You realize every sports junkie in America wishes he or she had your gig, right? Especially when you make another hilarious “This is SportsCenter” commercial.
(Laughs) Exactly. I’ve worn a Captain America outfit. I’ve been shoved in the trunk of a car by PGA champ Rich Beem, and chased by LeBron James. I showed early on that I was willing to be the punch line and laugh at myself. Everyone who’s anyone in sports has been part of these commercials—and I’ve gotten to go along for the ride.
What came first: America’s 24/7 obsession with sports or ESPN?
America’s passion for athletics has always been around—we simply feed the beast.
ESPN anchors aren’t talking heads—you’re slick without appearing haughty. What’s the formula?
Many people are shocked to hear this, but we write our own copy. If the back and forth between another anchor and me doesn’t feel genuine, fans can sniff out phony in a hurry.
There’s nothing phony when you scream, “Let’s go to Bentley’s!,” a University of Maryland hangout, after a Terrapin win.
My bosses initially thought I was being a homer when I said this during a broadcast—and I’ve never hidden the fact that I’m a Maryland grad—but I’ll say it until I’m physically dragged from the set. I do this for other towns, too. Giving regional references gets the fan base fired up. My job is more than reporting how many points were scored in a game; it’s about connecting with people, especially when I make a fan in Lawrence, Kan., feel like I know something about him.
Your favorite destination to cover sports?
St. Andrews, Scotland. If you’re a golf fan, it’s mecca. You just have to go.
Your favorite dining spots when on the road for work?
I love Prime 112 in South Beach—great food, great people-watching. In New York City, it’s Campagnola, which is old-school Italian.
What about when you return home to D.C.?
Otello near Dupont Circle. My family has been going there for 25 years. I host a holiday dinner there for family and friends every year. It’s not about atmosphere; it’s about very good food.
You must hit the links when you come home. Where are your favorite places to play close to D.C.?
I love Congressional and Robert Trent Jones, but believe it or not, my favorite is Midway Par 3 in Delaware—a public course where my friends and I have literally played thousands of holes. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more reflective about friends and good times, and this course holds so many memories for me.
Scott Van Pelt is a SportsCenter anchor, ESPN lead reporter and host of the network’s coverage of golf and Grand Slam events. He also hosts The Scott Van Pelt Show (2–4 p.m., Monday–Friday) on ESPN Radio simulcast (3–4 p.m. ET) on ESPN2 and ESPN2HD.