Fans & Students Welcome SportsCenter to Collegeville [VIDEO]

COLLEGEVILLE -- Thousands came out to Clemens Stadium early Saturday morning to welcome ESPN's SportsCenter during a live broadcast.

"Seeing all the people out here this early is cool," says Laura, a student who got to the stadium a 4:00 a.m. -- two hours before the start of the show.

For years, St. John's has tried to get ESPN to visit Collegeville before finally succeeding the weekend of their anticipated match up with the rival St. Thomas Tommies.

"I think ESPN was looking for a good story, and they've got one here at St. John's," says Adam Herbst, Director of Alumni Relations for the university.

"To have SportsCenter here and to have our students, alumni, and fans so fired up, we're in uncharted waters -- it's a great day."

During the show, a segment featuring the legendary former head coach of the Johnnies, John Gagliardi, got the crowd even more excited, adding to the electric atmosphere.

"Our fans and students are pretty incredible," Herbst says. "It's just going to be a fun, full day and go Johnnies!"

The game between the Johnnies and Tommies kicks off at 1:00 p.m. at Clemens Stadium.