- Live from Daytona Beach: ESPN’s flagship debate show, “First Take,” will broadcast live from Bethune-Cookman University on Thursday, November 20.
- Star-Studded Panel: Host Stephen A. Smith will be joined by former NFL MVP Cam Newton and Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark.
- How to Watch: The show airs from 10 a.m. to noon ET on ESPN and can be streamed via the ESPN app.
- HBCU Spotlight: The broadcast is the final stop on the show’s 2025 tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and precedes the annual Florida Classic game.
ESPN Sets the Stage at Bethune-Cookman
ESPN is bringing its premier sports debate show, “First Take,” to the heart of Daytona Beach, broadcasting live from Bethune-Cookman University’s Moore Gymnasium. On Thursday, November 20, students and fans will get an up-close look as Stephen A. Smith leads the fiery discussions that have made the show a morning staple.
The two-hour special, airing from 10 a.m. to noon ET, marks a significant moment for the university, placing it on a national stage. Smith, an alumnus of HBCU Winston-Salem State, will be joined by a high-profile panel featuring former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and NFL analyst Ryan Clark.
A Celebration of HBCU Culture
This event is more than just another road show; it’s the grand finale of “First Take’s” largest-ever tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The tour aims to shine a spotlight on the vibrant culture, academic excellence, and athletic traditions of these historic institutions.
Throughout the fall, the show has visited other prominent HBCUs, including Norfolk State and Delaware State, bringing its unique brand of sports analysis directly to the campus communities. The stop at Bethune-Cookman continues this commitment, celebrating the school’s rich heritage.
How to Watch ‘First Take’ Live from B-CU
For those unable to be inside Moore Gymnasium, tuning in is simple. Here are the essential details:
Broadcast Details
- Date: Thursday, November 20
- Time: 10 a.m. to Noon ET
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: Viewers can also watch live on the ESPN app or through streaming services like Fubo.
Building Hype for the Florida Classic
The timing of the broadcast is no coincidence. The energy and national attention from “First Take” serve as a perfect lead-in to one of the most anticipated events on the HBCU calendar: the Florida Classic. This annual football game pits the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats against their archrivals, the Florida A&M Rattlers.
By hosting the show just days before the classic showdown, ESPN is amplifying the excitement for a rivalry steeped in tradition. The broadcast will likely feature discussions and predictions about the big game, bringing the passion of the Florida Classic to a nationwide audience.
Image Referance: https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/sports/college/2025/11/20/first-take-bethune-cookman-tv-channel-espn-show/87326217007/