Nov. 6: Savannah State University | Nov. 7: Winston-Salem State University

Iconic Alums Smith & Sharpe bring First Take for its First Full-Show, On-Site Trip to Both Campuses

Both Shows Open to Students, Faculty & Staff, Featuring Special Guests, Giveaways & More

ESPN’s signature morning debate show First Take – featuring Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim – kicks off the first week of November with back-to-back roadshows at two HBCUs with a special connection to the show. First Take’s HBCU homecoming on-site shows will bring iconic alums Smith and Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe back to their alma maters, Winston-Salem State (Nov. 7) and Savannah State (Nov. 6), respectively.

Stephen A. Smith, Winston-Salem State Alum & HBCU Week Ambassador: “I’ve been a part of a whole bunch of exciting things throughout my years on First Take. But this may take the cake. To have back-to-back days at HBCUs – on campus, LIVE – providing Black Colleges with national television exposure is sensational within itself. But for the two universities to be the alma maters of Shannon Sharpe and myself…I just can’t express how excited I am. Shannon can’t wait. Neither can I. This is going to be some of the greatest moments of my career. And I know Shannon feels the same. Buckle Up! Here we come!”

Shannon Sharpe, Savannah State Alum & Pro Football Hall of Famer: “If somebody would have told me, when I stepped on to that Savannah State Campus, that I would one day return to my alma mater in this capacity, I would have laughed. This is incredible, and to be able to come back this way means so much to me and I am so very excited. I have to thank Stephen A. for making this happen, and I have to thank ESPN and Disney for making this possible. We get to be a part of showing the world how great HBCUs are, and that is very special. We’re coming home!”

David Roberts, ESPN head of event & studio production: “This is the latest example of First Take’s continued showcasing and celebration of HBCUs, led by Stephen A. with his deep commitment to his alma mater and HBCUs overall. First Take is at its absolute best with a live audience, add in two celebrated alums returning to their respective campuses, and both shows are sure to be extraordinary and make a major impact.

These roadshows will mark First Take’s first on-site trip to both campuses with the full show and will be open to all students, faculty and staff.

• 6, Tiger Arena at Savannah State
• 7, The Clarence E. Gaines Center at Winston-Salem State

First Take will welcome a full lineup of special guests at each location, including Sterling Sharpe, former NFL wide receiver, analyst and Shannon’s brother on Nov. 6. Both shows will also feature giveaways for fans in attendance and much more.

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Media Contacts: Michael Skarka ([email protected]); Cecile Cross-Plummer ([email protected])