Open for filming
A new ESPN studio debuts today at The Linq Hotel in Las Vegas. The network, along with its partner Caesars Entertainment, announced the first production by the studio will be segments for SportsCenter and digital platforms. The facility will become the new hub for sports betting-themed content for ESPN.
The network will work with Caesars to expand content via the new studio, including moving Daily Wager to the Linq studio starting in September. The first show will air on Tuesday, September 8, with a new digital sports betting show launching in the fall.
Details of the launch were provided via Twitter:
ESPN studio at The Linq
The new ESPN facility is 6,000 square feet in size and is separated into three studios with 12 cameras. The camera setup includes two exterior robotic cameras.
state-of-the-art UHD 4K-capable technology, a first for ESPN.”
ESPN & ABC Sports SVP of remote production operations, Chris Calcinar, commented that the new studio with Caesars is located in an ideal area on the middle of the Las Vegas Strip. The studio “has been designed and built out with state-of-the-art UHD 4K-capable technology, a first for ESPN.”
The studio, which is set to offer 1080p quality, will be the home of ESPN sports betting content in social, digital, and linear shows.
Old and new content
After the move to the Vegas studio, Daily Wager will air on ESPN2 at 6pm ET on weekdays. The popular program has been on a break because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Doug Kezirian, who has covered sports betting for over 15 years, will continue to act as host.
Working with Caesars
The goal of bringing the new ESPN studio to life at The Linq has been in the making since 2019. ESPN and Caesars Entertainment Corporation signed a deal in May of 2019 to create the space in Las Vegas. The launch will provide a new viewing option for fans as the sports betting landscape continues to grow and change.
ESPN EVP of content Connor Schell stated in a press release this week that with the new studio, the company will be able to meaningfully cover the lineup of major events that will take place over the next few months. This includes the Monday Night Football home opener in late September as well as the Las Vegas Bowl, Vegas Golden Knights events, and more.