Is this the end for ESPN in Connecticut? New Studios and Shows Coming to You from New York City

ESPN seems to be gradually moving out of the place they called home since 1979- Bristol, Connecticut. With many of the evening SportsCenter shows broadcasting from Los Angeles, ESPN has just struck a deal to build new studios near the Brooklyn Bridge that will give viewers a look at both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines in new shows schedule to air 2018.

The reason ESPN chose Bristol, CT to build their main studios back in the late 70's, is because satellite technology at the time required a clear path to transmit their signal to orbiting satellites. This was the only way to guarantee a strong signal that could be picked up by cable television companies. Bristol is a little more than 100 miles from New York City.

ESPN Creating New Studios at Seaport District NYC

ESPN has entered into a multiyear agreement to occupy a 19,000-square-foot space within The Howard Hughes Corporation’s development at Pier 17, in Lower Manhattan.

Starting in Spring 2018, ESPN will produce multiple studio shows from this location, as well as radio, radio on TV, news hits and social segments. The facility, at the foot of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, will provide ESPN with a unique opportunity to create content within the studio, outside the facility on the roof and pier, as well as around the cobblestone areas of the Fulton Street Market.  NEP will provide technical services and staffing for the shows.

“The Seaport District production facility is a state-of-the-art content factory that will allow us to produce differentiated studio content for both television and digital,” said Connor Schell, Executive Vice President, Content, ESPN. “The flexible spaces, both indoor and outdoor, allow us to take advantage of all that New York City has to offer.”

David R. Weinreb, Chief Executive Officer of The Howard Hughes Corporation, stated, “We are pleased to welcome ESPN as the latest addition to the Seaport District. They will bring a new dimension of entertainment to the neighborhood with live daily telecasts from Pier 17 in what I believe will become one of the most dynamic and iconic studio spaces in the country. This is yet another sign of Lower Manhattan’s evolution into a vibrant hub for the media, technology and creative sectors.”

Pier 17 was lit in red in ESPN's honor. Photos courtesy of NYPost

“In addition to broadcasting unique content from their studios at Pier 17, ESPN will also be activating the broader Seaport District with dynamic programming and events” said Saul Scherl, Executive Vice President of The Howard Hughes Corporation. “This announcement further distinguishes the Seaport District as a one-of-a-kind destination with its mix of food, fashion, entertainment and cultural offerings.”

Barry Katz, senior vice president and GM of NEP Studios, added, “Television goes where the audience is, and the historic Seaport welcomes millions of New Yorkers, visitors and potential audience members each year. We’re excited to support ESPN and their new space with the best technical services and staffing NEP has to offer, and to be a part of the Seaport District’s continued transformation.”

-Diane Lamb diane.lamb@espn.com