ESPN First Take is taking its show on the road heading to Savannah State and Winston-Salem State, the alma maters of Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith respectively. The news was first reported by local Savannah and Winston-Salem news affiliates based off of a press release obtained by the respective news organizations. But, Stephen A. made it official on First Take on Monday.

ESPN released a statement about the “First Take's HBCU Homecoming Special” via a statement from the ESPN Press Room, which featured quotes from both Smith and Shannon about returning to their respective alma maters for the tour.

“I’ve been a part of a whole bunch of exciting things throughout my years on First Take. But this may take the cake,” Smith said. “To have back-to-back days at HBCUs – on campus, LIVE – providing Black Colleges with national television exposure is sensational within itself. But for the two universities to be the alma maters of Shannon Sharpe and myself…I just can’t express how excited I am. Shannon can’t wait. Neither can I. This is going to be some of the greatest moments of my career. And I know Shannon feels the same. Buckle Up! Here we come!”

Shannon added, “If somebody would have told me, when I stepped onto that Savannah State Campus, that I would one day return to my alma mater in this capacity, I would have laughed. This is incredible, and to be able to come back this way means so much to me and I am so very excited. I have to thank Stephen A. for making this happen, and I have to thank ESPN and Disney for making this possible. We get to be a part of showing the world how great HBCUs are, and that is very special. We’re coming home!”

David Roberts, head of event and studio production, also chimed in about the HBCU tour, saying, “This is the latest example of First Take’s continued showcasing and celebration of HBCUs, led by Stephen A. with his deep commitment to his alma mater and HBCUs overall. First Take is at its absolute best with a live audience, add in two celebrated alums returning to their respective campuses, and both shows are sure to be extraordinary and make a major impact.”

First Take will broadcast live from Tiger Arena on the campus of Savannah State University on November 6. The crew then heads to Clarence E. Gaines Center at Winston-Salem State on November 7.