ESPN Classic
May 29th, 2008
Launched in 1995 as Classic Sports Network by Brian Bedol and Steve Greenberg, it was purchased and renamed by ESPN (80% owned by Disney, 20% owned by Hearst) in 1997. The current logo incorporates the "boxer" logo that Classic Sports Network used. (Bedol and Greenberg went on to found CSTV (now CBS College Sports Network.)
In a cost-cutting move, the schedule (as of July 31, 2007) is largely composed of ESPN original programming, highlighting sports such as poker, bowling, and bass fishing, with less emphasis on re-airing classic games of major-league sports such as National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, NASCAR, Major League Baseball, and National Collegiate Athletic Association games. (Arena Football was added in March 2007 as part of the new TV contract between the league and ESPN, but was dropped by the time of the 2008 season.)
Many of the pro sports games once aired on ESPN Classic are available on NBA TV, NFL Network, MSG Network, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, New England Sports Network, SportsNet New York, YES Network, NHL Network and Versus, among other channels. However, most of the broadcasts on regional sports networks are subject to blackout away from the home team's territory.
In addition, the network presents some original programs (see below).
Despite the old-time feel of the network, ESPN Classic airs the network's standard "Bottom Line" with updates of current sports scores and news.
It is the only U.S.-based ESPN network (and one of two Disney-owned cable channels in the U.S.; ABC Family being the other) to air infomercials; they air from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. ET, seven days a week.
It has also changed from an emphasis on games of the distant past to games of the recent past. On many occasions, an event will have taken place within the current year.
The first live event to be shown on ESPN Classic was the implosion of the Seattle Kingdome in March 2000. More live sporting events have started appearing on the network as of 2005, including early-round grand slam tennis action and college football games due to either ESPN or ESPN2 scheduling conflicts. During ESPN's 25th anniversary, the network debuted ESPN Classic Live, special airings of College Basketball games complete with veteran commentators and old-style graphics. After late 2005 however, all live events on ESPN Classic began using the standard ESPN graphics package, and all graphics began using only the ESPN branding in February 2007.
In September 2006, ESPN Classic began broadcasting same-day taped coverage of UEFA Champions League soccer matches. These games air at 5 p.m. ET, shortly after a live game airs on ESPN2 at 2:45 p.m.
During September 2007, ESPN Classic aired the inaugural Champ Car World Series race at the Assen race course in the Netherlands live. Later that year, it showed the inaugural race at the Zolder Circuit in Belgium, and the annual event at Surfers Paradise, Australia.
Also in September, ESPN Classic began broadcasting live Saturday afternoon college football games on a weekly basis. The games are simlucast on broadcast television on stations affiliated with the teams involved with the game. There is also the "ESPN Classic Game of the Week, a rebroadcast of an ESPN/ESPN2/ABC live game, which shows every Sunday. Mike And Mike in the Morning was also seen on ESPN Classic during September, 2007 and again in January, 2008.
Starting on January 5, 2008, the network showed a weekly college basketball contest. The games are extensions of contracts ESPN has with various conferences, like the Big East, Big 12, and Mid-American.
Also in 2008, ESPN Classsic began re-airing the most up-to-date NHRA and IRL races on Monday Mornings.
ESPN Classic is the exclusive live television home of the annual Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
ESPNC will also continue to show sports events moved from ESPN or ESPN2 due to time overruns or other prior commitments. Examples include the 2007 Poinsettia Bowl and a number of NASCAR Countdown pre-race shows.
So, if you want to refresh your memorie with the best sports events in the world - ESPN Classic is the channel for you!
