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Homecoming Game: ESPN’s Founder Pays A Visit

Bill Rasmussen, aka "Our George Washington," made the most of his return to Bristol this week

ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen made the most of his return to Bristol, Conn., this week. Visits to ESPN historical spots, talks with employees and interviews with several outlets were on the agenda. He loved seeing what his idea has grown into and particularly enjoyed the many employees who thanked him and shared a story. Please enjoy this photo tour of his visit.

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The idea for around-the-clock sports was conceived in 1978 while Bill Rasmussen and his son Scott were caught in traffic on I-84 West in Waterbury, Conn. (Rich Arden/ESPN Images)



Most don’t know that the first ESPN office was at 319 Cooke St. In Plainville, Conn. (Rich Arden/ESPN Images)



The news conference to announce the creation of ESPN in 1978 was held at Cooke’s Tavern. It is now called J. Timothy’s and was the perfect spot for Tuesday dinner. (Rich Arden/ESPN Images)



Two legendary visitors run into each other in Digital Center 2: Rasmussen shares with UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma the important role the school played in ESPN’s launch. (Rich Arden/ESPN Images)



Rasmussen has been nicknamed “Our George Washington” by Chris Berman; Boomer offers a comparison. (Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)



Rasmussen told the college basketball production meeting the importance the sport has played in ESPN’s history. (Rich Arden/ESPN Images)



E:60 asks Rasmussen to “Tell Me a Story.” (Mike Soltys/ESPN)



Employees lined up to meet Rasmussen and share stories. Their stories included naming a dog after him and writing multiple middle school reports about ESPN’s founder. (Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)



Rasmussen records the history of ESPN’s launch for the archives. (Rich Arden/ESPN Images)



Rasmussen, ESPN’s first president, meets the current one, Jimmy Pitaro. (Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)



Rasmussen visits his campus plaque, now displayed on a sitting wall just outside the ESPN Cafe. (Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)



What was true in 1979 is still true today. (Rich Arden/ESPN Images)

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