Community Corner

Hundreds of Jobs Promised through ESPN's New Facility

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announces the sports media company could add up to 800 new jobs.

Sports media giant ESPN is the third company in the state to take advantage of the new economic development program called "First Five."

ESPN's plan to build a new 193,000-square foot facility in Bristol will make the new building the largest of the 18 on the company's campus.

The new "Digital Center 2" will create a minimum of 200 new full-time jobs within five years, according to a statement Tuesday from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. Future hirings could total 800, Malloy's office said.

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“ESPN is an iconic Connecticut company, one that began with a handful of employees and has now grown into one of the giants in media and a worldwide leader in sports reporting and programming, employing thousands," Malloy said in the statement.

ESPN plans to invest more than $100 million for the new facility which will house the company's flagship program SportsCenter, the statement noted.

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It will house four studios, six production control rooms, 26 edit rooms and more on four levels, dedicated to a variety of U.S. and international studio programming.  

In support of ESPN’s capital investment and the commitment to retain and create full-time jobs in Connecticut, the state will provide:

  • A 10-year, $17.5 million loan from the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for the construction of the facility and the creation of at least 200 jobs.
  • Up to $1.2 million to fund a job training grant program ranging from $300,000 for 200 jobs created to $150,000 for each additional 100 jobs created up to 800 jobs. Job training will be developed based on ESPN’s needs.
  • The Connecticut Development Authority may also assist with up to $6 million in sales use tax exemptions on capital equipment and construction materials.


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