This summer, ESPN’s SportsCenter embarked on an ambitious journey: visiting all 50 states in 50 days. Led by David Roberts, Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment, the tour brought ESPN’s flagship program directly to communities nationwide — from small-town baseball fields to iconic American landmarks. The result was a celebration of storytelling, connection, and the shared joy of sports that mirrors Disney’s mission to entertain, inform, and inspire.
As the tour wrapped on Saturday in Pennsylvania at The Little League World Series, Roberts sat down to reflect on the vision behind the project, the moments that stood out, and the lasting impact on fans and the SportsCenter team.
What was the inspiration behind taking SportsCenter to all 50 states, and how did the idea come together?
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. 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.
From a content perspective, what did you want fans to feel or experience when SportsCenter arrived in their state?
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. 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.
Which stops or stories surprised you the most, and why?
Every stop had something special, but the surprises often came from the unique ways communities welcomed us. In Iowa, our visit to the Field of Dreams ballpark created a nostalgic moment that resonated with fans of all ages. In Mississippi, the Neshoba County Fair — with its mix of horse races, Southern hospitality, and community spirit — was a perfect showcase of local culture. And in Pennsylvania, covering the Little League World Series reminded us of the pure joy and sportsmanship at the heart of the game. Those moments reinforced how deeply sports are woven into the cultural fabric of every place we visited.
How do you think the tour has changed the way fans view SportsCenter and ESPN?
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 — and that broke down the barrier between “TV personality” and “real person.” It showed that SportsCenter isn’t just about scores and highlights; it’s about shared experiences, local pride, and the power of storytelling.