A cleaner screen for fans
ESPN announced that the BottomLine ticker, a scrolling bar that has long displayed scores and game updates, will be removed from its college football broadcasts during the regular season. The change will affect ABC, ACC Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews and the SEC Network, all of which will no longer show the ticker on screen.
The network explained that the decision is part of an effort to reduce visual clutter and keep viewers’ attention on the action unfolding on the field. This is not the first time ESPN has trimmed the ticker; similar removals were made for College Football Playoff games and for postseason events such as NBA and NHL contests.
What stays on screen
Even without the ticker, fans will still receive score alerts at designated moments in each quarter, and any schedule adjustments — like late start times or channel switches — will appear above the live feed or in the top‑right corner of the screen. These updates are intended to provide the essential information without overwhelming the visual field.
The move also reflects a broader trend in which many viewers now turn to smartphones, tablets or dedicated sports apps to track scores of other games. As a result, the network believes most fans can stay informed without relying on the on‑screen ticker.
By streamlining the broadcast, ESPN hopes to deliver a cleaner, more immersive viewing experience that lets the game itself take center stage.