was a chance of the same happening again.
Attendees were warned to prepare for enhanced security measures. The Uniformed Division of the Secret Service would screen all fans before entry, with pre-screening checkpoints before entering the stadium grounds. Officials warned of an extended security perimeter with ticket checkpoints as fans approached on foot. These precautions, while necessary, could lead to delays.
Any delays would create issues for ESPN and its coverage. Both McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit were pulling double duty, appearing with the College GameDay studio crew before transitioning to their broadcasting roles. Herbstreit needed to get to the booth, while McAfee was hosting a Field Pass altcast on ESPN2. If the game's start was delayed, it could impact the entire broadcast schedule.
But here's where it gets controversial... Could the presence of a former President, and the security measures that come with it, overshadow the game itself? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
