`SportsCenter' To Launch Concert Series

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ESPN's SportsCenter will look to deliver music along with sports highlights beginning Thursday when it debuts its Center Stage music series.

The music show kicks off Thursday (June 25) during SportsCenter's 6 p.m. show with a performance from hip hop artist Wiz Khalifa. The series will return Friday (June 26) with a live performance from Wale, said network officials.

"Sports and music have always had a cool connection, and we hope Center Stage will further that relationship in a way that will resonate with our fans,” said Senior Vice President, SportsCenter and News Rob King. “To be able to kick it off with Wiz Khalifa and Wale, back-to-back, is instant confirmation of how impactful Center Stage can be.”

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.