Stephen A. Smith makes electric First Take return for special show in new location as he says ‘it’s an honor to be here’

STEPHEN A. Smith has returned from vacation with one of his trademark cold opens in front of a raucous crowd.

The First Take star, 56, brought the energy for Friday’s special edition of the show in Chicago.

ESPN

ESPN

First Take hit the road and broadcast from the National Association of Black Journalists.

The ESPN personality labeled it “an honor to be here.”

Smith looked slick and smart in his cream suit as he introduced the show.

And he did so with his usual exuberance as he walked into the ballroom at the Hilton hotel.

Fans cheered his arrival and maintained the noise during his cold open.

Molly Qerim joined Smith on the makeshift set along with Kimberley A. Martin and Damien Woody.

“I was on vacation but y’all are more important than vacation,” Smith said.

“Damn it, it means a lot because I was having a good time.”

Smith has enjoyed an extended vacation in July as he catches his breath after NBA season.

He made a three-day cameo last week before heading on break again, where he has been for most of July.

First Take has been bumped to ESPN2 for live sports a number of times over the last month.

ESPN showed Wimbledon for the first fortnight of July on the main channel.

And there was a three-day stretch where First Take was axed altogether, with tennis coverage also on ESPN2.

Last week, the sports debate show was back on the secondary channel, as ESPN showed the Little League World Series.

But Chicago’s live show Friday marks the beginning of the big buildup to NFL season.

Stephen A. Smith's journey through media

STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and an executive producer on First Take having initially started working for the company back in 2003.

Smith has held various roles with the network, including hosting radio shows, SportsCenter contributions, and appearing on NBA Countdown.

He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.

His began as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.

Before that, Smith worked as a reporter with Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News, and the New York Daily News.

Pre-season officially began with the Hall of Fame game Thursday night, which ESPN showed live.

The network also put on special shows NFL Live shows last weekend with training camps underway across the nation.

Qerim has also enjoyed a break this summer and was off the air Thursday.

She also had a vacation in Wyoming last weekend and delighted fans with her photos on Instagram.

In one of them, the host wore a “Rockstar Cowgirl” themed outfit .

“Love me some Molly,” one fan said.

“Man Molly is flawlessly beautiful,” another posted.