May 17, 2012

‘The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players’ to Debut Friday, September 3 at 10:00 PM ET on NFL Network

August 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players to Debut

Friday, September 3 at 10:00 PM ET on NFL Network

NFL Films-Produced 10-Part Series Counts Down the 100 Greatest Players in Pro Football History

Blue Ribbon Panel Vote Decides Ranking of 100 Greatest NFL Players

Icons in American Sports & Entertainment Present Ranked Players Through Personal Stories and Recollections

NFL Films, responsible for 46 years of award-winning television and film productions, debuts its latest highly-anticipated series on NFL Network entitled The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players Friday, September 3 at 10:00 PM ET.

The question of ‘Who is the greatest player in NFL history?’ is a subject that links generations and resonates with all NFL fans. The series, rolling out over 10 one-hour episodes this fall, reveals the greatest players of all-time, counting down from 100 to 1, as determined by a blue-ribbon panel of knowledgeable football minds.

“We have the holy trinity of a good sports documentary series – action, analysis and reminiscence,” said NFL Films President Steve Sabol.

The blue-ribbon panel includes both current and former NFL coaches, players and front office personnel, as well as noted NFL media members, Hall of Fame voters and league historians including: Ernie Accorsi (former Giants General Manager), Cris Collinsworth (former player and NBC game analyst), Mike Brown (Bengals Owner), Pat Summerall (former NFL sportscaster), Dick Vermeil (former NFL head coach) and Peter King (NFL writer).

More than 250 players from the modern and pre-modern era, including current NFL players, were under consideration by the blue-ribbon panel for selection. The Top 100 will answer for the first time the question of whether players like Joe Montana, Peyton Manning, Deacon Jones, Tom Brady, Barry Sanders, Ray Lewis and Jim Thorpe make the list and where they rank.

The Top 100 members not only contributed to the lasting legacy of the game, but have also shaped the lives of football fans from a variety of backgrounds, age groups and eras through memories and ‘remember when’ moments. It is these unique and personal recollections that set this series apart as notable individuals from the world of sports and entertainment serve as ‘presenters’ for each featured player.

From former head coach and current Dolphins Executive VP of Football Operations Bill Parcells and NFL Hall of Famers Jim Brown and John Madden to actors Burt Reynolds and Billy Dee Williams, author Jim Dent and New York Yankees Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, these luminaries utilize their personal memories to declare why that player was one of ‘The Greatest.’

Following the September 3 debut at 10:00 PM ET, Episode #2 of The Top 100 premieres at a special date and time of Tuesday, September 7 at 9:00 PM ET Kickoff week before falling into its regular slot of Thursdays at 9:00 PM ET starting September 16.

Fans have already embraced the discussion of who is the NFL’s greatest player by weighing in at www.top100.nfl.com. Since voting opened on Monday, August 2, nearly eight million votes have been cast. Fans can continue to vote until Thursday, September 2 at Midnight ET.

With 10 players revealed in each episode through the eyes of 10 presenters, The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players possesses the true framework of a project synonymous with NFL Films through its blend of masterful storytelling and personal meaning.

To view preview clips of The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players, please visit:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d819ad466/The-Top-100-Greatest-Players – part I

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d819ad468/The-Top-100-Greatest-Players – part II

The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players Episode Schedule:

Episode #1                 Friday, September 3                                     10:00 PM ET

(100-91 revealed)

Episode #2                 Tuesday, September 7                                 9:00 PM ET

(90-81 revealed)

Episode #3                 Thursday, September 16                             9:00 PM ET

(80-71 revealed)

Episode #4                 Thursday, September 23                             9:00 PM ET

(70-61 revealed)

Episode #5                 Thursday, September 30                             9:00 PM ET

(60-51 revealed)

Episode #6                 Thursday, October 7                                    9:00 PM ET

(50-41 revealed)

Episode #7                 Thursday, October 14                                  9:00 PM ET

(40-31 revealed)

Episode #8                 Thursday, October 21                                  9:00 PM ET

(30-21 revealed)

Episode #9                 Thursday, October 28                                  9:00 PM ET

(20-11 revealed)

Episode #10               Thursday, November 4                                9:00 PM ET

(10-1 revealed)

Winner of 100 Emmy awards, NFL Films is widely recognized as the most honored filmmaker in sports. Under the vision of Ed and Steve Sabol, NFL Films has revolutionized the way America watches football and set the standard in sports filmmaking. The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players is just the latest in a long list of successful NFL Films productions, joining the ranks of the Hard Knocks and America’s Game series.

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the only television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football.  For more information, log on to www.nfl.com/nflnetwork.  NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

Filed Under: NFL, NFLN

110th U.S. Amateur Golf Championship Airs This Weekend On NBC Sports

August 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Weekend Programming Includes World of Adventure Sports & Diamond League Track & Field


NEW YORK – Aug 26, 2010 – NBC Sports presents coverage of the 110th U.S. Amateur Championship this Saturday and Sunday, 4-6 p.m. ET, from Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash. The U.S. Amateur is the oldest golf championship in the country, just one day older than the U.S. Open.

This is the 15th consecutive year that NBC Sports has broadcast the event. NBC Sports’ golf commentators Dan Hicks, Gary Koch, Roger Maltbie and Dottie Pepper will call the action.

The event features the best amateur golfers competing in a match play format. Some of the game’s all-time greats are among the past winners including Tiger Woods, who won three years in a row (1994-96), Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Phil Mickelson.

WORLD OF ADVENTURE SPORTS, SATURDAY, 3 PM ET

NBC Sports presents coverage of the Emmy Award Winning World of Adventure Sports this Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. Host Pat Parnell brings viewers the fifth episode of the 2010 season from the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, Calif. There’s no surf stadium like the Huntington Beach Pier and it remains the Headliner at the US Open, with five separate events, 300-plus competitors and more than $300,000 in prize money on the table.

Also in this episode, professional racer Rhys Millen attempted to beat the current “Unlimited Class” World Record at the 88th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the “Race to the Clouds.” For 10 years, it has been Rhys’s dream to break the 10-minute barrier and this year he hoped to capture the elusive record.

WOAS heads to Chicago where the top riders in BMX compete for over $50,000 in prize money at the Red Bull Stomping Ground, where an abandoned lot is converted into the ultimate dirt playground designed by BMX legend Fuzzy Hall.

Lastly, WOAS takes an inside look at athletes and adventures featured in “Uniquely.” “Uniquely”is a six-section travel-inspired women’s multi–sport (snowboard, ski, surf, skate, wake) film that exposes the “unique” personalities and lifestyles of the athletes involved as they pass the baton, or camera, from one location to the next.

DIAMOND LEAGUE TRACK & FIELD, SUNDAY, 3 PM ET

NBC Sports presents taped coverage of the Diamond League Track and Field this Sunday from Brussels, Belgium.

The Belgacom Memorial Van Damme is the second of two finals – where Diamond Race trophies accompanied by a prize of $40,000 will be awarded to the winners of 16 disciplines – and the 14th and last meeting of the inaugural series of the Samsung Diamond League.

Scheduled to compete among many of the world’s top track athletes are 2008 Beijing Olympians representing the USA: Tyson Gay, Allyson Felix and Lolo Jones. Paul Sunderland, Ato Boldon, Lewis Johnson, and Dwight Stones will provide commentary.

Filed Under: Golf, NBC, Track & Field

Molson Canadian World Hockey Summit Concludes in Toronto

August 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

MOLSON CANADIAN WORLD HOCKEY SUMMIT CONCLUDES IN TORONTO;
STEERING COMMITTEE AND SUMMIT PARTNERS TO REVIEW RESULTS OVER COMING MONTHS

TORONTO (August 26, 2010) — The Molson Canadian World Hockey Summit concluded on Thursday in Toronto, with over 400 delegates participating in the four-day event.  The summit was a global hockey symposium, attracting global leaders of the game and interested stakeholders to share and enhance global hockey knowledge. Full event details and coverage is available online at www.worldhockeysummit.com.

The steering committee, comprised of the seven summit partners (IIHF, NHL, NHLPA, Hockey Canada, USA Hockey, CHL and Molson Coors), will be reviewing all of the results from the work group discussions on player skill development, junior development in the hockey world, an evaluation of Vancouver 2010, a global hockey event agenda, women’s hockey after Vancouver 2010 and growing participation in the game.

Event proceedings, including formal presentations and the results from the discussion groups, will be provided to all IIHF member federations and summit partners, providing these organizations with the opportunity to develop their own action plans.

The summit partners will also collaborate on developing recommendations and collective action plans going forward, and expect to announce details over of the course of the 2010-11 season.

“Coming into the summit we really didn’t know what to expect, but I could sense that this would be a success after one day,” said IIHF President René Fasel. “We discussed the most pressing issues in our game and we had a very good and healthy exchange of views in front of more than 400 keen delegates. These were four very good days for hockey. The next step is to evaluate the proposals from the delegates and see if we can work out any recommendations.”

“The discussion and dialogue here over the last four days has clearly extended hockey knowledge and enriched hockey insight at all levels,” said Bill Daly, NHL deputy commissioner. “The National Hockey League was proud to play a meaningful part in that dialogue and I believe the game — both at the NHL level and all other levels — will be better for it.”

“The NHLPA was pleased that the major stakeholders in hockey were part of the Molson Canadian World Hockey Summit to discuss how the global game can prosper,” said Mike Ouellet, NHLPA Chief of Business Affairs. “NHL players bring forth a key perspective in growing the game worldwide and we hope to build off of this week’s momentum.  In particular, we look forward to expanding best on best tournaments, such as the World Cup of Hockey and the Olympics, where fans watch their favourite players participate.”

“It has been a very productive week here in Toronto,” said Hockey Canada president & CEO Bob Nicholson. “Hockey Canada and the representatives of our member branches throughout the country have been very excited about being part of this collaboration, discussing matters ranging from skill development to hockey at the Olympic Games with the major hockey stakeholders.  We look forward to working together and coming about with a plan to make our game even better.”

“This event has exceeded my expectations,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “With the relatively diversified audience, and designed by seven different entities, there was a pleasingly high level of interaction and engagement.”

“The Canadian Hockey League is extremely pleased with the success of the Molson Canadian World Hockey Summit in attracting global hockey leaders to one stage,” said CHL President David Branch.  “It was energizing to be around so many passionate hockey people that were all focused on the betterment of the game which will undoubtedly result in positive changes to hockey in the years to come.”

“Molson Canadian was there back in 1999 for the very first Open Ice Summit and continues to support the development and evolution of ‘our game’,” said Pat McEleney, director of sports and entertainment for Molson Coors Canada. “The dialogue, discussion and debate from this year’s Molson Canadian World Hockey Summit should unlock clues to help grow the game and improve the sport at all levels.”

For further information on the World Hockey Summit, go to www.WorldHockeySummit.com.

Filed Under: Hockey, NHL

Two New Shows on ESPNEWS Provide Alternative Look at Sports Starting Aug. 30

August 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Two New Shows on ESPNEWS Provide Alternative Look at Sports Starting Aug. 30

College Football Overdrive Returns September 4

On Monday, Aug. 30, in conjuction with SportsCenter debuting on ESPNEWS weekdays from 3-7 p.m. ET and 7-11 p.m., ESPNEWS will debut two new shows that provide an alternative look at sports – The Beat will air weekdays at 6 p.m. and Highlight Express will air each night beginning at 11 p.m.  In addition, one of ESPNEWS’ most popular shows returns soon, focusing on college football on Saturday afternoons.

The Beat, hosted by Bram Weinstein at 6 p.m. and repeated immediately at 6:30 p.m., will provide an entertaining and quirky look at sports and sports stories, as an alternative to SportsCenter, airing on ESPN at that time.  It will consist of stories, highlights, interviews and a variety of segments playing off the show’s name – “On the Beat,” “Beats Me,” “Bite Beat,” etc.  The name was chosen to invoke both a heartbeat – the pulse of sports – and the notion of reporter’s beat.

Highlight Express will present the day’s best highlights and sound bites in a fast-paced half-hour format at 11 a.m.  It will be updated through the end of the day’s action and then reaired until the next afternoon (3 p.m. on weekdays, noon on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays).  The show will focus exclusively on the most amazing plays and action, with all the day’s news and scores provided via the BottomLine.  The two co-hosts will vary among the ESPNEWS anchor roster.

College Football Overdrive returns for the 2010 season every Saturday, starting Sept. 4 at 3 p.m.  Ryan Burr hosts the five-hour show with analyst Jon Ritchie, the seven-year NFL running back who played at both Michigan and Stanford.  College Football Overdrive takes viewers live to key moments in college games all over the country, along with highlights, scores and interviews.

In July, ESPNEWS posted its best performance ever for the month.  The network averaged 60,000 homes in July, topping its previous best for the month, in 2009.  The network is distinguished by its unique combination of youth and affluence amongst its viewers.  Based on 2009, the most recent complete year of statistics, ESPNEWS is the nation’s only nationally measured network with at least 40 million homes, a median age under 40 and a median income over $70,000.

SportsCenter Anchors Named

In addition, the anchors for the new SportsCenter telecasts on ESPNEWS have been determined.  Cindy Brunson and Robert Flores will anchor the 3-6 p.m. SportsCenter while Linda Cohn will team with Kevin Negandhi for the 8-11 p.m. segment.  (The 7-8 p.m. hour will be a continuation of ESPN’s 6 p.m. SportsCenter.)

-30-

Filed Under: ESPN

Mora On His Seattle Successor: Control & Motivation Easier With College Players

August 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

Mora On His Seattle Successor: Control & Motivation Easier With College Players

MLB & NFL Preseason Action This Weekend on FOX

NFL ON FOX FINISHES PRESEASON COVERAGE WITH STEELERS/BRONCOS CLASH – The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Denver for a showdown with the Broncos on Sunday, August 29 (8:00 PM ET) in the final 2010 preseason matchup on FOX Sports.  NFL on FOX’s Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver call all the action from the INVESCO Field at Mile High.  FOX NFL SUNDAY host Curt Menefee welcomes fans live from the field and is joined by NFL on FOX analyst and former Bronco John Lynch at halftime to preview the season.  Also, Oliver reports on the quarterback roster in Denver and what impact Tim Tebow, Brady Quinn or Kyle Orton will have on the Broncos. For instant updates during the week and games from the entire NFL on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NFLONFOX.

MORA ON HIS SEATTLE SUCCESSOR: CONTROL & MOTIVATION EASIER WITH COLLEGE PLAYERS – As he prepares for his rookie season with FOX Sports, former Seahawks head coach Jim Mora looks at Pete Carroll’s chances of having success with his former franchise.  “Pete’s spent 15 years in the NFL and has grown from his coaching experience but it’s not easy to make the transformation from coaching in college to the pros.  In college, you have very tight control of your players but less control in the pros.  From a motivational standpoint, college players listen more because they are striving to get to that next level.”  

MLB ON FOX HEADS TO THE WILD, WILD WEST – Week 21 of the FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK schedule commences on Saturday, August 28 (4:00 PM ET) with two highly-competitive matchups. The Phillies, still in hot-pursuit of the Braves, face a tough test when they travel west to take on the NL West-leading Padres. San Diego possesses both the NL’s best record and baseballs most dominant best pitching staff. In Seattle, Joe Mauer, teams with RBI leader Delmon Young and the Twins to take on the Mariners. This week, the pregame show originates live from Safeco Field in Seattle with host Chris Rose. Once game action begins, Rose joins analyst Mark Grace in the booth.

For instant updates throughout the week and during games from the entire MLB on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MLBONFOX.  Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST COV.

Philadelphia Phillies at San Diego Padres                   Josh Lewin, Eric Karros                                                  76%

& Ken Rosenthal

PETCO Park – San Diego, CA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Denver, Fort Myers, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Houston, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, St. Louis, Tampa, Tulsa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Probable Pitchers: Joe Blanton, RHP (5-6, 5.32 ERA) vs. Jon Garland, RHP (13-8, 3.25 ERA)

Minnesota Twins at Seattle Mariners                           Chris Rose & Mark Grace                                                24%

Safeco Field – Seattle, WA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle

Probable Pitchers: Nick Blackburn, RHP (7-8, 6.49 ERA) vs. Doug Fister, RHP (4-9, 3.87 ERA)

WORLD BEST SKATEBOARDERS BATTLE FOR MALOOF MONEY CUP SUNDAY ON FOX – FUEL TV, the only network dedicated to the lifestyle of action sports, presents the 2010 Maloof Money Cup presented by Vans during its thrilling Orange County, California stop in a one-hour special on FOX Sports. On Saturday, August 28 (3:00 PM ET), this action-packed one-hour wrap-up of the Maloof Money Cup featuring event highlights and exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with the world’s best skateboarders, giving audiences an entirely new look at the epic contest.

Filed Under: FOX, MLB, NFL

Sirius XM Radio To Broadcast Live From The 2010 Fantasy Football Superdraft In Las Vegas

August 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

SIRIUS XM RADIO TO BROADCAST LIVE FROM THE 2010 FANTASY FOOTBALL SUPERDRAFT IN LAS VEGAS

SIRIUS XM Fantasy Sports Radio channel to broadcast from the country’s largest gathering of fantasy football fans

Actor Ashton Kutcher and fantasy expert Nathan Zegura will host “Fantasy Football Live” on SIRIUS XM

Coverage of Kutcher’s celebrity fantasy football draft

NEW YORK – August 26, 2010 – SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today that it will broadcast live from the Fantasy Football SUPERDRAFT at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, NV, this Friday, August 27, and Saturday, August 28.

All shows will air on SIRIUS XM Fantasy Sports Radio, the 24/7 channel dedicated to fantasy sports, available on XM channel 147 and SIRIUS channel 211 for subscribers with the “Best of XM” programming package.

The Fantasy Football SUPERDRAFT is a weekend long series of events – combining fantasy football drafts, live entertainment and Vegas nightlife – that draws fantasy football fans from all over the country to kick off the fantasy football season.

On Friday, August 27, SIRIUS XM Fantasy Sports Radio will broadcast Fantasy Football Live, a talk show featuring Ashton Kutcher and Nathan Zegura, The Fantasy Consultant, from 5:00 – 6:00 pm ET.  Kutcher, a devoted fantasy football player, and Zegura will preview the fantasy football season and discuss player picks and draft strategies.

Immediately after Fantasy Football Live, SIRIUS XM Fantasy Sports Radio will broadcast Kutcher’s Celebrity Fantasy Football Draft, where Kutcher and other celebrities will bid, auction-style, for players and build their fantasy rosters for the 2010 season.  SIRIUS XM’s John Hansen and Zegura will be on air during the proceedings, analyzing each pick and speaking with the celebrity participants.

On Saturday, August 28, Hansen and Zegura will host a special three-hour fantasy football special (2:00 – 5:00 pm ET) live from the SUPERDRAFT Draft Room at the Palms, where thousands of fantasy football players will be gathered for their 2010 draft.  Hansen and Zegura will offer fantasy draft advice, ranking position players, picking sleepers, and analyzing the rosters being assembled throughout the day.

SIRIUS XM Fantasy Sports Radio debuted July 1 on XM channel 147 and on SIRIUS channel 211 for subscribers who purchase the “Best of XM” package.  The 24/7 channel offers advice and news from a collection of experts and covers a full spectrum of fantasy sports, including football, baseball, basketball, NASCAR, hockey, soccer and golf.

SIRIUS XM Fantasy Sports Radio is available to Premium Online subscribers through XM Radio Online and SIRIUS Internet Radio and through the SIRIUS XM App for the Apple iPhone, iPod touch and several BlackBerry and Android-powered smartphone devices. (Access to channel online and through the App may require a subscription upgrade.)

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Filed Under: Fantasy, Football, Sirius/XM

An American Sports Story…The Rivals Premieres Saturday, September 11 At 9PM ET/PT

August 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

AN AMERICAN SPORTS STORY…

THE RIVALS

PREMIERES SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 AT 9 PM ET/PT

ON SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL

Two High Schools. Two Football Teams, Battling For Glory. Except The Champs Are The Have-Nots, And The Underdogs Are The Ones On Easy Street

New York, August 16, 2010 – Football is far and away America’s sport. On the opening weekend of the NFL’s regular season, Smithsonian Channel strips away the glitz and glamour of a sport that at its core is about competition with a story that can be heard in cities and towns across the country.  It’s a tale of champion versus challenger, the haves against the have-nots.  On Saturday, September 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, Smithsonian Channel presents the world television premiere of THE RIVALS, which follows one incredible season in the lives of two high school football teams in Maine who share the same goal: to win the state championship. It’s a story about football, but also a story about America and the universal quest for respect.

Rumford is a blue-collar town in the rugged mountains of Western Maine, supported by a dying paper mill that sheds workers on a seemingly daily basis.  While the town is suffering economically, its football team is a perennial powerhouse. Rumford’s Mountain Valley High School has been a contender in high school football for the better part of 20 years.  They have six conference titles and two state championships under longtime coach Jim Aylward. Having played high school football in Rumford, Aylward left for college, hoping that he would never have to work in the same paper mill where his father toiled for years.  His goal, besides winning, is to prepare his players to be successful in life by excelling on the field. The town of Rumford supports the team wholeheartedly, giving everything they can, even if they don’t have much, to ensure the continued success of the team.  The football team is the heart and soul of the town and a source of pride for all of its residents.

Cape Elizabeth is a wealthy suburban town right outside Maine’s largest city, Portland. It’s two hours south of Rumford, and home to Cape Elizabeth High School, which is known as a “soccer school,” since its football program didn’t exist until 2004. The “Cape Kids,” as the students are known, seem to have it all. Although their football program is in its infancy, they have better equipment and facilities than Mountain Valley could ever afford. Knowing that these advantages will only take the team so far, their fiery young coach, Aaron Filieo, tries to instill in his players the same work ethic that his coach taught him during his playing days.

“The Rivals” documents these two teams, their coaches, players and towns during their tumultuous 2007 season, which had enough twists and turns for a Hollywood movie.  Each team shares the same simple goal – to be the best.  This isn’t just a film about high school football and competition on the field – it’s a story of class, pride and perseverance. These are lessons that the athletes from Mountain Valley and Cape Elizabeth will carry with them wherever they go, for the rest of their lives.

THE RIVALS is produced by Lone Wolf Films. Kirk Wolfinger is the director. The film has been well received on the independent film festival circuit, having won the Audience Choice Award at the 2010 Woods Hole Festival, Best Picture at the 2010 Phoenix Film Festival and Best Documentary at the 2009 Los Angeles Reel Film Festival.

ABOUT SMITHSONIAN NETWORKS

Smithsonian Networks (SNI/SI Networks L.L.C.) is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution, formed to create channels featuring programs largely inspired by the assets of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex. Smithsonian Channel features award-winning original documentaries, series, and groundbreaking programs highlighting America’s historical, cultural and scientific heritage. Smithsonian Channel brings the American experience home in high definition and Dolby Digital 5.1 and is currently available to customers of DirecTV, Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Charter Communications, Cablevision, Verizon, AT&T, and more.  Learn more at www.smithsonianchannel.com.

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Filed Under: High School Football, ShowTime

Discover To Serve As New Orange Bowl Game Title Sponsor

August 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

DISCOVER TO SERVE AS NEW ORANGE BOWL GAME TITLE SPONSOR

Four-Year, Five-Game Deal with ESPN and the Orange Bowl Committee Includes

2013 Discover BCS National Championship Game

RIVERWOODS, Ill., MIAMI LAKES, Fla., and BRISTOL, Conn. – Discover Financial Services (DFS: NYSE), the Orange Bowl Committee and ESPN announced today that an agreement has been reached for Discover to be the title sponsor for the 2011-2014 Orange Bowl Games and the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.  The Orange Bowl Game will be known as the “Discover Orange Bowl” and the 2013 BCS National Championship game to be hosted by the Orange Bowl in South Florida will be named the “2013 Discover BCS National Championship Game.” Under the partnership, Discover will be the official card of the Orange Bowl and the Bowl Championship Series.

In conjunction with this new alliance, a new game mark has been developed that will be incorporated into all Discover Orange Bowl and BCS-related materials.

The four-year deal includes the multi-media integration of Discover as part of ESPN’s season-long college football coverage and marketing.

“We are very excited to partner with the Orange Bowl and college football on ESPN,” said Harit Talwar, President of U.S. Cards for Discover. “Our cardmembers are very passionate about college football. As title sponsor of the Orange Bowl, Discover will be rewarding their cardmembers all year long with exclusive benefits, including ticket offers and unique experiences at the Discover Orange Bowl. It’s a great way to show how it pays to Discover.”

“Discover’s commitment to the Orange Bowl reinforces the game’s national strength and appeal as one of the premier sporting events in the country,” said Eric Poms, CEO of the Orange Bowl Committee.  “We welcome Discover to South Florida and the home of championship college football and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership. Our shared passion will leave a lasting impact on our community, while further enriching the 77-year history of the Orange Bowl.”

Added Ed Erhardt, President, ESPN Customer Marketing and Sales, “Discover is passionate about college football and committed to activating their Orange Bowl sponsorship in a meaningful way.  Their season-long, multi-media engagement, culminating with the Discover Orange Bowl, will provide a platform from which they can create a truly impactful experience for fans and unique rewards for their cardmembers. We look forward to growing this relationship between ESPN, Discover and the Orange Bowl in the coming years.”

Title sponsorship of the Orange Bowl and sponsorship of the BCS is further demonstration of Discover’s commitment to college football. Discover also has college football partnerships with Notre Dame Football on NBC and the Big Ten Network.

The first Orange Bowl game was played in 1935 with the mission to bring tourism to South Florida through an annual football game and Festival. In its 77-year history, the Orange Bowl has hosted 19 National Champions, 17 Heisman Trophy winners and in 1965 became the first Bowl game to be played in prime time. The not-for-profit organization now serves as a foundation of the South Florida community by hosting championship sporting events, related premier entertainment and meaningful community-driven initiatives year-round to inspire youth, engage families and make South Florida a better place. The Orange Bowl Festival attracts thousands of visitors to the South Florida community, and brought nearly $200 million in economic impact during the 2008-09 season, when the Orange Bowl Committee hosted both the Orange Bowl and BCS National Championship.

The Discover Orange Bowl is one of five BCS Bowl games, which take place annually in four locations: South Florida, Pasadena, Calif., the Phoenix area and New Orleans. All five games will be televised on ESPN as part of a new agreement. Allstate has renewed as title sponsor of the 2011-2014 Allstate Sugar Bowls and the 2012 Allstate BCS National Championship Game.  The schedule for the BCS Bowl games on ESPN follows.

Sat, Jan 1 5 p.m. ET Rose Bowl Game ESPN / ESPN Radio
8:30 p.m. ET Fiesta Bowl ESPN / ESPN Radio
Mon, Jan 3 8:30 p.m. ET Discover Orange Bowl ESPN / ESPN Radio
Tue, Jan 4 8:30 p.m. ET Allstate Sugar Bowl ESPN / ESPN Radio
Mon, Jan 10 8:30 p.m. ET BCS National Championship Game ESPN / ESPN Radio

# # #

About Discover

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company operates the Discover card, America’s cash rewards pioneer, and offers personal and student loans, online savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts through its Discover Bank subsidiary. Its payment businesses consist of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation’s leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discoverfinancial.com.

About the Orange Bowl Committee

The Orange Bowl Committee is a not-for-profit, 343-member, primarily-volunteer organization.  It is a self-sustaining, independent organization that supports and produces activities and events that enhance the image, economy and culture of South Florida.  The Orange Bowl Festival features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the Discover Orange Bowl on January 3, 2011. Other OBC core events include the MetroPCS Orange Bowl Basketball Classic, Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance, Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships and Orange Bowl Sailing Regatta Series.  For more information on the 2010-11 Orange Bowl Festival and its events, including promotional and volunteer opportunities through the Ambassador Program, log on to www.orangebowl.org.

About ESPN, Inc.
ESPN, Inc. is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring a portfolio of over 50 multimedia sports assets. The company is comprised of six domestic television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Classic & ESPN Deportes), ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU & ESPNEWS HD simulcast services, ESPN Regional Television, ESPN International (46 networks, syndication, radio, web sites), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Enterprises, ESPN PPV, ESPN Zones (sports-themed restaurants), and other growing new businesses including ESPN3.com (Broadband, formerly ESPN360.com), ESPN Mobile Properties, ESPN on Demand and ESPN Interactive.  Based in Bristol, Conn., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.  The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.

Filed Under: ESPN, NCAA Football

Faith Hill Performs “Sunday Night Football” Opening Theme … Again

August 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Grammy Award-Winner Records NBC “Sunday Night Football” Opening Theme “Waiting All Day For Sunday Night” for Fourth Consecutive Season

NEW YORK – August 25, 2010 – NBC Sports will again feature five-time Grammy Award-winner and multi-platinum recording artist Faith Hill performing the opening theme for NBC “Sunday Night Football,” “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.”

Hill’s “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” debuts this season on Sunday, Sept. 12, the first “Sunday Night Football” broadcast of 2010 featuring the Washington Redskins and their new quarterback Donovan McNabb hosting the Dallas Cowboys in one of sports’ great rivalries. The opening theme will continue weekly, kicking off “Sunday Night Football” throughout the NFL season on NBC.

“I wait all year for Sunday Night,” said Faith Hill.  “Somehow the season wouldn’t feel the same without seeing everyone from NBC/ Sunday Night Football over the summer (when we record and film the open).  It makes it feel like the wait for the season is somehow shorter.”

Hill has sold 30 million records worldwide and topped the charts with 11 No. 1 singles and 20 No. 1 videos throughout her 15-year career. Her last three studio album releases, 1999′s BREATHE, 2002′s CRY and 2005′s FIREFLIES all debuted consecutively at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Pop Album Chart and Country Chart, making her the only female artist ever to accomplish this feat.

“Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” is set to the original Joan Jett song, “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” She recorded the track with her longtime producer Byron Gallimore and the video was shot in Los Angeles.

Hill has established herself as one of the music industry’s top vocalists, with a voice that is as powerful as it is recognizable. She is the first musical artist to return as the featured performer of an NFL open since Hank Williams, Jr.

Media photos of the Hill video shoot are available at www.NBCUMV.com and Hill’s official website www.FaithHill.com. A video preview of the making of the “NBC Sunday Night Football” 2010 Open will be available at  www.NBCSports.com on Sept. 7.

Filed Under: NBC, NFL

ESPN Announces Big Ten Men’s College Basketball Television Schedule

August 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ESPN Announces Big Ten Men’s College Basketball Television Schedule

ESPN and the Big Ten Conference announced its 2010-11 men’s college basketball schedule for coverage on ESPN and ESPN2. ESPN3.com will simulcast every ESPN and ESPN2 telecast. Conference action will tip off Tuesday, Dec. 28 with Minnesota at Wisconsin at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.

On average, ESPN and ESPN2 will combine to televise three Big Ten games a week, highlighted by a telecast every Tuesday as part of the popular weekly Super Tuesday Presented by KFC Big Ten doubleheader with the SEC beginning Jan. 11 with Wisconsin at Michigan State. ESPN or ESPN2 will also televise a Big Ten game every Thursday beginning Jan. 6 with Northwestern at Illinois and at least one game every weekend from Jan. 22 to March 5.

ESPN’s eight-week College GameDay Driven by State Farm and Saturday Primetime Presented by DIRECTV game-of-the-week series will originate from two Big Ten sites (Michigan State at Purdue Jan. 22 and Illinois at Michigan State Feb. 19).

Overall, the networks will combine to televise 29 conference games in addition to an extensive schedule of non-conference action (schedule to be determined). Over the course of the 2010-11 season, every school in the conference will be showcased on ESPN or ESPN2.

In March, ESPN and ESPN2 will combine to televise four games of the Big Ten Conference Championship.

ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3.com 2010-11 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Schedule (Schedule subject to change)

Date Time (ET) Game Network
Tue, Dec 28 7 p.m. Minnesota at Wisconsin ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Fri, Dec 31 Noon Northwestern at Purdue ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
6 p.m. Ohio State at Indiana ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Tue, Jan 4 7 p.m. Indiana at Minnesota ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Thu, Jan 6 9 p.m. Northwestern at Illinois ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Tue, Jan 11 7 p.m. Wisconsin at Michigan State ESPN / ESPN3.com
Thu, Jan 13 7 p.m. Purdue at Minnesota ESPN or ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Tue, Jan 18 7 p.m. Michigan State at Illinois ESPN / ESPN3.com
Thu, Jan 20 9 p.m. Indiana at Wisconsin ESPN or ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Sat, Jan 22 9 p.m. Michigan State at Purdue ESPN / ESPN3.com
Tue, Jan 25 9 p.m. Purdue at Ohio State ESPN / ESPN3.com
Thu, Jan 27 7 p.m. Michigan at Michigan State ESPN or ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Sat, Jan 29 6 p.m. Ohio State at Northwestern ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Tue, Feb 1 7 p.m. Purdue at Wisconsin ESPN / ESPN3.com
Thu, Feb 3 7 p.m. Michigan at Ohio State ESPN or ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Sat, Feb 5 4 p.m. Iowa at Indiana ESPN or ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Sun, Feb 6 2 p.m. Ohio State at Minnesota ESPN / ESPN3.com
Tue, Feb 8 7 p.m. Indiana at Purdue ESPN / ESPN3.com
Thu, Feb 10 9 p.m. Illinois at Minnesota ESPN or ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Sat, Feb 12 2 p.m. Ohio State at Wisconsin ESPN or ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Tue, Feb 15 9 p.m. Michigan State at Ohio State ESPN / ESPN3.com
Thu, Feb 17 7 p.m. Minnesota at Penn State ESPN or ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Sat, Feb 19 9 p.m. Illinois at Michigan State ESPN / ESPN3.com
Tue, Feb 22 7 p.m. Illinois at Ohio State ESPN / ESPN3.com
Thu, Feb 24 9 p.m. Penn State at Northwestern ESPN or ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Sun, Feb 27 1 p.m. Wildcard Selection (Purdue at Michigan State, Indiana at Ohio State or Iowa at Illinois) ESPN or ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Tue, Mar 1 7 p.m. Illinois at Purdue ESPN / ESPN3.com
Thu, Mar 3 9 p.m. Wildcard Selection (Minnesota at Northwestern or Wisconsin at Indiana) ESPN or ESPN2 / ESPN3.com
Sat, Mar 5 4 p.m. Wildcard (Wisconsin at Ohio State, Indiana at Illinois or Purdue at Iowa) ESPN / ESPN3.com

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Filed Under: ESPN, NCAA Basketball
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