NBC’s Mike Tirico Set to Achieve Olympic-Sized Feat at Super Bowl
Mike Tirico is set to make broadcasting history by calling the Super Bowl for the first time. As the NBC play-by-play announcer, he will then transition to host coverage of the Winter Olympics, making this double duty a remarkable feat in sports broadcasting.
Super Bowl and Olympic Coverage: A Unique Challenge
On Super Bowl Sunday, Tirico will be tasked with juggling two immense broadcasting assignments. After calling the Super Bowl, he will remain on the field at Levi’s Stadium to facilitate the NBC Olympic coverage from Milan. This unprecedented back-to-back hosting arrangement combines football’s pinnacle event with the grandeur of competitive skiing in Northern Italy.
Preparations for the Big Day
Leading up to the Super Bowl, Tirico displayed his well-known organizational skills. He famously distributes a color-coded calendar to his colleagues, allowing each sport to be easily identified. Rob Hyland, coordinating producer of “Sunday Night Football,” praised Tirico, stating that multitasking is part of his DNA.
- Tirico’s schedule includes a playoff game and then a flight to Italy.
- He wakes up early on Super Bowl Sunday to watch Lindsey Vonn compete.
- His Olympic coverage begins the Tuesday following the Super Bowl.
Important Milestones
Mike Tirico is only the 13th announcer to call a national Super Bowl broadcast, an achievement that highlights the significance of his role. He compared the Super Bowl day to taking multiple final exams in one go, indicating the intense focus and preparation required.
Balancing Preparation and Performance
According to Tirico, preparation for both the Super Bowl and the Olympics is crucial but should be balanced to avoid overwhelming the audience. Hyland commended Tirico’s ability to present vital information effectively while maintaining audience engagement.
As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, both Tirico and his colleagues are aware of the unique demands this double-header represents. The excitement and adrenaline of the day will fuel his efforts as he transitions from thrilling sports action to Olympic festivities.
In essence, Mike Tirico is blending two of the sports world’s biggest events into one unforgettable day, a testament to his ability and commitment to excellence in broadcasting.
