'Monday Night Football' moves to ESPN

PASADENA, Calif., July 13 (UPI) -- "Monday Night Football" changes channels this fall, moving to cable after 36 years as a staple of the ABC lineup.

Joe Theismann, who is scheduled to be one of the hosts on ESPN, is optimistic about the future.

"The schedule is the best we've ever had," he told the New York Daily News. "But it's going to be the game that really attracts the people."

The show debuts Sept. 11, with the Minnesota Vikings playing at Washington.

Another significant game is set for Sept. 25, when the New Orleans Superdome opens for the first time since Hurricane Katrina with Atlanta playing the Saints. ESPN plans a special effort for that game with the hosts spending extra time in New Orleans.

ESPN has also recruited a musical all-star team to back Hank Williams Jr. on the opening theme, including Little Richard, Steve Van Zandt, Charlie Daniels, Clarence Clemons and Steven Tyler.