On the occasion of legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale's 86th birthday, ESPN and the Charlotte Sports Foundation have jointly announced a new event in the college basketball calendar, the Dick Vitale Invitational. Slated to debut at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, the opening game will feature powerhouses Duke Blue Devils and Texas Longhorns squaring off on November 4. Touted to be an annual event, details such as the tip-off time for the game are yet to be determined, as reported by QC News.
ESPN Events' decision to unveil this new invitational aligns with celebrating Vitale, one of the most familiar voices in sports and a steadfast figure since his beginnings with the network in 1979. Known for his catchphrase "Awesome, baby," Vitale expressed his gratitude for the recognition. "ESPN has been such a vital part of my life since December 5, 1979, and I was so thrilled to learn that ESPN Events will have an annual Dick Vitale Invitational," Vitale said, according to a statement obtained by the Democrat & Chronicle. The news also comes a refreshing contract extension for Vitale, right on the heels of his heartwarming update about cancer-free.
Charlotte Sports Foundation CEO Will Pitts expressed excitement for hosting the inaugural event, anticipating that the face-off between Duke and Texas will set a remarkable precedent for what stacks up to be a cherished tradition. "Bringing together two powerhouse programs like Texas and Duke is an incredible way to kick off this new tradition," Pitts told WCNC. Notably, the Spectrum Center, which was home to the Jumpman Invitational for three years, will witness a changing of the guard as the Vitale Invitational takes over starting next season.
This event comes at a crucial juncture, not just for ESPN but also for collegiate sports broadcasting. Vitale's influential legacy, punctuated by more than 1,000 game calls and numerous awards, continues to resonate strongly with fans and players alike. With this new tournament, ESPN aims to perpetually celebrate the spirit and zeal Vitale brought to the table, ensuring his voice echoes through generations to come. Full details of this inaugural matchup, including tip-off times, are anticipated to be announced shortly, as highlighted by reports from QC News.
