Zac Brown Band to Debut Opening Segment for NBC's Sunday Night Baseball
The Zac Brown Band is set to make its mark on NBC's Sunday night coverage of Major League Baseball with a new opening segment debuting this Sunday. The three-time Grammy Award-winning southern rock band will perform a reimagined version of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's “Karn Evil 9, 1st Impression Part 2” for the opening. The song resonated with NBC Sports creative director Tripp Dixon due to its organ and the line "Welcome back, my friends to the show that never ends," fitting the theme of “waiting all day for Sunday night.”
The band's opening will premiere during the Atlanta Braves vs. Cleveland Guardians game, marking the start of “Sunday Night Baseball” on NBC. The Zac Brown Band joins the ranks of Carrie Underwood and Lenny Kravitz, who have performed openings for “Sunday Night Football” and “Sunday Night Basketball,” respectively. The band expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be mentioned alongside such esteemed artists and is excited to connect with a broader audience through their music.
The “Sunday Night Baseball” opening was filmed in Milwaukee and featured a collaboration between the band and NBC Sports to capture the energy and essence of the performance. Despite the tight schedule, the project came together seamlessly, showcasing the band's talent and the network's vision. The upcoming weeks will see the games broadcast on Peacock and NBCSN before transitioning to NBC from May 31 through Sept. 6, offering fans a unique viewing experience.
For Zac Brown, a Georgia native and avid Braves fan, the debut of the opening segment holds special significance. The connection to his home state and favorite team adds a personal touch to the moment, making it a full-circle experience for the band. The collaboration between the Zac Brown Band and NBC Sports promises to bring a fresh perspective to “Sunday Night Baseball” and engage viewers in a memorable way.