PARKERSBURG - The Parkersburg community is preparing to put its best foot forward for ESPN and all of Sportsnation.

Last week, the city was selected as one of the 20 finalists for a promotion called "TitleTown USA." Parkersburg joins a select group which includes larger metropolitans such as Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New York and Pittsburgh. On a smaller scale, the field features not only Parkersburg, but Massillon, Ohio as well.

"TitleTown USA is another great opportunity for SportsCenter to interact with fans," said ESPN senior vice-president and managing editor Mark Gross. "Along the way, the series will raise some topical debate, refocus attention to the unique relationships fans have with their teams, and tell great stories that connect the heartstrings of well-known, and perhaps not-so-well-known, teams to their towns."

Beginning July 4, the SportsCenter "TitleTown USA" tour will provide daily segments with a SportsCenter anchor or reporter originating from a "TitleTown" finalist. The first stop is Green Bay, Wis. Parkersburg's turn on the tour occurs July 18. On that afternoon, a pep rally is tentatively planned for Stadium Field on the campus of Parkersburg High School.

"We're not exactly sure who the spokesperson for the city will be, but we do want to put on a big show since it's a nationwide thing," PHS athletics director Richard Lance said.

According to Crystal Howard - a public relations director for ESPN -a crew will arrive in Parkersburg on July 17 and tape interviews from the pep rally the following day. The segments will air sometime the following week on SportsCenter.

"This is very exciting to be able to do shows like this," Howard said.

ESPN also is requesting fans to send their best travel tips about their respective cities as to where ESPN's anchors, producers and technical teams should go when they arrive in town. ESPN wants to know about the best restaurants, hotel or sites it "absolutely must" see before leaving the city.

"TitleTown USA" evolved from nearly 2,000 nominations submitted by fans. The series' executive production team selected the top 50 entries and a panel of 33 journalists, ranging from SportsCenter anchors and accomplished media professionals from daily newspapers and television outlets, pared that number down to 23 cities to compete with Green Bay, Wis.

A play-in week was held for the last four cities (Nos. 19 through 23) between May 26-30 where on-line fan voting determined a winner to fill the 20th spot.

After SportsCenter has visited all 20 finalists, the fans will again select the winner by visiting ESPN.com to cast their votes on-line July 23-26. A live announcement of "TitleTown USA" will be presented on SportsCenter July 27, including a presentation to the winning town.

"The fans of Parkersburg and the Parkersburg residents are urged to get on-line and vote, vote, vote," Howard said. "They need to drum up support from wherever they can. Some of the hometown heroes also need to drum up some love for you guys."