#Redes’ commentator Alfredo Lomelí prepares to co-host the ESPN Deportes Upfront
NEW YORK — The ESPN Deportes Upfront will take place this afternoon in the J. Urban Theatre in the Hearst Tower, showcasing the platform’s 2013-14 programming offerings for more than 300 clients and advertisers. Alfredo Lomelí and Carolina Guillén, co-stars of the ESPN Deportes sports and social media show #Redes, will be the hosts of the event for the first time. Front Row asked Lomeli how he prepares for this role at the Deportes Upfront.
How does the preparation for the Upfront differ from #Redes?
It’s very different. In the show we focus more on the relevant sports topics for that day and there are two other people working with me. At the Upfront, Carolina and I will be responsible for making sure the audience is having a good time while we lead the flow of the presentation. There is also a little more pressure since the president of the company, John Skipper, the clients and some of the talent that you’ve looked up to your whole life will be there. There’s a lot of pressure, but it comes in the form of pure excitement for me.
What are you looking forward to the most?
I’m very much looking forward to meeting [boxing greats and ESPN Deportes talent] Julio César Chávez and Juan Manuel Márquez, who will be part of the presentation. When I was growing up, every time Julio César Chávez had a fight, it was a huge family event where we would watch the fight together and have some carne asada. In more recent years, the same happens every time Juan Manuel Márquez steps into the ring. They are two boxers I have looked up my whole life, as a boxing fan and as a Mexican.
This year for Upfront, ESPN Deportes is putting great focus on the on-air talent at the presentation. What are your thoughts on this approach?
I think it’s very fitting to focus on ESPN Deportes talent at the Upfront because we are the face of the network. The ESPN Deportes talent is responsible for presenting the public with the most relevant topics in sports, so I think the same should be done when presenting our product to clients.