It was just two months ago that ESPN announced it was canceling the planned roadshows for First Take. Shows planned for Atlanta in August and Memphis in September did not happen. Later this month that changes, as Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim Rose head to Tallahassee.
The show will be on-site at Florida A&M University, where an amphitheater is being named after alum and Hollywood producer Will Packer. In addition to Smith and Rose, frequent Packer collaborator and First Take guest Kevin Hart will also be a part of the show.
At the time of the announcement, ESPN was expecting fans to be able to attend the October 29 show. A press release says that the network is leaving decisions and updates up to the university.
“I am pumped First Take is back on the road,” said Qerim Rose. “I am also proud we are honoring the exceptional work of HBCUs throughout the country. I can’t wait to visit the campus of FAMU and meet all the Rattlers in person!”
The show has been highlighting historically black colleges and universities for a long time. In September, it started a new tradition called “HBCU Wednesday,” highlighting different schools with special guests, debate questions from students, and live shots from campus.
Smith, a graduate of Winston-Salem State, an HBCU in North Carolina, said that he has always been impressed with Will Packer’s commitment to his alma mater and to HBCUs across that country. That is why he says he was happy to oblige when Packer asked him “to make sure First Take is a part of its sensational event”.