Caesars Entertainment has unveiled the latest upgrade to its The Linq Hotel and Experience after entering into a collaboration with ESPN.
Following a series of additions, including a “next generation” sportsbook and a series of casino enhancements, The Linq is set to serve as the “epicenter” of ESPN’s expanded sports betting themed content.
Beginning immediately, ESPN and Caesars promise the delivery of “more robust, Vegas-exclusive sports betting and entertainment news to fans around the world”.
This includes moving ESPN’s Daily Wager to the new Linq studio beginning Tuesday 8 September, and the launch of a sports betting-themed digital show this fall.
“The debut of the all-new ESPN studio at The Linq Hotel + Experience is a testament both to Las Vegas’ position as the sports betting capitol of the world and its transformation into a sports city,” stated Chris Holdren, Caesars Entertainment co-president of sports.
“With the marquee location of the studio right at the heart of the Strip, we’re excited to see the unique programming that could only be produced here in Las Vegas.”
The facility is ESPN’s first built to be fully capable to support native 4K, and is said to be serving as the epicentre of ESPN’s sports betting-themed content for linear, digital and social shows.
The new, 6,000 square foot facility, which includes three studios and features 12 cameras, will also play a vital role during major sporting events, including the growing number of franchises and marquee events in Las Vegas.
“In our ongoing mission to serve sports fans, we are committing to a bigger presence both in Las Vegas and with our content across platforms to authentically serve a fast-growing, highly engaged audience,” said Mike Morrison, VP of business development at ESPN.
“We are incredibly fortunate to work alongside a great partner like Caesars Entertainment to achieve this and look forward to collaborating on more opportunities in the future.”
Later this year ESPN will expand its sports betting-themed content into multiple platforms with the launch of a new digital show. Episodes will be available three days a week on the ESPN app, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as part of a themed channel that will include content originating from Caesars.
“The appetite for sports betting content continues to grow among fans,” added Connor Schell, EVP of content at ESPN. “Our new studio will not only operate as the headquarters for that content, but it will also anchor our year-round presence in Las Vegas – a city that has become a destination for the biggest events in sports.
“The Linq studio allows us to meaningfully cover the lineup of major events on the horizon with our league partners like UFC and Top Rank, the NFL regular season with the Las Vegas Raiders – beginning with the Monday Night Football home opener on Sept. 21 – the Las Vegas Bowl, the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, NBA Summer League, and the rescheduled NFL Draft in 2022.”
