Behind The Scenes

ESPN’s debut ranks No. 17 among
TV Guide Network’s 100 Moments

It’s time to take another time machine trip.

ESPN’s debut 32 years ago, kicking off with SportsCenter, ranks among TV Guide Network’s 100 Moments That Changed Television.

The next episode airs Sunday at 9 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. CT on TV Guide Network.

ESPN’s birth ranks No. 17 in the countdown.

In the video above, enjoy footage from some of the first sporting events we aired — including men’s slo-pitch softball and rugby — as well as testimonials from several familiar faces, including Chris Berman and Robin Roberts.

Less than a year after its Sept. 7, 1979 debut, ESPN was able to broadcast 24/7 for the first time. We celebrated that anniversary on Front Row in September.

Check out some of the vintage programming in that post, including the San Diego Chicken shout out.

Want to know more about ESPN’s beginnings?

Watch these Front Row videos featuring company founder Bill Rasmussen as well as Chuck Pagano, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer and Bill Lamb, Vice-President, Transmission. Pagano and Lamb were among ESPN’s first hires.

In the video below, they recall the network’s start.

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