New Jobs and Consolidation at Bristol Campus

Variety of Construction Projects Ongoing

With the creation of new jobs, along with the consolidation of parts of the company’s workforce from New York to the Bristol headquarters, ESPN’s Connecticut employee count will soon top 4,100, it was announced today by Governor Dannel P. Malloy in a visit to meet with company executives.  The headcount stood at 3,800 when he visited ESPN during his campaign in October 2010 and has already grown to 3,900.

In addition, a variety of construction projects dot the 116-acre campus and nearby properties, ranging from additions and enhancements to the North Campus facility, a child care facility opening in September, renovation of a building to accommodate the company’s publishing and magazine group moving from Manhattan, an expansion of the Employee Wellness Center, an upgrade to the ESPN Radio facilities and a redesign of the Ronzo Road entrance.  ESPN has more than tripled the size of its Bristol facility in 10 years to more than 1,200,000 square feet.

“ESPN’s decision to move existing jobs to its Bristol campus, and its plan for growth there, shows the company’s long-term commitment to staying and expanding in the state of Connecticut,” Governor Malloy said. “While ESPN has offices across the country, its headquarters in Bristol is in a key location between New York and Boston and affords its workers a quality of life in Connecticut that is an attractive benefit of doing business here. I’m hopeful that as we get our state’s finances back on track that we can discuss with ESPN additional opportunities to create more jobs right here in Connecticut.”

Ed Durso, ESPN executive vice president, administration, said, “ESPN continues to innovate and grow, and we are happy to work with Connecticut officials to continue our expansion at our home headquarters.  Much of our on-going activity is aimed at enhancing the employee experience – additional cafeteria and workout facilities, along with the much-anticipated child care facility.”  

Most notable among the developments planned for 2011 are:

• The move of 125 jobs to Bristol, primarily the New York-based publishing division, including ESPN The Magazine, part of an on-going initiative to more closely align all departments that work on associated content at the Bristol headquarters.
• The September opening of a Child Care Facility.  Operated by Bright Horizons – which, over time, expects to hire up to 70 employees – the 50,000-square foot facility for ESPN employees looking forward to the convenience of close and secure child care.
• Having averaged 150 new jobs annually for 10 years, and with expected growth and new programming, the Bristol headcount should surpass 4,100 by summer.
• The North Campus facility at 383 Middle Street is currently undergoing a number of improvements and additions, including a café, small workout facility and additional offices and meeting rooms.
• The redesign of the Ronzo Road entrance to the East Campus, moving the guard house and turnaround closer to Birch Street in an effort to enhance security. 

About ESPN

ESPN, Inc., is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring a portfolio of more than 50 multimedia sports assets. The company is comprised of seven 24-hour domestic television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Classic, ESPN Deportes, ESPN 3D). ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPNEWS HD are simulcast services. Other businesses include ESPN Regional Television, ESPN International (46 networks, syndication, radio, websites), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN3.com (broadband sports network) ESPN Mobile, ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Enterprises, ESPN PPV and other growing new businesses, including ESPN on Demand and ESPN Interactive. Based in Bristol, Conn., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.

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Media Contacts:      Mike Soltys at 860-766-2242 or  Dave Nagle at 860-766-2241

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ESPN’S ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT IN

BRISTOL CONTINUES TO GROW

ROBUST EARTH DAY CELEBRATION PLANNED

ESPN’s focus on sustainability and protecting the environment on its Bristol Campus remains a high priority and new initiatives continue to be implemented.  Of note:

• Almost 70% of ESPN’s waste is diverted from the trash to energy plant. 
• Every quarter, more than 14 tons of food waste is composted and turned into rich soil for local farmers. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers which pollute Connecticut’s water systems. 
• Every quarter, ESPN diverts seven tons of beverage containers, enough bottles to make 1500 fleece jackets. 
• Every employee is given a reusable coffee mug and a reusable water bottle, significantly lowering the number of cups used on Campus. 
• Building 13 meets the US Green Building Council’s LEED Certification criteria, highlighted by sunshading devices on the windows to keep out excess heat, motion-sensitive lights, high-efficiency water chillers and air-handling units and water efficient landscaping. 
• The under-construction child-care center will be LEED Silver Certified and will feature a 30 kW Solar Electric PV system to supply about 7% of the energy, one of many environmentally friendly features. 
• Two electric carts were recently purchased for ESPN security to patrol the Campus and drive visitors to their final building destination. 
• ESPN only purchases 50% recycled paper which saves over 1,000 trees every year. 
• Napkin dispensers in the café were converted to a model that only releases one at a time, allowing us to use 40% fewer napkins. 

EARTH DAY PLANS

On Friday, April 22, ESPN will offer its employees a variety of ways to participate including:

• Electronics recycling drive – employees bring used electronics from home to Bristol and a reputable firm recycles them.  In November 2010, more than 10,000 pounds were kept from the trash to energy plant.
• Reuse-a-shoe drive – old sneakers are collected and turned into playgrounds.  More than 2500 pairs of shoes have been collected.
• Energy-saving presentation – delivered by ESPN’s energy experts as well as other educational initiatives
• CFL bulb giveaway
• Organic foods – offered in the café throughout the week.

 

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Contact:  Diane Lamb at 860 766-2245