Fan Central Mailbag: How 30 for 30 films are selected; Sunday night debut for ESPN FC on TV
Before we get into your latest batch of questions, a reminder for fantasy football fans who are preparing for their drafts that Fantasy Football Now returns this Sunday (11 a.m. ET, ESPN2), with host Robert Flores, lead analyst Matthew Berry, football expert Tim Hasselbeck, injury expert Stephania Bell, SportsCenter anchor Sara Walsh and a collection of additional contributors each week. Before the show, check out the latest version of the 2013 ESPN Fantasy Football Top 300 rankings.
Now, onto your questions…
How are the 30 for 30 films selected? – Paul
Good question, Paul. To get the answer, we reached out to Senior Director Development, ESPN Films, Dan Silver, who explained, “the vast majority of 30 for 30 films are director driven. Meaning a director is passionate about a story, has a unique perspective on the subject matter, and comes in and pitches us. In the rare occasion this does not happen, the films usually spring out of a conversation we have with the director.”
Reminder: A new set of 30 for 30 films returns in October. Topics will include, among others, Jimmy Connors, the Sugar Ray Leonard-Roberto Duran rivalry, the Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan saga, the controversial 1996 purchase of the New York Islanders, and the Bad Boy Detroit Pistons of the late 80s-early 90s.
I know that ESPN is covering the World Cup in 2014, but do you also broadcast the World Cup qualifying matches? – Michael
ESPN continues to show all home 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches for both the U.S. and Mexican National teams. ESPN is currently scheduled to televise the U.S. versus Mexico World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 8 p.m.
Don’t forget, ESPN FC on TV, ESPN’s new global soccer news and information program, debuts this Sunday at 10 p.m. on ESPN2. Before the show’s debut, ESPN2 will have Major League Soccer action with FC Dallas taking on the L.A. Galaxy (8 p.m.).
Will Big & Rich be opening College Gameday again this season? – Allen
Good news, Allen. The music of Big & Rich once again will be part of College GameDay this season. Even better news: GameDay is expanding to three hours on ESPN (9 a.m.-noon) each Saturday. Here’s some more good news: GameDay’s season opener on Saturday, Aug. 31, will be four hours long (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) from the campus of Clemson University. The No. 8 Tigers will host the fifth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs that night on ABC (8 p.m.).
Program Reminder: The College GameDay Season Preview Special airs on ESPN on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m.
I was wondering if ESPN was doing another week of “My Wish” like they have done in the past? – Pam
The eighth annual SportsCenter “My Wish” program, with host Chris Connelly, returns Saturday, Aug. 17, during the 11 p.m. SportsCenter. Athletes scheduled to participate in this year’s series include quarterbacks Robert Griffin III (Washington Redskins) and Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks), NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne and tennis legend Roger Federer.
