ESPN launched 37 years ago today

In 1978, a City of Bristol sign at 935 Middle Street heralds the upcoming construction of ESPN’s first structure, now known as Building 1.

ESPN first took to the airwaves on Sept. 7, 1979, 37 years ago today. The network is the result of a brainstorm the year before between founder Bill Rasmussen and his son Scott. Front Row has raided the photo vaults to share glimpses of the network’s launch.

Here’s a look at construction of the ESPN Broadcast Center, aka Building 1, in 1979.

This is the original SportsCenter set and was used from Sept. 7, 1979 until September 1980.

Employees gather for the launch of the network, Sept. 7, 1979.

George Grande (L) and Lee Leonard report from the set for SportsCenter’s first telecast.

Anchors George Grande and Bob Ley, who joined ESPN three days after its launch, report from the SportsCenter set.