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If you're in Mercedes-Benz Stadium for college football's national championship game in January, you'll see the participating schools' marching bands perform at halftime.
But if you’re watching the game at home on ESPN, you’ll instead see a “Super Bowl-style halftime show” from downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park.
The Associated Press reports that ESPN approached College Football Playoff officials about a musical act in the park to televise during halftime. Fans without tickets to the game will be able to attend the free show in the park.
“Traditions are an important part of college football,” College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock said in a statement to the AP. “This rich culture includes marching bands performing at halftime.
“This will be a win-win, enhancing the viewing experience for a broad section of fans at home and in the park, while maintaining the culture of the game inside the stadium.”
An artist hasn’t yet been booked, but ESPN hopes to secure “an A-list performer with broad appeal,” according to the report.
Hancock and Atlanta organizers of the CFP championship game announced last month the lineup of fan activities leading up to the Jan. 8 game.
The lineup includes several three-day events Jan. 6-8: Playoff Fan Central, a 300,000-square foot interactive attraction inside the Georgia World Congress Center; AT&T Playoff Playlist Live, a free series of concerts and fireworks shows in Centennial Olympic Park; and Championship Tailgate Plaza, a gathering place for outdoor activities on International Plaza near the stadium.
An open-to-the-public media day, where about 1,000 journalists will interview the players and coaches, will be held in Philips Arena on Jan. 6. A 5K road race will be held Jan. 7. Atlanta restaurants will be featured at a Taste of the Championship food event at the Georgia Aquarium on Jan. 7.
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