ESPN’s popular debate show concludes historic HBCU tour with live broadcast featuring Stephen A. Smith and Cam Newton
ESPN’s popular debate show First Take arrives at Bethune-Cookman University on Thursday, Nov. 20, marking the finale of the program’s largest-ever tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The live broadcast from Moore Gymnasium runs from 10 a.m. to noon Eastern time, bringing the show’s signature sports debates and analysis to the Florida campus during a significant week for the university.
The timing coincides with Bethune-Cookman’s annual Florida Classic football game against Florida A&M, one of the most celebrated HBCU rivalry matchups in college football. The combination of First Take’s visit and the classic game creates a week-long celebration of HBCU culture and athletic tradition.
Broadcast details and viewing options
Fans can watch the live broadcast on ESPN through traditional cable and satellite providers. The show will air in its regular morning time slot from 10 a.m. to noon Eastern time, maintaining its typical format while showcasing the unique atmosphere of an HBCU campus.
Streaming options provide flexibility for viewers without cable access. The ESPN App offers live streaming for subscribers with participating television provider credentials. Additionally, Fubo streaming service carries ESPN and offers a free trial for new users interested in watching the broadcast.
Moore Gymnasium on the Bethune-Cookman campus serves as the venue for the live show. The gym provides an intimate setting that allows students, faculty and local fans to experience the production firsthand while the cameras capture the energy of an HBCU environment.
Featured personalities bring star power
Stephen A. Smith anchors the broadcast as the show’s most recognizable personality. Smith’s connection to HBCUs runs deep as an alumnus of Winston-Salem State University, giving him personal investment in the tour’s mission to highlight these institutions. His passionate debate style and encyclopedic sports knowledge have made him one of sports media’s most prominent voices.
Former NFL MVP quarterback Cam Newton joins as a special guest, bringing his unique perspective as someone who played at Auburn before a distinguished professional career. Newton’s charismatic personality and understanding of Southern football culture make him a natural fit for the Florida Classic week celebration.
Ryan Clark, former Super Bowl champion defensive back, rounds out the guest lineup. Clark’s transition from successful NFL player to insightful analyst has established him as a respected voice in sports media. His ability to break down football strategy while maintaining entertainment value aligns perfectly with First Take’s format.
HBCU tour reaches conclusion
The Bethune-Cookman appearance represents the fourth and final stop on First Take’s most ambitious HBCU tour. The journey began at Norfolk State before moving to Legion Field in Birmingham for the Alabama A&M versus Alabama State game. Delaware State hosted the third stop in October, building momentum toward the Florida finale.
The tour initiative aims to shine a national spotlight on HBCUs and their cultural significance within American higher education and athletics. These institutions have produced countless leaders, professionals and athletes while serving as pillars of their communities. By broadcasting from these campuses, First Take introduces wider audiences to HBCU traditions and achievements.
Stephen A. Smith’s personal connection to Winston-Salem State University adds authenticity to the tour’s mission. The show previously recorded at his alma mater in 2019, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to HBCU engagement that extends beyond a single promotional campaign.
Florida Classic provides perfect backdrop
The Florida Classic represents one of college football’s most anticipated HBCU matchups, drawing thousands of fans to Orlando annually for the neutral-site game between Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M. The rivalry spans decades and showcases the pageantry, musicianship and athletic competition that define HBCU football culture.
First Take’s presence during Florida Classic week amplifies attention on both the rivalry game and the participating universities. The combination creates a multi-day celebration that extends beyond the football field to encompass the broader HBCU experience including academic achievements, cultural contributions and community impact.
Bethune-Cookman University’s campus in Daytona Beach, Florida, serves as an ideal location for showcasing HBCU life. The university’s history of excellence in education and athletics provides rich material for First Take’s discussions while introducing viewers to an institution they may not previously have known.
Show format maintains signature style
Despite the special location, First Take will maintain its familiar debate-driven format. The show typically features passionate discussions about trending sports topics, with hosts and guests taking opposing viewpoints to generate compelling television. Stephen A. Smith’s emphatic delivery style often drives these debates, creating memorable moments that generate social media buzz.
The HBCU campus setting may influence topic selection to include more discussion of HBCU athletics, college football in the South and the Florida Classic matchup. However, the show will likely also cover major storylines from professional sports leagues as it does during typical broadcasts.
Audience participation from students and local fans could add spontaneous energy to the show. First Take has successfully incorporated crowd reactions during previous remote broadcasts, and the enthusiasm of HBCU communities often creates electric atmospheres for special events.
Cultural significance extends beyond sports
The HBCU tour represents more than sports entertainment programming. It acknowledges the historical importance of these institutions in providing educational opportunities for Black Americans when other options were limited or nonexistent. HBCUs continue serving vital roles in their communities while producing successful graduates across all professional fields.
By dedicating significant production resources to this tour, ESPN and First Take demonstrate recognition of HBCUs’ ongoing relevance and value. The visibility generated by national television broadcasts can benefit these universities through increased enrollment interest, donor engagement and general awareness among audiences unfamiliar with HBCU culture.
Student experience creates lasting impact
For Bethune-Cookman students, hosting First Take provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience major television production on their campus. Attending the live broadcast, potentially appearing on camera and interacting with sports media personalities creates memories students will carry long after graduation.
The event also exposes students to career possibilities in sports media, broadcasting and entertainment production. Seeing the technical aspects of a live television show and meeting industry professionals may inspire some students to pursue careers in these fields.
Streaming technology expands reach
The availability of streaming options through the ESPN App and Fubo ensures the broadcast reaches audiences beyond traditional television viewers. Younger demographics increasingly consume content through streaming platforms rather than cable, making these options essential for maximizing viewership.
The free trial offered by Fubo removes financial barriers for interested viewers who want to watch this special broadcast without committing to a subscription. This approach aligns with the tour’s inclusive mission of bringing HBCU culture to the widest possible audience.
Mobile viewing through the ESPN App provides additional flexibility, allowing fans to watch from anywhere with internet connectivity. This feature particularly benefits students and young professionals who may not have access to television during morning hours.
