ESPN “College Match Day” is coming to your town with a new theme song this season.
The hit college football show announced last month that the country music duo Big and rich would no longer headline the show’s intro. Instead, country music stars Darius Rucker And Lainey Wilsonmore of a rock band The Cadillac Three intervene to offer a new version of “Comin’ to Your City” for the 2023 season.
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Here’s what you need to know about the new song:
Video for new theme song “College GameDay” debuted on September 2
The new theme song for “GameDay” was first released on September 2, ahead of the live broadcast in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Why did “College GameDay” change its theme song in 2023?
All good things come to an end. The college football version of Big & Rich’s 2005 hit “I’m coming to your town” served as introduction to “College GameDay” For 16 years, more than half of “GameDay’s” 30 years on the air.
Big & Rich member John Rich said ESPN made the decision to make a change. “I’m not sure what led to that decision,” Rich said.
( Can’t watch “College GameDay” on Spectrum today? Here’s why )
Unlike the original song, the “GameDay” version pays homage to college football teams and traditions and would be changed from year to year to reflect the sport’s current landscape.
What did Big & Rich say about the new “College GameDay” theme song?
Big & Rich, comprised of singer-songwriters Big Kenny and John Rich, released a video on August 24 on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, announcing their departure.
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“It’s been a great 16 years being the outspoken voices on ‘College GameDay,’” Kenny said.
“And now we’re thrilled to officially pass the torch to these extremely talented artists,” Rich said.
Who sings the new “College GameDay” theme song?
The Cadillac Three, Rucker and Wilson team up to take the reins, with the new song debuting Sept. 2 for the live broadcast of “GameDay” from Charlotte, North Carolina, where South Carolina will take on the Tar Heels (6:30 p.m. Central, ABC).
Who are Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson and The Cadillac Three?
Rucker, an avid South Carolina fan, will also serving as celebrity guest selector for “GameDay.” The former Hootie & the Blowfish singer and Grammy Award winner made his solo country music debut in 2008 and is one of the genre’s most recognized stars of the last decade.
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Wilson is a rising star in country music and the reigning ACM Female Artist of the Year. In addition to her musical career, she has had a main role of Abby in season 5 of the hit show “Yellowstone” in 2022.
The Cadillac Three, a Nashville-based rock band, includes singer-songwriter Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason and Kelby Ray. Johnston has written hit songs for country music stars such as Keith Urban and Tim McGraw, among others. The group’s hit song “The South” was nominated for an ACM Award in 2015.
Required reading: ‘College GameDay’ live from South Carolina vs. UNC
This article was originally published on Nashville Tennessean: New College GameDay Theme Song, Explained: Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson
