Ritskeller transformed into interactive ESPN Zone

The SportsCenter desk gives visitors the chance to try their own hand at reporting an ESPN “highlights segment” and then send the video clip to friends and family via the Internet.

The first-ever ESPN Interactive Experience on a college campus opened at RIT in September. Located in the remodeled Ritskeller, it features more than a dozen TV screens and an interactive ESPN SportsCenter desk where students can take a turn as sports broadcaster and e-mail video clips of their performance to friends.

The project is made possible through partnerships with ESPN and Time Warner Cable.
Sean Bratches '84 (business administration), executive vice president of affiliate sales and marketing for ESPN, helped make the Ritz Sports Zone a reality.

“We are very pleased to work with RIT and Time Warner Cable to showcase the ESPN brand and foster greater student enrichment on campus,” Bratches says.

The Ritskeller saw a complete refurbishment as part of the ESPN project. The remodeling included new carpeting, wall treatments and some eye-catching fiber-optic lighting. RIT, ESPN, and western New York sports memorabilia cover the walls.