Big noon Kicks Off across the pond
by GEORGE SOMERVILLE
Big news for college football fans heading to Wembley in September for the inaugural Union Jack Classic matchup.
This week Fox Sports announced that their flagship pregame football show, The Big Noon Kick Off will be in London for the build up to the clash between the Kansas Jayhawks and Arizona State Sundevils on September 19th.
The Announcement
“We’re thrilled to welcome BIG NOON KICKOFF to Wembley Stadium for the inaugural Union Jack Classic,” said Brian Dubiski, Chairman and CEO of the Union Jack Classic.
“This is a big moment for college football, and FOX Sports’ commitment to the sport reflects the significance of bringing a Big 12 matchup to one of the world’s most iconic venues. BIG NOON KICKOFF will bring the world class tailgating atmosphere and expert analysis, and we look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans in London and around the world.”
When I spoke with Thomas Hensey, COO of the Union Jack Classic on The College Chaps Podcast back in January he promised to bring all of the razzamatazz that is associated with College Football to Wembley. Marching bands, cheerleading squads and of course tailgating. And the Union Jack Classic team are delivering on this promise big time.
If you thought that NFL tailgating was a spectacle then UK fans buckle up as College Football fans and their tailgates are off the charts. Unsurprisingly TV has become a part of this with shows like ESPN’s College Gameday and Fox Sports Big Noon Kick Off becoming staples of fans gameday morning rituals.
London hits the big time
Nearly two years ago I stood on the “crows nest” on the set of College Gameday when it broadcast live from Dublin ahead of the College Football Classic game between Florida State and Georgia Tech. Looking out over a sea of college football fans on this side of the Pond was truly mesmerising.
At that point I could only dream of a similar scenario unfolding in the UK. But here we are less than two years later about to welcome college football to Wembley and Big Noon Kick Off hosting its show in front of the Wembley Arch.
The pace of change in college football is fast my friends.
Fox's Big Noon Kick Off
Launched in 2019 the Big Noon Kickoff showcases the top billed game on the Fox schedule on that Saturday.
Hosted by Rob Stone the show features some true legends from the game, Urban Meyer, Matt Leinart, Mark Ingram, and Brady Quinn as well as Barstool Sports El Presidente Dave Portnoy. Expert analysis comes via Tom Rinaldi, Bruce Feldman and of course Chris “The Bear” Fallica. It is a very impressive lineup.
The show is a magnet for fans who are attending the game in and around campus and Wembley will be no different. Imagine the picture of the Big Noon set with the Wembley Arch in the background? Box Office!
Excitement continues to build
We are now less than 100 days from the inaugural Union Jack Classic bringing college football to London and excitement builds each day.
And it is clear from talking with Hensey and his team at Union Jack Classic HQ that there will continue to be exciting news as we get closer to the game.
But there is no doubt that Fox Sports to sending their premier college football team to London is not only a huge commitment but also the clearest sign that college football being played overseas is real and is here to stay!
I for one cannot wait to see those teams run out at Wembley in September!
#RockChalk #ForksUp
Tickets for the game are available directly from the Union Jack Classic website by clicking here.
GEORGE SOMERVILLE
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRITER
GEORGE IS A LONG STANDING FANATIC OF LIFE AND FOOTBALL IN THE DEEP SOUTH AND WRITES HIS WEEKLY COLUMN CALLED “IT’S ONLY SEC” FOR THE TOUCHDOWN. HE IS ALSO CO-HOST AND ONE THIRD OF THE COLLEGE CHAPS PODCAST, THE UK’S FIRST PODCAST DEDICATED TO THE COLLEGE GAME.