Reality and fiction will collide on Thursday evening when Ron Burgundy host’s “SportsCenter.”
It yet another publicity stunt for the character’s latest adventures in the upcoming “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues,” Will Ferrell will suit up as the Burgundy to host the 6 p.m. EST airing of ESPN’s flagship program.
As Burgundy says in a promo for the newscast, making reference to the network’s headquarters, “You can have South Beach Lebron, Ron Burgundy is taking his talents to Bristol.”
In addition to covering the latest news in the sports world, the legendary newscaster also recorded an interview with Peyton Manning in which he talks to the star quarterback about not having a mustache, finds out how he feels about the Denver Broncos’ mascot and addresses his own playing days as a scout team quarterback at the San Diego State.
Appropriately, Burgundy will be joined by fictional co-worker and sports caster Champ Kind, portrayed on the newscast and in the “Anchorman” movies by David Koechner.
The guest hosting gig is just another step in the marketing push for “Anchorman 2.” The Post’s Richard Johnson highlighted how Ferrell is one of the hardest working men in the industry right now. The movie’s publicity campaign has included an exhibition at the Newseum in Washington D.C., a limited edition Ben & Jerry’s Flavor, Ferrell’s surprise co-anchoring of a newscast for a North Dakota CBS affiliate and, most notably, the starring in a reported 70 ads for the Dodge Durango.
“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” will arrive in theaters nationwide on December 18.