Reviewed by: Pat Byington
ESPN’s SportsCenter’s 50 states in 50 days coming to Birmingham
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ESPN’s SportsCenter is embarking on a cross-country trip this summer, visiting all 50 states in 50 days.
One of its first stops will be in Birmingham July 1 for the World Police and Fire Games.
50 states in 50 days
ESPN announced the plans for its flagship sports information program Monday.
The national tour will start with a special edition in Washington, D.C. June 27. It will then tour the States until August 16, finishing with the Little League World Series in Pennsylvania.
The aim of the summer tour is to “spotlight local rivalries, community traditions, and the many ways sports unite fans across the country.”
This marks the first time in 20 years ESPN will tour the nation, last doing so for SportsCenter Across America in 2005.
Alabama stop
SportsCenter will come to Alabama July 1, the fifth stop on the tour.
The program will make base in Birmingham for one day to cover the World Police and Fire Games.
Matt Barrie will anchor the coverage, with the primary edition of the show going on air at 11AM. In addition to being a SportsCenter anchor, Barrie hosts SportsCenter on the Road, notably traveling to college campuses during college football season.
World Police and Fire Games
The World Police and Fire Games is a biennial Olympics-style competition for first responders from across the globe.
Law enforcement and firefighters compete in traditional sporting events such as track & field and swimming, but also unique WPFG contests such as the Firefighter Challenge, K-9 Biathlon and Police Pistol Combat.
The 2025 WPFG begins with an opening ceremony at 6PM June 27 and runs through July 6.
This year marks the 9th edition to be hosted on American soil, and the first since the 2017 Games in Los Angeles. The last two editions were held in Chengdu, China, and Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Looking forward to SportsCenter coming to Birmingham? Let us know by tagging @bhamnow on socials.
