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By Cole Sullivan
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Dick Vitale, 86, has been a central part of ESPN's college basketball coverage since joining the network in 1979, when he called his first-ever game between Wisconsin and DePaul.
He since became a staple of the sport, and while he’s had to step away from the game over the past few years to prioritize his health, Vitale has returned with the same energetic and knowledgeable personality fans have always loved.
Now, with the best time of the year quickly approaching — the NCAA Tournament — fans have long urged CBS to put Vitale in position to broadcast a game, something he’s never done out of loyalty to ESPN.
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However, things have finally changed this season.
It was officially confirmed this week that Vitale, alongside his good friend and colleague Charles Barkley, will call the second of the First Four games in Dayton, Ohio, on March 17, with Brian Anderson handling play-by-play duties.
“Dick has meant so much to the game of basketball, and we have long felt he deserved an opportunity to call an NCAA Men’s Tournament game, and we are delighted he has finally agreed following several offers,” CBS Sports' Harold Bryant said. “Having him call the game with Charles will be must-see TV and a great way to tip off the First Four.”
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Vitale already called one game with Barkley earlier this season — something that had long been a wish for the NBA legend, who always wanted to broadcast alongside Dickie V.
“I told these guys one of my goals is to do a game with Dick Vitale,” Barkley told Richard Deitsch, then of Sports Illustrated, in 2013. “I would love to do a game with Dick Vitale because I think he has been great for college basketball. It’d be good for the game.”
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Fans have been ecstatic about the news, reacting across social media over the last 24–48 hours.
“DICKIE V DURING MARCH MADNESS,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “Dick Vitale for a First Four game. That’s cinema.”
A third fan posted, “Dickie V announcing a First Four game is going to be electric. ARE YOU SERIOUS!”
“Finally, finally the great Dick Vitale for March Madness,” another fan shared.
One more commented, “Chuck and Dickie V is must-see TV.”
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