Pat McAfee raised concerns about potential delays surrounding Donald Trump’s expected attendance at the College Football Playoff National Championship game in Miami.
Trump is scheduled to be at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday night when No. 1 Indiana faces No. 10 Miami. The president has previously attended major sporting events, including the Super Bowl and the Daytona 500.
While having the President on hand is a plus, his appearances often come with heightened security and a few logistical challenges.
During ESPN’s pregame coverage, McAfee wondered whether Trump’s presence could impact the game’s start time or require extended on-air coverage. He pointed out the past events that experienced delays when the president attended. At the 1:45:00 mark below.
“Might have to fill tonight. Just something to think about,” McAfee said. "You see how long it took to get in here? U.S. Open, right, was the last time the president was at an event with a lot of people? That was delayed, what, an hour?”
Many are wondering is Monday night will be a repeat occurrence. Secret Service takes over to protect the president and adds another layer to the event.
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Neither ESPN nor College Football Playoff officials indicated any plans to delay kickoff, but McAfee’s comments could be spot on. With heightened security expected around the stadium, fans arriving for the title game could face additional screening or traffic delays.
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College Football Playoff officials came out eariler last week and told fans there would be no tailgating without a game ticket to establish a safe perimeter. The championship matchup itself carries historic stakes, but as McAfee noted, all eyes may not just be on the field when kickoff approaches Monday night.
Miami faces Indiana on their home turf at Hard Rock Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Catch the action on FuboTV.
More CFP National Championship news:
- SNL pokes fun at Michael Irvin's amped up Miami Hurricanes fandom
- Miami hasn’t beaten a No. 1 team in 26 years— Indiana stands in the way
- Indiana's Curt Cignetti means business ahead of title game
- Here's how much Miami is paying its 2025 roster for College Football Playoff run
- Carson Beck shares honest reaction to 'Vanilla Vick' nickname
- National Championship parking prices are so high, getting towed costs less