The ambitious cross-country trek known as `SportsCenter: 50 States in 50 Days` rolls onward, reaching a significant milestone: Week 3. This unprecedented journey by ESPN`s flagship program aims to broadcast from every single U.S. state, offering viewers a coast-to-coast snapshot of America`s diverse sports landscape.
Covering 50 states in just 50 days is a logistical challenge akin to managing a high-stakes playoff bracket – requiring relentless travel, precise timing, and adaptability. Each week presents a fresh set of geographic and cultural shifts, demanding the production team navigate everything from bustling metropolises to unexpected roadside gems.
Week 3`s itinerary spanned a fascinating cross-section of the nation. The SportsCenter crew touched down in Kansas, journeyed through New Jersey, stopped in Oklahoma, hit Georgia, explored Nebraska, traversed California, and concluded the week`s main stops in Utah. This diverse lineup alone highlights the sheer variety of environments and communities the tour is encompassing.
Beyond just visiting the states, Week 3 immersed the broadcast in distinct sporting and entertainment events. The crew connected with the viral sensations of the Dude Perfect `Hero World Tour` in Wichita, Kansas, captured the explosive power of the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby in Atlanta, Georgia, and landed among the stars at the prestigious ESPYS in Los Angeles, California. From acrobatic trick shots to baseball`s biggest sluggers and sports` annual awards ceremony, the week`s coverage spectrum was notably wide.
This non-stop movement and exposure to varied events isn`t just for the cameras; it`s an invitation for viewers to connect with the sports stories bubbling up across the country. To engage fans directly with the places visited, the `50 States in 50 Days` tour features a weekly knowledge challenge. This Week 3 iteration puts viewers` understanding of the states and the specific events covered to the test, serving as a fun, albeit potentially tricky, recap of the journey.
As SportsCenter navigates the next set of states, Week 3 stands out for its geographic spread and event diversity. The `50 States in 50 Days` continues to be a compelling real-time documentary of American sports, one state at a time.
Jasper Hawthorne 
Dominic Ashworth