ESPN’s SportsCenter coming to Wichita for Kansas stop on 50-state tour
ESPN’s flagship program, SportsCenter, will spotlight Wichita on Friday as part of its “50 States in 50 Days” summer tour.
The ambitious cross-country campaign features live broadcasts from all 50 states over 50 consecutive days. Kansas gets its moment Friday, when anchor Kevin Negandhi hosts the 5 p.m. show live from the Dude Perfect World Tour stop at Intrust Bank Arena in downtown Wichita.
The YouTube sensations, known for their viral trick shots, stunts and sports comedy, will accompany Negandhi for live hits during the broadcast, adding a unique flair to the Wichita show.
It’s won’t be the first time Wichita has landed a major ESPN production. Back in 2015, College GameDay rolled into Koch Arena for a top-15 Missouri Valley showdown between Wichita State and Northern Iowa.
Now, the spotlight returns and the moment isn’t lost on Negandhi, a prime-time anchor based at ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Conn.
“Hopefully it’s a chance to put a city like Wichita on the map and bring attention to its rich sports history,” Negandhi said. “A lot of people don’t realize it’s the home of Gale Sayers and Barry Sanders. We want to share special stuff like that.”
Negandhi will also anchor tour stops at the MLB Home Run Derby, the ESPYs and the Little League World Series. But he says each city gets the same energy.
“I take this very seriously and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, so I’m leaning into it and enjoying it and embracing it,” Negandhi said. “I give every event I cover 100% and go all in because that’s what that city and those fans deserve. I’m going to have the same zeal on Friday as when you see me at the Home Run Derby or at the ESPYs.”
A Pennsylvania native, Temple alum and devoted Owls fan, Negandhi has followed Wichita State athletics long before the Shockers joined his alma mater in the American Athletic Conference.
He remembers when the Phillies drafted WSU pitcher Tyler Green in the first round of the 1991 MLB Draft. And like many college hoops fans, he still recalls the Shockers’ Final Four run in 2013 and their undefeated regular season the following year.
“Those Shockers, you couldn’t shake them,” Negandhi said. “I just remember how tough they were with VanVleet and Ron Baker. It was like, ‘Good luck trying to figure them out.’”
Fans are invited downtown for a fan zone outside Intrust Bank Arena before the show. However, early-access tickets are required to watch the live SportsCenter broadcast inside — and those are already sold out. Limited tickets remain for the Dude Perfect show later that night.
For Negandhi, Wichita is more than just a pin on the map. He’s hoping to make the most of his time in the city and he’s asking locals to send him food recommendations on social media.
“I take this very seriously — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me,” he said. “I’m leaning into it and enjoying it and embracing it. Covering events like this, it’s the best part of my job.”
This story was originally published July 10, 2025 at 6:02 AM.
.jpg)