FORT WORTH, TX – APRIL 15: Tori Tatum of LSU reacts to her performance on the uneven parallel bars during the Division I Women’s Gymnastics Championship held at Dickies Arena on April 15, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Andy Hancock/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
NCAA Photos via Getty Images
As SportsCenter continues its “50 States in 50 Days” initiative, New Orleans and the 2025 U.S. Gymnastics Championships emerge as a pivotal stop. Led by anchor Elle Duncan and 2024 NCAA Champion Kiya Johnson, the SportsCenter team will appear onsite in Smoothie King Center on Friday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m. ET.
“The ESPN tour features a mix of live on-site shows and storytelling segments from a different state each day for 50 consecutive days,” officials report. “The initiative spotlights rivalries and community traditions, while capturing the full spectrum of what it means to be a sports fan in every corner of America.”
“Designed to bring SportsCenter and its anchors directly to fans across the country,” the event marks a meaningful moment for gymnastics coverage on ESPN and a celebration of the sport’s rising profile beyond the Olympic stage.
The Vice President of Production, Scott Clark, says the stop was “logical” and presents the opportunity to both cover the signature U.S. gymnastics event of the year and “everything that makes sports in Louisiana special.”
Why Gymnastics, Why Now?
This year’s tour marks the 20th anniversary of the inaugural edition. Gymnastics did not appear in the 2005 rendition, making its inclusion in 2025 even more meaningful.
We put a great emphasis on a variety of sports this time around,” Clark told me. “In some states, we chose events that are part of the culture of that state and in other states, we identified the bigger summer event and we surround that event coverage with unique state coverage.”
Clark says, “gymnastics hit the sweet spot for Louisiana,” and points to LSU Gymnastics’ historic 2024 NCAA National Championship as evidence.
The LSU Tigers’ recent successes only scratch the surface of Louisiana’s cultural sports shift. The Tigers routinely secure sell-out crowds and are the second-most followed NCAA Gymnastics team behind only the seven-time NCAA Champion UCLA Bruins.
With recent names including NCAA All-Around Champion Haleigh Bryant, Olympian Aleah Finnegan, and NIL trailblazer Olivia Dunne, LSU Gymnastics is steadily becoming one of the biggest brands in women’s sports.
Concurrently, members of the 2025-26 team are expected to appear onsite at Smoothie King Center for autographs at this week’s competition. The team’s impact will also affect the coverage on Friday.
What to Watch For in Friday’s Show
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JUNE 30: Joscelyn Roberson reacts after finishing her routine in the floor exercise on Day Four of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Gymnastics Trials at Target Center on June 30, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Clark says the tour’s production is committed to capturing “the essence of sports.” This treatment comes in the form of unique traditions, athlete stories, and pivotal moments. “Anything that is essential to being a Louisiana sports fan,” he adds.
“With gymnastics, we will look to expose our audience to these athletes in a greater way than we do day to day.”
On-site producer Malinda Adams tells me that LSU grad and 2024 NCAA National Champion Kiya Johnson will star among a crop of elite headliners in the segment. Johnson now serves as a production assistant with ESPN and plans to help host Elle Duncan “navigate the balance beam.”
Fans will also enjoy interviews from Olympic medalist Brody Malone and Olympic alternates Leanne Wong and Joscelyn Roberson. All three athletes are slated to compete for titles this weekend.
“We are also excited to show the flavor of New Orleans. You’ll have to tune in to see what we have planned,” Adams adds.
Viewers can catch the action on ESPN2 at 6:00 p.m. ET on Friday, August 8, with day one of the senior women’s competition beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolineprice/2025/08/08/sportscenter-hits-new-heights-in-new-orleans-with-us-gymnastics-championships/