SportsCenter on the road

In its quest to bring fans to sports’ biggest events, SportsCenter has hit the road frequently in recent weeks, originating from the World Series, NBA season openers and major college football and basketball games. In this slide show, Front Row captures some of the electric scenes and provides observations from the anchors who road-tripped with SportsCenter. Expect to see SportsCenter on the road again for the College Football Playoff and other major events and games in the coming months.

1. Mississippi (Oct. 4)

“I knew from the first trip (Sara Walsh and I went to separate campuses in Starkville and Oxford, Miss.) that this would be an incredible experience. Nothing substitutes coverage of major events like being there. Having the opportunity to interact with the fans gave us a new perspective on the game. There is also an energy that can’t be duplicated in studio and it can be felt during the show. My favorite moment thus far was doing a piece about the Mississippi State-Texas A&M game using the 15th annual Bulldog Bash as the backdrop (the largest outdoor concert in the state). The hospitality was amazing and the energy on campus that weekend was indescribable..
We are all looking forward to see where Sportscenter takes us next..” — Bram Weinstein, SportsCenter anchor

2. Tallahassee (Oct. 18)


3. Kansas City (Oct. 21)

“I spent time doing SportsCenter on the road at the World Series in Kansas City. During my time at ESPN I have never had a better professional experience. I realized up close how powerful the SC brand truly is. Not only did they want us there they went out of their way at the stadium and also downtown at the Kansas City power and light that they wanted us to come back. SportsCenter on the road should be something that should become a staple going forward.”
– Jonathan Coachman, SportsCenter anchor

4. San Antonio (Oct. 28)

Besides visiting San Antonio, Chris McKendry also visited Cleveland twice: “Going on the road provides an infusion of energy and fun! At the rate we’re traveling to Cleveland, I expect to meet
Jay Crawford’s (Cleveland’s favorite son) entire extended family!”
– Chris McKendry, SportsCenter anchor

5. Cleveland (Oct. 30)

SportsCenter anchors Lindsay Czarniak and John Anderson in Cleveland prior to LeBron James’ return in the Cavs’ home opener against the Knicks.

6. Chicago (Oct. 31)

SportsCenter anchor Lindsay Czarniak, NBA analyst PJ Carlesimo and reporter Nick Friedell at Chicago’s United Center for the Cavs-Bulls matchup.  

7. Tuscaloosa (Nov. 4)

“There’s nothing like a Saturday in the South during college football season! The energy in Tuscaloosa was at such a high level – it was the epitome of a big-time college football atmosphere. I’ll never forget walking to the SportsCenter set at 6:30 a.m. on game day with those loud, passionate college kids, who likely hadn’t been to bed, but were ready to be part of something so fun. It was easily my favorite day at ESPN to this point.” — Matt Barrie, SportsCenter anchor (Phil Ellsworth/ESPN Images)

8. Indianapolis (Nov. 18)

SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, college basketball analysts Seth Greenberg and Jay Williams on the set at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Rachel Siegal/ESPN)

9. Green Bay (Nov. 30)

10. Wisconsin (Dec. 3)

“I feel the most impactful series SportsCenter has done was the ‘50 States in 50 Days’ series. This (broadcasting from Wisconsin) and future on-site SportsCenters have the potential for that. ESPN has passionate, loyal customers. We owe it to them to occasionally press the flesh and stump for their cities and towns" – John Buccigross, SportsCenter anchor

“I was blown away at the atmosphere in Madison, the passion their fans had for SportsCenter being on location from the Kohl Center, and the cohesion our team showed in a ‘road game.’

What people see is what we broadcast. What they don’t see is the enormous number of moving pieces that need to perfectly coordinate to put a broadcast like SportsCenter on the air. It’s an awesome thing to be a part of and I can’t wait for the next experience!

Among the highlights of the night was our conversation with Heisman Trophy candidate Melvin Gordon, golf analyst and Badgers fan Andy North, Duke freshman (and star of the game) Tyus Jones and Bucci & my half-court shot attempts (that were inches from greatness!)”
– Kevin Connors, SportsCenter anchor

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