In 2024, ESPN introduced ESPN Experiences, a premium travel experiences brand that blends the thrill of sports with the adventures of travel. ESPN Experiences aims to provide fans with exclusive behind-the-scenes access that only ESPN can deliver.
There have been two ESPN Experiences to date, with the next set for the PGA TOUR Travelers Championship in June. Most recently, in January, fans were offered a Rose Bowl Game: Beyond the Rose experience that included tickets to the Rose Bowl Game, Rose Bowl Game parade tickets, a private tour of ESPN’s LA Production Center, a Vrbo Fiesta Bowl watch party and New Years Eve celebration at Cosm’s LA location and on-field meet and greets with ESPN commentators.
Prior to that in August/September, baseball fans had the opportunity to go on the Take Me Out to the Ballparks tour, a three-city stadium tour that included a trip to ESPN headquarters in Bristol, commentator meet and greets and more.
With ESPN Experiences still less than a year old, Ali Baiocco, Analyst of Sports Business Development & Innovation, shares more about what this premium brand is about and what it means for the future of ESPN within the sports travel industry.
What is one thing employees should know about ESPN Experiences?
ESPN Experiences stands out from other sports travel businesses because it embodies the very essence of ESPN itself — our unmatched legacy, innovative spirit and the talented people who bring it all to life. Unlike traditional offerings in the market that focus solely on VIP access to major sporting events, ESPN Experiences goes one step further by combining premium accommodations at top-tier events with exclusive behind-the-scenes access that only we can offer.
“The goal aligns with the broader mission of ESPN: to serve sports fans anytime, anywhere. In this case, it extends beyond traditional media and aims to offer fans unforgettable, in-person experiences that bring them closer to the ESPN brand and sports they love with long-lasting memories.” – Ali on the goal of ESPN Experiences
What do you look for when choosing an experience to launch?
ESPN’s top priority is to focus on events where the company has a strong relationship and presence, as this allows ESPN to offer fans the most unique and exclusive opportunities. It also ensures that ESPN commentators will be involved, and based on feedback from previous trips, meeting them has been a standout experience for fans — a key element we plan to continue incorporating into future offerings.
In designing the packages, we put the fan experience first, striving to make travel seamless, stress-free and memorable.
Anything additional to share?
A huge thank you to the many teams across the company who have played an essential role in helping us successfully launch this new brand. Without the support of so many internally, this launch and the success of our first two trips wouldn’t have been possible.
