• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, April 1, 2009

Every half-decade or so, ESPN overhauls the appearance of the opening montage that kicks off "SportsCenter."

(Note: While it may tinker with a note here, a note there, its familiar opening da-da-da-da-daa theme song stays.)

The "SportsCenter" opening graphics/animation package is in for another switch Monday, April 6. Its fonts, colors and layout will be altered. ESPN said it will bring a "futuristic, effects-driven presentation." The change begins with the 9 a.m. EST edition.

The biggest change is the move of the rundown -- the list of upcoming stories -- from the right side of the screen to the left. The rundown will also be inverted. The current story is at the bottom of the screen; upcoming stories will be listed above it.

Also getting a new look is the "BottomLine," the scroll of news and score updates that move across the bottom of the network's screen 24/7.

ESPN said the new "SportsCenter" look debuts in conjunction with a late-night version of the show to be produced in Los Angeles, also starting overnight on Monday.

Bob Toms, ESPN vice president, product enhancements, described the new on-air look as "evolving with a bold, upbeat open as well as more cohesive, easier-to-read graphics."