Norby Williamson (EVP, Remote/Studio Production) started the session by addressing three key components – the US Open, NASCAR and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Williamson said this is a great time for our company and we have a unique opportunity to serve sports fans and be a part of signature and major events.

“We feel that each one of these events can bring a sense of ownership and pride with our employees. The company is energized to make sure these events reach wide-ranging sectors of fans.” — Williamson

Jed Drake (SVP & Executive Producer, Event Production) spoke directly about the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Drake said ESPN is will bring our best group of hosts on board with Chris Fowler, Mike Tirico and Bob Ley — all of whom will be in South Africa for the duration of the event. Drake also noted that Alexi Lalas (soccer analyst) will be a part of ESPN’s coverage. The rest of the commentators have yet to be finalized.

“Every major event gives you the opportunity to evolve from where you were in the past. We recognize the importance of this event and the care it deserves. This will be a magical event.” — Drake

John Wildhack (EVP, Programming Acquisitions & Strategy) discussed our US Open tennis coverage. Wildhack noted ESPN it will do what no U.S. network has ever done – complete the Grand Slam by televising the US Open for the first time. Adding the US Open is “more than a tennis tournament, it’s the US Open”, Wildhack said.

“It really transcends the sport of tennis to have a major with world-class players in a place like New York.” — Wildhack

Rusty Wallace (NASCAR Analyst) gave a detailed account of his visit to the White House to meet Pres. Obama. Sprint Cup Series defending champion Jimmie Johnson was one of several champions to be honored at the White House last week. Wallace also talked about the growth of the sport and key drivers to watch out for as the NASCAR Chase heats up. Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards have dominated the point standings, Wallace noted.

Patrick McEnroe (tennis analyst) discussed the US Open, working with his brother John and the men’s and women’s side, respectively. Patrick will cover the US Open for the first time at ESPN.

“It’s going to be like our old ping-pong matches in the basement, when you had to take that masking tape and wrap it around the handle from hitting the wall,” — McEnroe, on calling matches with his brother, John, during the US Open next week

Alexi Lalas (soccer analyst) talked about the U.S. team’s chances and sleeper teams to look out for in next year’s FIFA World Cup. Lalas said great story lines involve North and South Korea, both of which have qualified for the World Cup. Brazil, Spain, Italy and Argentina are all promising teams.

“ESPN is definitely giving soccer its just due and a sense of relevancy with the upcoming World Cup.” — Lalas

Some questions from the room answered:

Q – What do you think is wrong with Junior [Dale Earnhardt Jr.] this year? Is he struggling in the pit or the car?

A –  Wallace: Every driver gets involved in a slump. I expect him to race a lot better next year.

Q – Why do you think the U.S. hasn’t generated a soccer player with more crossover appeal like a Tiger Woods or a Mia Hamm?

A –  Lalas: There is a lure when you’re talking about basketball and football and it stems from money. It just takes time. There will come a point when we produce an individual player who happens to be American.

Stay tuned, our Campus Tour session is up next…