Catch ESPN broadcasts from Old Town Scottsdale Feb. 8-12

Live performers announced for Scottsdale, ESPN tailgate event

If you’re looking to make a television debut, you may have your chance during ESPN’s live broadcasts from Old Town Scottsdale in February.

Join ESPN and Old Town Scottsdale merchants for an amped-up tailgate extravaganza along Main Street Feb. 8-11, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and 8 a.m. to noon on game day, Sunday, Feb. 12.

In partnership with ESPN, the event will serve as the backdrop for much of the network’s pre-game coverage of Super Bowl LVII, which is being played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Over the course of five days, multiple ESPN programs, including NFL Live and Sunday NFL Countdown, will be shot live from the Historic Old Town ESPN Main Street Tailgate, according to officials at Experience Scottsdale.

The five-day Old West-style football pre-game party will be Wednesday, Feb. 8, through Sunday, Feb. 12.

According to officials at Experience Scottsdale, the city's tourism bureau, those interested in appearing on national television will have a better chance from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, Thursday, Feb. 9, and Friday, Feb. 10.

“Though festivities will continue through 8 p.m. each day, you’ll have a better chance of appearing on national television weekday mornings. In doing so, you’ll help Old Town Scottsdale shine on a national stage, support area businesses and inspire future travel to the destination,” Experience Scottsdale stated in an emailed newsletter. 

Between ESPN filming, enjoy unique entertainment and events with acts like Sprague the Singing Cowboy, the Bronze Cowboy living statue, and Johnny Hotshot — trick roper and gunslinger. Play life-size games while enjoying live music, a western bar, and food-for-purchase offerings from Cien Agaves and Piccolo Virtu.

Live music performers include:

• Jesse Valenzuela — As a founding member of Tempe’s melodic, melancholic Gin Blossoms, Jesse Valenzuela has climbed a musical mountain. For more than three decades, Jesse has provided the multi-platinum group with hit songs (“Til I Hear It From You,” “Follow You Down,” “Mrs. Rita”), masterful guitar playing and exquisite harmony singing.

• Mark Zubia — Born and raised in the overheated environs of Phoenix, Zubia has become a veritable institution in the state, helping lead a series of famous and successful combos. In July 2019, Zubia was inducted into The Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame. He continues to write, record, and perform solo, with his band Los Guys and various acoustic projects. His evolution as a vital American singer, songwriter, and artist is ongoing.

• Desert Dixie — Both Arizona natives from the southeast Valley, J.T. and Cody Lynn spent years in the Valley music scene playing popular nightclubs, city festivals, private parties, and charity events. The two entertainers crossed paths in 2009 and combined their passion for music and their experience to create a band, Desert Dixie, that appeals to a broad range of ages and musical tastes. They draw inspiration from many styles and eras of country music, well-written originals, plus a few surprises from other genres. J.T. and Cody Lynn have opened shows for nationally-recognized artists including Lady Antebellum, Justin Moore, Patti LaBelle, Wayne Newton, and Jerrod Neimann.

• Gary Sprague — Sprague has been entertaining as Arizona’s Singing Cowboy for 25 years. He and his horses entertain for corporate events, schools, adult care centers, and private functions, and he and Dust (his horse) are in their 17th season of entertaining locals and tourists in Old Town Scottsdale on Saturday afternoons during the winter months.