Chicago Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz, Chicago Cubs president Crane Kenney and NASCAR star Kurt Busch helped ESPN Chicago open the new ESPN Chicago Cadillac State Street Studio at 190 North State St. on Wednesday.
The studio will serve as the home for ESPN 1000's "The Waddle & Silvy Show" and "The Carmen, Jurko & Harry Show." Eventually, all ESPN 1000 shows will broadcast live from the studio. Fans can watch the shows live from the sidewalk outside of the studio.
"We are very excited about the new ESPN Chicago Cadillac State Street Studio," ESPN 1000 general manager John Cravens said. "Emily Barr and the folks at ABC-7 embraced this project from Day 1.
"We are so pleased to have Cadillac sponsoring this one-of-a-kind studio over the next several years. This is a great day for ESPN Chicago."
After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the viewing public was treated to entertainment from Benny the Bull, The Luv-a-Bulls, the UIC Flames cheerleaders and The Shannon Rovers, Chicago's popular Irish pipe band.
Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks, Illinois governor Pat Quinn, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts, former Bear Steve McMichael, Blackhawks analyst Ed Olczyk and ESPN's Michael Wilbon also attended the event.
