While it’s not debuting “ESPN Ocho” that popular online columnist Bill Simmons commonly refers to, ubiquitous sports franchise ESPN will be adding to its lineup the first 3D broadcast network, ESPN 3D, it reported today.

The programming will begin June 11 with the initial 2010 FIFA World Cup match between South Africa and Mexico, and continue with a minimum of 85 live sporting events in the first year, according to ESPN/ABC Sports president George Bodenheimer.

The company added that next year’s BCS National Championship Game (ABC took over coverage from Fox this season and will broadcast this week’s Texas-Alabama game), will be produced in 3D, as will particular college basketball and football games, World Cup and Summer X Games.

ESPN has been dabbling in 3D for over two years, the company said, including a USC-Ohio State broadcast shown in movie theaters and at USC’s Galen Center.

We’ve seen a handful of other sporting events recently hit the 3D realm, including NBA All-Star festivities, last year’s BCS championship and a Thursday night NFL game, to somewhat favorable reception.

Of course, those were also broadcast to commercial theaters. Will this be the crack that breaks in the dam to let in a floodgate of 3D to our TVs, which already appears to be steamrolling ahead and into the home?

Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen contributes product news items to electronichouse.com along with his role on the print publication. Got a tip? Send it along!