ESPN’s ‘SportsNation’ updates studio, desk for new co-host

ESPN has updated “SportsNation,” its weekday studio show that combines analysis with live user reaction, with a new host desk and studio location.

The change comes as Cari Champion joins the show as co-host alongside Marcellus Wiley and LZ Granderson, replacing longstanding host Michelle Beadle. Beadle is relocating to New York City for ESPN’s new morning program “Get Up,” which debuts in early April.

ESPN Los Angeles Studio H

Filmed at the network’s Los Angeles Production Center, “SportsNation” is now using a different set inside Studio H, which had served as ESPN’s home for “NBA Countdown” and pre- and postgame basketball coverage since the 2011-2012 season.

In April, as ESPN opens its New York production facility at the South Street Seaport development, “NBA Countdown” will relocate to the East Coast, with only off-camera activities remaining in Los Angeles.

The new look jettisons the previous United States block map design and stonework in favor of more media, with additional space and venues for the hosts to use on-air.

Cari Champion on ESPN's SportsNation

Advertisement

ESPN Los Angeles Studio H

For Monday’s show, the set’s tracking LED video wall segments were combined to create a large surface which was adorned with a checkerboard of logos, photos and color, including multiple sponsorship placements.

Michael Kramer of MPKscenic created a new desk for the studio which uses a slanted L shape, mixing reflective finishes with plexiglass.