Nicholson Students Gain National Sports Media Experience at Big Noon Kickoff 

“Hitting the Field” members contribute to major national Pre-Game show

By Emily Dougherty | October 29, 2024

FOX Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff came to UCF for the first time to watch the Knights take on the University of Colorado Rams. While the game may not have had the outcome that UCF fans wanted, students with an interest in sports media experienced a unique opportunity; an up-close view of the preparation and work that goes into producing a national, live show. 

Nicholson School of Communications (NSCM) is home to “Hitting the Field,” a student run sports broadcasting network that airs five shows each week. Tyler Brownrigg, a senior studying media production and management and a member of the club, checked out the production set before the live show, and shared his experience.  

“Seeing the set was like nothing I had ever seen before,” Brownrigg says. “Seeing all the work that needed to go into the final product from a behind-the-scenes perspective was even more surreal.”  

He explained how FOX gave students the chance to work alongside them, creating an immersive experience for those students interested in gaining experience and insight to be a part of a team for a nationally broadcasted show.  

“One of the things they let us do was the day before the show was to serve as placeholder talent so that they could set up all the different camera shots. We got to sit at the main desk and stand where DJ Khaled performed, which was really cool.” Brownrigg says. 

He says that NSCM set him up with the knowledge and resources to thrive in opportunities like the Big Noon Kickoff.  

“It (NSCM) prepared me for the terminology that is used on a television production. A lot of the terms that are used in the production world are almost their own language, so having a bit of a head start on that is a huge advantage.” Brownrigg says. 

When gameday arrived and the show went live, Brownrigg shared how much this event meant to him as a student who wants to pursue a career in sports media.  

“The experience of this entire event was something out of a movie to me,” Brownrigg says. “I think the more important takeaway from this is that it further legitimizes the work of UCF sports over the last few years. It’s such a cool thing to be a part of as both a student and a fan.” 

He says that along with UCF Football making strides in the media, “Hitting the Field” has also continued to grow. Brownrigg explained how the club recently had the opportunity to collaborate with UCF Athletics and air their pregame Show on ESPN+.  

With the success of their first show, Brownrigg shared that “Hitting the Field” was extended the offer to produce and air another show with UCF Athletics and ESPN+, which aired this past weekend. 

He says that the incredible work ethic of the students in the club makes new opportunities possible.  

“Everyone puts in so much work to make our shows happen—from the graphics to the highlights—we make and do it all,” Brownrigg says. “We do this every week for five different shows just because we love doing it. There is nowhere else in the country where you can have an experience like this—creating the best sports shows possible on a weekly basis on their own time. It’s unheard of.”