ESPN debuts midnight ‘SportsCenter’ with new look, desk

ESPN kicked of a new version of “SportsCenter” Monday, hosted by radio personality Scott Van Pelt.

The late night edition of the iconic sports show broadcasts from the same Studio X by Jack Morton PDG, but with a darkened color palette for the sets various backlit elements.

A new semi-circle desk has been added to the studio that allows for interviews and more interaction in the show.

The desk, placed on a riser with Van Pelt’s initials, matches the new “late night” feel of the show while avoiding typical cliches of the genre.

Graphically, the show opening titles featured a remixed version of the theme with scenes mixing the flat style of the current Troika graphics with 3D scenes of Van Pelt. The opening travels through Hollywood, Las Vegas and a music studio, ending on the “SportsCenter” logo mixed with Van Pelt’s personal identity.

This is not the “SportsCenter” you might be use to, but a laid back show with a different vibe, nixing the endless replay loop. As SI.com writes, it’s an attempt to help circumvent the franchises stagnation amid a sea of competitors (namely Fox Sports 1).

As a fun nod to history, Van Pelt’s guests included Dan Patrick, a former “SportsCenter” host. Also, September 7 marks the date ESPN launched in 1979.

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