ESPN Executive Dave Roberts Reflects on ‘SportsCenter 50 States in 50 Days’
Earlier this summer, SportsCenter hit the road for a revival of its long-dormant 50 States in 50 Days tour.
Starting June 27, ESPN’s flagship toured the country, visiting every state in the union on a nationwide celebration of sports.
“While originating from high-profile athletic venues and events to unique hometown locales, the initiative will spotlight rivalries and community traditions, while capturing the full spectrum of what it means to be a sports fan in every corner of America,” ESPN teased.
Photo: ESPN
In total, the SportsCenter 50 States in 50 Days tour unfolded over seven weeks. During that time, the program was broadcast live from a diverse array of events, including UFC 317, the MLB Home Run Derby, the WNBA All-Star Weekend, and the Little League World Series.
The Inspiration
Now that the SportsCenter tour has come to an end, David Roberts, Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment, reflected on 50 States in 50 Days.
“The inspiration was simple: bring SportsCenter to our fans, wherever they are. This marks the first time in 20 years that we’ve undertaken a cross-country tour of this scale, and it was directly inspired by our 2005 SportsCenter Across America effort,” he said.
“We wanted to reimagine that concept for a modern, digital-first audience — one that consumes sports across screens and platforms — while staying true to the idea of physically showing up in communities. It’s also part of our broader commitment to connecting with fans in every way possible ahead of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer launch on Thursday, August 21.”
Creating Community
As for what ESPN hoped fans got out of the celebration, Roberts explained that they wanted the tour to create a sense of community.
“We wanted every stop to feel like a celebration — not just of sports, but of the local community itself. Our goal was for fans to see themselves reflected in our coverage,” Roberts said.
Photo: ESPN
“Whether it was highlighting a beloved high school team or a unique local sporting tradition, we wanted fans to experience SportsCenter as a partner in telling their hometown story.”
Growing Closer
In addition to bringing SportsCenter to fans, Roberts believes the 50 States in 50 Days tour helped humanize the network and its anchors.
“I think it’s made us feel more approachable. Fans saw our anchors out in the field, sometimes in cowboy hats, sometimes on whitewater rafts. That broke down the barrier between ‘TV personality’ and ‘real person,'” he explained.
Photo: ESPN
“It showed that SportsCenter isn’t just about scores and highlights. It’s about shared experiences, local pride, and the power of storytelling.”
