ESPN has been so pleased with the success of its local sports site in Chicago that it is launching three more. ESPNDallas.com is slated to launch this Fall, followed by New York and Los Angeles versions in early 2010.
Like ESPNChicago.com, each site will feature an integrated home for ESPN’s news and information, online video and digital audio powered by the flagship ESPN Radio station in each market, giving local fans a destination for their sports on-air, online, on-site and on mobile devices.
“Our commitment to expand ESPN’s network of localized sites is a testament to our dedication to serve sports fans and their passions,” said Marc Horine, vice president digital partnerships and sales development, ESPN Digital Media. “We understand that local sports interests ignite strong passions, and Dallas, New York and Los Angeles have some of the most storied franchises and fan bases in history. We’re excited by the early success we’ve had with ESPNChicago.com and the opportunities that lie ahead,” he added.
Like ESPNChicago.com, each site will have its own short-form SportsCenter, hosted by SC anchors and providing an original 3-6 minute roundup of the city’s sports news, teams and figures each day. Additionally, the sites will feature:
Online radio and podcasts from local ESPN Radio flagship stations (ESPN 710 AM in LA, ESPN 1050 AM in NY, and ESPN 103.3 FM in Dallas);
Online video, including highlights, news, analysis and original content from ESPN programs including Baseball Tonight, NFL Live, College Football Live and more;
Original reporting, blogs and commentary from a stable of local voices, including those at the local ESPN Radio station, and award-winning journalists and writers from other ESPN media;
Breaking sports news and information;
Real-time scores, GameCasts and video highlights;
Clubhouse pages from professional and college leagues;
Community tools such as Fan Profiles, SportsNation, ESPN Conversations pages and Passport, ESPN.com’s digital fan scrapbook;
Each site will also extend to mobile devices;
The same local and national advertising opportunities that both ESPNChicago.com and ESPN.com offer.
ESPN said it will continue to expand the network to more cities in the future, though no specific plans are in place.
In June, ESPNChicago.com logged 1.4 million total minutes of time spent on the site from nearly 600,000 unique visitors, up 112% and 57% respectively compared to May, according to comScore.
