“NHL 36: Chicago Blackhawks” Premiers Tonight On NBC Sports Network

May 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment

nhl_nbc_2Special Two-Part Episode Spotlights Chicago Blackhawks Organization

Airs Immediately Following Post–Game Coverage of Blackhawks-Wild Game 4

NEW YORK — May 6, 2013 – NBC Sports Group and the National Hockey League today announced the return of the acclaimed all-access series NHL 36, with a special two-part edition focused on Presidents’ Trophy winners, the Chicago Blackhawks. The new episode, which for the first time trained its cameras upon an entire team, airs tomorrow night on NBC Sports Network, immediately following post-game coverage of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks (9:30 p.m. ET).

Part of the 36 Series on NBC Sports Network, NHL 36: Chicago Blackhawks will provide an all-access pass to the club that began the 2012-13 regular season with a historic 24-game point streak, and went on to capture the Central Division title and the Presidents’ Trophy. The Blackhawks now are setting their sights on the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup, as they take on the Minnesota Wild in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

Providing the ultimate behind-the-scenes view into the League, NHL Original Productions began following the Blackhawks on April 19 and stayed with the team through 36 hours as some of the NHL’s biggest stars – including Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Patrick Sharp – played back-to-back home games against the Nashville Predators and Phoenix Coyotes.

From the coaching staff to the Chairman of the Board, players and team personnel, all members of the Chicago Blackhawks’ family were in front of the NHL 36 cameras. Cameras captured Head Coach Joel Quenneville at home with his family discussing the possibility of missing his daughter’s graduation due to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the grueling schedule of an equipment manager, the player’s lighter side and Chairman of the Board Rocky Wirtz’s unique relationship with the fans.

“Compelling, story-driven programming is a staple of our network and the 36 Series,” said Jon Miller, President, Programming, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. “The Blackhawks incredible season and the players on this year’s team, make for a very exciting NHL 36 episode.”

“NHL 36 is about storytelling. It is about taking fans behind the scenes, bringing them closer to the game and allowing them to witness parts of it they wouldn’t have seen otherwise,” said Bob Chesterman, NHL Vice President of Programming. “The stories that unfold in front of our cameras have universal appeal.”

About NBC Sports Network’s 36 Series
The acclaimed NBC Sports Network original series gives viewers an all-access pass into the life of an athlete or a team in the middle of a season. The 36 series includes NHL 36, MLS 36, IndyCar 36 and Fight Night 36.

About NHL Original Productions
NHL Original Productions is the in-house production arm of the NHL, focused on documenting, preserving and promoting the game of hockey. Established in 2011, NHL Original Productions develops long- and short-form hockey programming for use by the League’s media platforms (NHL Network™ and NHL.com), as well as national and regional rights-holders.

–NBC Sports Group–

Filed Under: NBC Sports Network, NHL

NBC Sports Group Presents 14.5 Hours Of Kentucky Derby Coverage

May 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

nbc-sportsCoverage from Churchill Downs Begins This Wednesday and Continues All Week on NBC and NBC Sports Network

NBC Sports Live Extra to Live Stream Kentucky Derby on NBC with Additional Camera Angels and Live Commentary; Plus Content on NBC Sports Network via “TV Everywhere”

NBC Sports Group Presents 27.5 Total Hours of Horse Racing’s Triple Crown over Next 5 Weeks

Robust Social Offerings on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest & Vine

NEW YORK – April 29, 2013 – NBC Sports Group will present 14.5 hours of Kentucky Derby coverage beginning Wednesday, May 1, at 4 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network with Kentucky Derby Classics, and culminating with the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby on NBC, Saturday, May 4, beginning at 11 a.m. on NBC Sports Network and continuing at 4 p.m. ET on NBC.

NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage, which in 2012 was honored with an Eclipse Award in the Television-Live Programming category, includes 8.5 hours on Derby Day on NBC and NBC Sports Network. Coverage includes:

  • Live coverage of the Kentucky Derby Draw Wednesday, May 1 at 5 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network to determine the post positions;
  • 11.5 total hours on NBC Sports Network;
  • Three hours of “Derby Classics” (Mine That Bird, Animal Kingdom, I’ll Have Another) to air on NBC Sports Network.

COMENTATORS: NBC Sports Group coverage of the Kentucky Derby will feature co-hosts Bob Costas, a 24-time Emmy Award-winner, and veteran NBC Sports commentator Tom Hammond; analysts Randy Moss and Hall-of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey; analysts/handicappers Mike Battaglia and Bob Neumeier; NBC Sports Network host Laffit Pincay, III; reporters Kenny Rice, Donna Brothers and Jay Privman; and race caller Larry Collmus. Michelle Beadle of Access Hollywood and co-host of The Crossover on NBC Sports Network, will provide features and interviews, and Coco Rocha, supermodel coach on Oxygen’s The Face, will talk Kentucky Derby fashions and handle celebrity interviews.

The coordinating producer of NBC’s horse racing coverage is Rob Hyland, a veteran of the network’s horse racing coverage since 2001. The Kentucky Derby is directed by Sunday Night Football and NBC Sports’ horse racing director, Drew Esocoff. The coverage on NBC Sports Network is produced by Billy Matthews and directed by Patrick McManus. The executive producer of NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network is Sam Flood, who has produced 12 Triple Crown races for the network.

27½ HOURS OF TRIPLE CROWN COVERAGE: NBC Sports Group will present 27½ hours of Triple Crown coverage this season from Churchill Downs, Pimlico and Belmont, including “classics” from the Derby, Preakness and Belmont, live racing from all three tracks prior to the three Triple Crown races, and post-race coverage of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont on NBC Sports Network. This marks the third straight year that all three Triple Crown races will air on NBC.

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NBC SPORTS GROUP TRIPLE CROWN COVERAGE (All Times ET):

KENTUCKY DERBY
Date Time Event Network
Wed., May 1 4 p.m. Kentucky Derby Classics – Mine That Bird NBCSN
5 p.m. Kentucky Derby Draw NBCSN
Thurs., May 2 4 p.m. Kentucky Derby Classics – Animal Kingdom NBCSN
5 p.m. Kentucky Derby Access NBCSN
Fri., May 3 4 p.m. Kentucky Derby Classics – I’ll Have Another NBCSN
5 p.m. Kentucky Oaks NBCSN
Sat., May 4 11 a.m. Kentucky Derby Saturday NBCSN
4 p.m. Kentucky Derby NBC
7 p.m. Kentucky Derby Post-Race Show NBCSN
PREAKNESS STAKES
Date Time Event Network
Wed., May 15 3:30 p.m. Preakness Draw NBCSN
Fri., May 17 3 p.m. Preakness Classics NBCSN
4 p.m. Black Eyed Susan Stakes NBCSN
Sat., May 18 2:30 p.m. Preakness Saturday NBCSN
4:30 p.m. Preakness Stakes NBC
6:30 p.m. Preakness Post-Race Show NBCSN
BELMONT STAKES
Date Time Event Network
Fri., June 7 4 p.m. Belmont Stakes Classics NBCSN
5 p.m. Belmont Stakes Access NBCSN
Sat., June 8 3 p.m. Belmont Stakes Saturday NBCSN
5 p.m. Belmont Stakes NBC
7 p.m. Belmont Stakes Post-Race Show NBCSN

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NBC SPORTS LIVE EXTRA KENTUCKY DERBY COVERAGE

NBC Sports Live Extra — the NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets — will stream Kentucky Derby week coverage on NBC and NBC Sports Network. The vast majority of the content will be streamed live via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to authenticated customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

Content airing on NBC, including the Kentucky Derby race, will be streamed to PC’s, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra.

NBC’s Derby Day coverage includes:

  • Four online-only camera angles that showcase the activity happening across Churchill Downs on Derby day;
  • Online-only analysis by NBC Sports commentators;
  • Replays and footage from the key Road to the Kentucky Derby prep races.

Derby Week coverage airing on NBC Sports Network will be live streamed to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

NBC Sports Network coverage includes:

  • Kentucky Derby Draw, Wednesday, May 1, at 5 p.m. ET
  • Kentucky Derby Access, Thursday, May 2, at 5 p.m. ET
  • Kentucky Oaks, Friday, May 3, at 5 p.m. ET
  • Kentucky Derby Pre-Show, Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m. ET

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NBC SPORTS SOCIAL MEDIA AT THE KENTUCKY DERBY

KENTUCKY DERBY ON NBC “SOCIAL CENTER”: Horseracing fans and fans of the elegance and glitz of the Derby can access content from Derby week at a “social center” housed on NBCSports.com. Fans can access and sort social media content from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram through various streams including horse racing experts, horses (including the horses themselves, jockeys and trainers), glamour (celebrities, fashion experts), and a photos-only section. The “social center” aggregates what’s trending around the Derby and what’s hot in the social world and it’s all at the fingertips of the user. Content from the “social center” including tweets, trending topics and photos will be featured on-air during the week-long Derby celebration on NBC and the NBC Sports Network.

TWITTER MIRROR: NBC Sports and Twitter are partnering to have the “Twitter Mirror” present on the Red Carpet at the Derby, on the Pink Carpet at Oaks Day and at the famed Barnstable Brown Party on Friday night of Derby Week. The “Twitter Mirror” will bring fans closer to the exclusive, celebrity driven events in and around Churchill Downs. Celebrity and “best-dressed” photos will be pushed out through the @NBCSN Twitter feed and collected and housed within NBCSports.com and the NBC “social center.” Content from the “Twitter Mirror” will be featured on-air during Derby Day.

KENTUCKY DERBY ALL-ACCESS: NBC Sports will implement its “All-Access” social media strategy for Kentucky Derby week on both NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. Two dedicated social media producers will be on-site for behind the scenes content including breaking news, photos and video from Churchill Downs on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine and NBCSports.com.

Facebook:

  • Every day at Facebook.com/NBCSports, fans will be presented with a Derby 101 shareable image that can help them prepare for Derby Day. NBC Sports commentators and NBCUniversal talent will help fans do everything from learn how to call a Kentucky Derby race to plan their Derby party.
  • Fans at home can pick their winner with the “Choose the Winning Horse” Facebook poll on Facebook.com/NBCSports. Votes will be tallied and shown on-air during the Kentucky Derby broadcast.

Twitter: Viewers and tweeters alike will be encouraged to join the conversation by using the hashtag #DERBY. Reminders will appear on screen throughout all of NBC and NBC Sports Network’s Kentucky Derby week coverage.

  • The ultimate Derby fashionista can follow along with #DerbyHats to find the best of the best in headwear from the 2013 Kentucky Derby. Fans will also be asked to submit pictures of their Derby hats from home using #DerbyHats. Favorites may be featured on-air.
  • On-air integration of live tweets from celebrities, horse-racing experts and @NBCSN will be featured on screen throughout the broadcasts to keep viewers up to date with what’s happening and trending on Twitter.
  • @NBCSN will live tweet the Kentucky Derby Draw Show on Wednesday.

Instagram: For 360 coverage of behind-the-scenes access to Derby Week, fans can follow @NBCSports on Instagram at Instagram.com/NBCSports for the parties, food, fashion and of course the races.

Pinterest: The Kentucky Derby is the perfect event to launch the NBC Sports’ Pinterest presence. Fans can access photos and videos around the Derby from NBCSports.com and NBC Sports social channels as well as find recipes and ideas for their ultimate Derby Party.

Vine: NBC Sports will utilize Vine to give fans quick video look-ins at everything that makes up the Kentucky Derby. From morning workouts with the horses, to Millionaire’s Row, NBC Sports Vines will give fans the full Derby experience for those that can’t make it to the track for Derby Week.

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NBC SPORTS GROUP AND HORSE RACING: The NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001, and the Belmont Stakes since 2011, when the NBC Sports Group reassembled the Triple Crown. This year, the NBC Sports Group will present 27½ hours of Triple Crown coverage across NBC and NBC Sports Network.

NBC Sports Group is the home to “Summer at Saratoga,” and, in collaboration with The Jockey Club, the Road to the Kentucky Derby series that provides live coverage of six major prep races for the 2013 Kentucky Derby.

KENTUCKY DERBY: Last year, the Kentucky Derby drew 14.8 million viewers, the third most-watched Kentucky Derby in 23 years, and up two percent from the 2011 Derby according to official national data provided by The Nielsen Company. Since implementing NBC Sports’ ‘Big Event Strategy,’ the last four Kentucky Derby races have all recorded at least 14.5 million viewers.

NBC Sports’ coverage of the Kentucky Derby over the last 12 years averages more than 2 million more viewers than the previous 12 Kentucky Derby broadcasts on ABC (14.1 million vs.12.0 million, up 17 percent).

PREAKNESS STAKES: Last year’s coverage of the Preakness Stakes on NBC drew 8.1 million viewers. Since NBC began broadcasting the Preakness in 2001, every Preakness telecast on NBC over that period attracted more viewers than any Preakness telecast on ABC in the previous eight years. Viewership for the Preakness is up an average of 63% in the 12 years on NBC compared to the previous eight years on ABC.

BELMONT STAKES: Last year, NBC’s second broadcast of the Belmont Stakes since 2005 drew 7.67 million viewers, making it the most-watched Belmont in a non-Triple Crown year since 2005 on NBC.

AWARDS FOR NBC’S HORSE RACING COVERAGE: Since its involvement in the Triple Crown, NBC Sports has been honored with 12 Eclipse Awards for its thoroughbred racing coverage including the award for Television – Live Program for the 2012 Kentucky Derby. NBC’s previous wins in that category include: Preakness (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008), Kentucky Derby (2007), Belmont (2004) and Breeder’s Cup (2001). Additionally, NBC Sports has won three Eclipse Awards in the features category: 2002 on War Emblem (Preakness broadcast), 2005 Afleet Alex (Kentucky Derby broadcast) and 2009 Mine That Bird (Preakness broadcast), and the 2005 and 2006 Preakness broadcasts were nominated for the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Live Sports Special.

The NBC Sports Network Channel Finder is located at nbcsports.msnbc.com.

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Filed Under: Horse Racing, NBC

NBC Sports Network’s MLS Coverage Continues This Weekend With The Chicago Fire At The Montreal Impact

April 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

nbc-mlsEastern Conference Match Begins Saturday at 4 p.m. ET

NEW YORK – April 24, 2013 – NBC Sports Network’s Major League Soccer coverage this weekend features the Montreal Impact (4-1-1, 13 pts.) hosting the Chicago Fire (2-4-1, 7 pts.) on Saturday, April 27, at 4 p.m. ET.

COMMENTATORS: NBC Sports Group’s MLS announce team of Arlo White (play-by-play) and Kyle Martino (‘Between-the-Benches’) and Russ Thaler (analyst) will host coverage from Saputo Stadium in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

UPCOMING MLS GAMES ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK (subject to change):

Date Home Away Time (ET)
Sat., April 27 Chicago Montreal 4 p.m.
Sat., May 4 Columbus New York 4 p.m.
Sat., May 11 Chicago Philadelphia 1:30 p.m.
Sat., May 26 Kansas City Houston 3:30 p.m.


About NBC Sports Group’s Soccer Coverage

NBC Sports Group’s networks and platforms are leading destinations for soccer fans in the U.S. Its soccer portfolio includes Major League Soccer (MLS), U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team matches, the men’s and women’s Olympic soccer tournaments, and, beginning in August 2013, the Premier League. NBCUniversal, via the NBC Sports Group, will be the home for all 380 Premier League matches, as well comprehensive shoulder programming. NBCUniversal’s Telemundo and mun2 also provide comprehensive Spanish-language soccer coverage. Both channels will air Premier League matches, as well as serve as the U.S. Spanish-language home for the FIFA World Cup from 2015 through 2022. Online, ProSoccerTalk on NBCSports.com provides comprehensive coverage of the sport, from the Premier League to MLS to the U.S. National Team and other key international soccer stories.

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit www.NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

 

–NBC Sports Group–

Filed Under: MLS, NBC Sports Network

La Apasionante Pelea Por Alcanzar La Liguilla De La Liga Mx Se Vive Por Telemundo: Guadalajara Se Juega Su Última Carta Este Domingo Frente Al Querétaro A Las 5:55pm ET

April 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment

telemundo-nbcADEMÁS, EL LEÓN ESPERA PODER DESPEDIRSE DE SU AFICIÓN A LO GRANDE ESTE SÁBADO A LAS 9PM ET (For English, please scroll down)

MIAMI – 23 DE ABRIL, 2013- La ilusión, la angustia, la desesperación y toda la pasión de un verdadero partido a todo o nada entre Guadalajara y Querétaro se vive por Telemundo este domingo a las 5:55 PM ET/4:55PM CT/2:55PM PT en “Fútbol Estelar”. Las Chivas están obligadas a ganar para seguir soñando con acceder a la liguilla, mientras que los Gallos Blancos buscan evitar caer en el abismo del descenso. Andrés Cantor estará relatando toda la acción junto al análisis y los comentarios de Sammy Sadovnik.

La actual situación de ambos equipos es extrema, pero por distintas razones: Las Chivas deben ganar y esperar otros resultados para no perder el tren de la postemporada. El Querétaro, por su parte, obtendría el último boleto a la liguilla hoy por hoy, pero lo resignaría en caso de descender al no ganar la totalidad de los seis puntos que quedan en juego o si el Puebla empata o gana ante el Atlas este fin de semana.

Los jugadores clave para cada equipo estarán en las áreas. El olfato goleador de Miguel Sabah intentará guiar al Rebaño Sagrado, mientras que la dupla de Wilberto Cosme y Amaury Escoto buscará potenciar al ataque del Querétaro tras convertir un gol cada uno en la dramática victoria de su equipo sobre la hora por 2-1 frente al San Luis la fecha pasada.

El sábado también será un día especial para el fútbol mexicano, ya que el León busca darle una última alegría a su gente al recibir a un Atlante en alza que visita al Nou Camp por primera vez en 10 años a las 9PM ET/8PM CT/6PM PT. Los Potros de Hierro han ganado sus últimos dos compromisos, mientras que el León no cae derrotado desde hace cinco fechas y quiere terminar el torneo a lo grande con una victoria.

La Fiera llega entonada de la mano de Carlos “Gullit” Peña tras conseguir un dramático empate sobre la hora en Chiapas frente a Jaguares y espera a un Atlante que se respaldó en el doblete de un Esteban Paredes inspirado para derrotar al Puebla por 2-0.

Toda la pasión del desenlace de la Liga MX se vive por Telemundo, casa del mejor fútbol mexicano

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THE THRILLING MEXICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFF CHASE IS ON TELEMUNDO THIS SUNDAY NIGHT: GUADALAJARA PUTS EVERYTHING ON THE LINE AS IT FACES OFF AGAINST QUERETARO AT 5:55PM ET

SATURDAY NIGHT WILL ALSO BE FULL OF ACTION AS LEON ASPIRES TO END ITS SEASON ON A HIGH NOTE IN FRONT OF ITS FANS AGAINST ATLANTE AT 9PM ET

MIAMI – APRIL 23, 2013- In an emotional match of the highest stakes, Guadalajara and Queretaro face off in Sunday’s playoff defining key matchup, which can be seen on Telemundo’s “Fútbol Estelar” at 5:55 PM ET/4:55PM CT/2:55PM PT. Chivas has its sights set on a win to keep its postseason hopes alive, while Queretaro will attempt to avoid the dreaded relegation while keeping its own playoff chances intact. Andrés Cantor will be narrating the play-by-play action as Sammy Sadovnik also provides his analysis and commentary.

The current situation is extreme for both teams, but for different reasons. Chivas must win and await other results to find out whether it is still alive in the playoff chase. On the other hand, Queretaro currently holds the last of the eight postseason spots. However, they would be forced to miss out on the playoffs and face relegation if they don’t win their remaining two matches and/or Puebla draws or wins against Atlas this weekend.

The key players for each squad will be up front. Miguel Sabah’s goal-scoring prowess will be one of the keys for Chivas, while the duo of forwards composed by Wilberto Cosme and Amaury Escoto will attempt to lead the way for Queretaro just like they did with a goal apiece in their dramatic 2-1 last-minute win over San Luis last week.

Saturday night will also provide a special occasion for Mexican soccer fans as Leon looks to give its fans one last home win at 9PM ET/8PM CT/6PM PT. The opponent they will be facing is Atlante, a squad that last visited Leon’s Nou Camp 10 years ago. Atlante is currently enjoying a two match winning streak, but Leon is also on an unbeaten run of five matches and wants to finish off on a high note with a victory at home.

Leon will rely on the skill of Carlos “Gullit” Peña, a vital part of last weekend’s last-minute draw at Chiapas, and awaits an Atlante side that had an inspired Esteban Paredes against Puebla. Paredes scored twice in his team’s 2-0 win.

All the thrills and intrigue of the chase for the playoffs in the Liga MX can be seen on Telemundo, home of the best Mexican soccer.

Filed Under: Soccer, Telemundo

NBC Sports Network Presents 20 Hours Of Formula One™ And 2013 Izod Indycar Series Coverage This Weekend

April 19, 2013 By 1 Comment

nbc-sportsF1’s Bahrain Grand Prix Live on Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET

IndyCar Highlighted by Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Live on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET

NEW YORK – April 17, 2013 – NBC Sports Network presents more 20 hours of motorsports coverage this weekend featuring the fourth Formula One™ and third 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series races of the 2013 season this weekend. Coverage is highlighted by live race, qualifying and practice coverage of the Bahrain Grand Prix and NBC Sports Network’s post-race show, F1 Extra. IndyCar coverage continues with the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, which includes qualifying and the return of Firestone Indy Lights.

NBC Sports Network’s Motorsports Coverage This Weekend (subject to change, all times ET):

DATE EVENT TIME (ET)
Fri., April 19 F1: Bahrain Practice 7 a.m.
Sat., April 20 F1: Bahrain Qualifying 7 a.m.
Sat., April 20 F1: GP2 4:30 p.m.
Sat., April 20 IndyCar: Long Beach Qualifying 6 p.m.
Sun., April 21 F1: Bahrain Qualifying Encore 1 a.m.
Sun., April 21 F1: Bahrain Grand Prix 7:30 a.m.
Sun., April 21 F1 Extra 10 a.m.
Sun., April 21 F1: Bahrain Grand Prix Encore Noon
Sun., April 21 F1 Extra Encore 2:30 p.m.
Sun., April 21 Indy Lights: Streets of Long Beach 3 p.m.
Sun., April 21 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach 4 p.m.
Tues., April 23 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Re-Air 1 a.m.


FORMULA ONE™: NBC Sports Network continues its live coverage of Formula One™ this weekend with the Bahrain Grand Prix, airing at 7:30 a.m. ET on Sunday morning, April 21, followed by F1 Extra at 10 a.m. ET. Extensive coverage of the Bahrain Grand Prix includes live practice on Friday, April 19, at 7 a.m. ET, live qualifying on Saturday, April 20, at 7 a.m. ET, plus GP2, F1’s developmental series, at 4:30 p.m. ET.

F1 COMMENTATORS: Leigh Diffey serves as lead announcer for this week’s F1 race. Sharing the booth with Diffey is former multiple series race car driver David Hobbs and analyst Steve Matchett, a former race mechanic for the Benneton F1 team. Will Buxton, F1 insider and former journalist, is the team’s on-site reporter from Bahrain.

F1 EXTRA: NBC Sports Network’s post-race show, F1 Extra, will air live after the Bahrain Grand Prix with an encore on Sunday, April 14, at 2:30 p.m. ET. The 30-minute wrap-up show will be handled by the F1 team of Diffey, Hobbs, Matchett and Buxton from NBC Sports Group’s International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn.

DATE EVENT TIME (ET)
Fri., April 19 Bahrain Practice 7 a.m.
Sat., April 20 Bahrain Qualifying 7 a.m.
Sat., April 20 GP2 4:30 p.m.
Sun., April 21 Bahrain Qualifying Encore 1 a.m.
Sun., April 21 Bahrain Grand Prix 7:30 a.m.
Sun., April 21 F1 Extra 10 a.m.
Sun., April 21 Bahrain Grand Prix Encore Noon
Sun., April 21 F1 Extra Encore 2:30 p.m.


2013 IZOD INDYCAR SERIES: NBC Sports Network’s coverage of the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series continues with the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday, April 21 at 4 p.m. ET, live from Long Beach, Calif. The race will be preceded by Firestone Indy Lights at 3 p.m. ET. IndyCar qualifying airs on Saturday, April 20, at 6 p.m. ET.

INDYCAR COMMENTATORS: Brian Till helms NBC Sports Network’s IndyCar booth. He is joined by race analyst and former NASCAR driver Wally Dallenbach, Jr. and IndyCar driver Townsend Bell.

Jon Beekhuis reports from pit road. Veterans Kevin Lee and Marty Snider manage the pit, and are joined by Robin Miller, the network’s IndyCar reporter.

DATE EVENT TIME (ET)
Sat., April 20 IndyCar Qualifying 6 p.m.
Sun., April 21 Firestone Indy Lights 3 p.m.
Sun., April 21 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach 4 p.m.
Tues., April 23 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Encore 1 a.m.


MOTORSPORTSTALK: MotorSportsTalk (@MotorSportsTalk) on NBCSports.com brings racing fans up-to-the-minute news, video and information on Formula One™, IZOD IndyCar Series, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and all other motorsports racing from around the world. The site also serves as the destination for all news, analysis and video from NBC and NBC Sports Network productions of IndyCar and F1, including contributions from on-air commentators.

Filed Under: Formula One, IndyCar, NBC Sports Network

Wednesday Night’s Buffalo Sabres-Boston Bruins Telecast Is Fourth Best-Ever For Single Regular Season Game On NBC Sports Network

April 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

nhl_nbc_2Telecast Draws 847,000 Viewers; Peaks at 1.1 Million

NBC Sports Network is Highest-Rated Network in Boston and Buffalo During Sabres-Bruins Telecast

NEW YORK– April 18, 2013 – NBC Sports Network’s Wednesday Night Rivalry telecast featuring the Buffalo Sabres against the Boston Bruins resulted in record-setting regular-season viewership.

NBC Sports Network’s coverage of the Sabres dramatic 3-2 shootout victory against the Bruins on Wednesday night, drew 847,000 viewers and peaked at more than 1.1 million viewers.

• The telecast was the fourth most watched single regular-season game in NBC Sports Network history and was up 84% vs. NBC Sports Network’s 2011-12 exclusive time period average.

• NBC Sports Network was a top 10 cable network for the 7:30-10:15 p.m. ET time period among M18-49 (No. 7) and M25-54 (No. 8).

NBC Sports Network’s 13 Wednesday Night Rivalry NHL games have averaged 662,000 average viewers up 49% above NBC Sports Network’s 2011-12 Wednesday night exclusive game average.

• Through 49 games, the NHL on NBC Sports Network has drawn 415,000 average viewers, up 25% from last year’s full regular season average (332,000).

IN BOSTON

In Boston, Sabres-Bruins on NBC Sports Network received a 7.9 HH rating, which was the third highest-rated regular-season Bruins game ever on NBC Sports Network (behind Boston’s two games vs. Montreal this season 9.26 on 3/3/13 and 8.51 on 3/27/13).

• The game was up 77% from the Bruins’ 2011-12 regular season average on NBCSN in the market.

• NBC Sports Network was the No. 1 rated network overall in Boston during the 7:30-10:15 time period.

IN BUFFALO

In Buffalo, Sabres-Bruins on NBC Sports Network received a 9.0 HH rating and was the No. 1 rated network overall during the 7:30-10:15 time period.

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Filed Under: NBC Sports Network, NHL, Ratings

2013 “Sunday Night Football” Schedule Announced

April 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

NBC_sunday_night_football19 Primetime Games Including Thursday NFL Kickoff 2013 and Thanksgiving Night Game

NFL Season Begins on NBC with Thursday NFL Kickoff 2013 Featuring Peyton Manning and Denver Broncos Hosting the Super Bowl XLVII Champion Baltimore Ravens

NFC East Rivalry: Dallas Cowboys Host New York Giants in Opening Sunday Night Football Game on September 8

NEW YORK – April 18, 2012 – NBC will broadcast 19 primetime NFL games during the 2013 season, highlighted by: Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos hosting the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens on NFL Kickoff 2013 on Thursday, September 5; a classic NFC East rivalry as the Dallas Cowboys host the New York Giants in the opening Sunday Night Football game on September 8; Manning returning home to Indianapolis to take on Andrew Luck and the Colts; and NBC’s annual Thanksgiving night game, featuring the heated AFC North rivalry Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens.

MARK LAZARUS, CHAIRMAN, NBC SPORTS GROUP:

“The NFL continues to be the most powerful content in the sports and entertainment universe, and we are poised for another exciting season of Sunday Night Football, once again the No. 1 show in primetime television.”

Highlights of the 2013 Sunday Night Football schedule:

  • 19 primetime games, including the NFL’s opening game of the season, NFL Kickoff 2013 and NBC’s annual Thanksgiving night game;
  • Every 2012 playoff team makes an appearance on Sunday Night Football; 16 of NBC’s 18 scheduled games involve at least one playoff team from last season; 10 of 18 include two playoff teams (Week 17 game TBD);
  • Three games each for the Ravens, Broncos, Patriots, Steelers, Packers, Giants, Cowboys;
  • The Ravens host the Steelers on NBC’s annual Thanksgiving night game. NBC will broadcast a Thanksgiving night game each season through 2022;
  • Peyton Manning goes home to Indianapolis to take on Andrew Luck and the Colts in Week 7. Manning vs. Tom Brady as the Patriots host the Broncos in Week 12;
  • Three matchups among bitter NFC East rivals: Giants-Cowboys (Week 1), Redskins-Cowboys (Week 6) and Giants-Redskins (Week 13);
  • Three playoff rematches, including a rematch of the AFC Championship Game (Patriots-Ravens) in Week 16, and a rematch of the AFC Divisional Playoffs (Broncos-Ravens) in NFL Kickoff 2013;
  • Emerging rivalries, including 49ers-Seahawks in Week 2 and Colts-Texans in Week 9;

NBC TO BROADCAST 19 NFL GAMES IN 2012: As part of the agreement NBC signed with the NFL in December 2011, NBC, for the second straight season, will broadcast 19 regular-season games, including 17 regular-season Sunday Night Football games, NFL Kickoff 2013, and the annual Thanksgiving night game. NBC’s original Sunday Night Football agreement, which began in 2006, included 17 regular-season games. It was increased to 18 games in 2010.

SNF IS NO. 1 PRIMETIME PROGRAM ON TELEVISION: For the second straight primetime television season (through April 16), Sunday Night Football ranks as the most-watched (persons 2+) show, and the No. 1 program across the key demographics of Adults 18-49, 18-34, 25-54, as well as Men 18-49, 18-34 and 25-54, based on Nielsen live + same day and Combo data. Additionally, SNF is the No. 2 show among Women 18-34, and Women 18-49 based on Nielsen live + same day data.

2013 SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Thurs. Sept. 5 NFL Kickoff Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos
Sun. Sept. 8 Week 1 New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Sun. Sept. 15 Week 2 San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Sun. Sept. 22 Week 3 Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sun. Sept. 29 Week 4 New England Patriots at Atlanta Falcons
Sun. Oct. 6 Week 5 Houston Texans at San Francisco 49ers
Sun. Oct. 13 Week 6 Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
Sun. Oct. 20 Week 7 Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts
Sun. Oct. 27 Week 8 Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Sun. Nov. 3 Week 9 Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
Sun. Nov. 10 Week 10 Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints
*Sun. Nov. 17 Week 11 Green Bay Packers at New York Giants
*Sun. Nov. 24 Week 12 Denver Broncos at New England Patriots
**Thurs. Nov. 28 Week 13 Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
*Sun. Dec. 1 Week 13 New York Giants at Washington Redskins
*Sun. Dec. 8 Week 14 Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers
*Sun. Dec. 15 Week 15 Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
*Sun. Dec. 22 Week 16 New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens
*Sun. Dec. 29 Week 17 TBA

*Flex Week

** Thanksgiving Night Game

THURSDAY, SEPT. 5 – NFL KICKOFF 2013

Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos (Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colo.)

The Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens travel to Denver to take on Peyton Manning and the Broncos in NFL Kickoff 2013, the opening game of the 2013 NFL season, and a rematch of last year’s AFC Divisional Playoffs won by the Ravens, 38-35. NFL Kickoff 2013 will be played on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 8:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on NBC beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 8 – WEEK ONE

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas)

In a classic NFC East division rivalry, Eli Manning and the New York Giants travel to Dallas to take on Tony Romo and the Cowboys in the opening Sunday Night Football game of the season. The Giants-Cowboys game in Week 17 of the 2011 season held the record for the most-watched SNF game ever (27.62 million), before being surpassed by last season’s Week 17 Cowboys-Redskins game (30.3 million).

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15 – WEEK TWO

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (Century Link Field, Seattle, Wash.)

Two NFC playoff teams with emerging star quarterbacks square off as Colin Kaepernick and the defending NFC Champion 49ers host 2012 rookie sensation Russell Wilson and their NFC West rival Seahawks, who captured a Wild Card spot with an 11-5 record last season. These two teams split their season series last year with each team winning at home.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22 – WEEK THREE

Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers (Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pa.)

Two of the NFL’s most-storied franchises look to rebound in 2013 after both teams missed the playoffs last season. Jay Cutler and the Bears (10-6 in 2012) lost a tiebreaker for a Wild Card spot, while Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers (8-8 in 2012) missed the playoffs for the first time in three years.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 29 – WEEK FOUR

New England Patriots at Atlanta Falcons (Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga.)

A matchup of two teams who both lost in their respective Championship Games last season. Matt Ryan and the Falcons (13-3 in 2012) lost to the 49ers, 28-24, in the NFC Championship Game, while Brady and the Patriots (12-4 in 2012) were defeated by the Ravens, 28-13, in the AFC Championship Game. This is the first game between these two teams since the 2009 season.

SUNDAY OCT. 6 – WEEK FIVE

Houston Texans at San Francisco 49ers (Candlestick Park, San Francisco, Calif.)

The Texans, led by QB Matt Schaub, won the last two AFC South Division titles after missing the playoffs in the franchise’s first nine seasons. They travel to San Francisco for only the third-ever meeting between these teams.

SUNDAY, OCT. 13 – WEEK SIX

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys (Cowboys Stadium, Arlington Texas)

A classic NFC East division rivalry, as Robert Griffin, III and the Redskins travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys. These two teams played Week 17 last season in a win-and-in game. The Redskins won, 28-18, in the most-watched game ever on Sunday Night Football (30.3 million viewers).

SUNDAY, OCT. 20 – WEEK SEVEN

Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.)

Peyton Manning returns home to Indianapolis for the first time as a visiting QB as the Colts, and their second-year QB Andrew Luck, host the Broncos. The Colts have won the last five games in this series (all with Manning as their QB).

SUNDAY, OCT. 27 – WEEK EIGHT

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (Mall of America Field, Minneapolis, Minn.)

This NFC North rivalry is a rematch of last year’s NBC Wild Card Saturday playoff game that the Packers won 24-10. This rivalry dates back to 1961, with the Packers holding a 54-48-11 advantage. They split their two games last season, with each team winning at home.

SUNDAY, NOV. 3 – WEEK NINE

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans (Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas)

The Colts, behind Luck, returned to the playoffs in 2012 after having missed the playoffs in 2011 for the first time in 10 years. They lost to the Super Bowl champion Ravens in the Wild Card round. The Colts won 15 of the first 16 games between these two teams, dating back to 2002, but the two teams have split their season series each of the last three years.

SUNDAY, NOV. 10 – WEEK 10

Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints (Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, La.)

Two teams looking to rebound after not making the playoffs, as Drew Brees and the Saints host Tony Romo and the Cowboys. The Saints missed the playoffs last year for the first time since the 2008 season, while the Cowboys are seeking their first playoff appearance since the 2009 season.

SUNDAY, NOV. 17 – WEEK 11

Green Bay Packers at New York Giants (MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.)

Aaron Rodgers and the defending NFC North champion Packers travel to the Meadowlands to take on Eli Manning and the Giants, a series that dates back to 1928. These two teams met on Sunday Night Football in Week 13 last season, with the Giants winning, 38-10. The Packers lead the all-time series 31-25-2.

SUNDAY, NOV. 24 – WEEK 12

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.)

In one of the most highly-anticipated quarterback matchups every year, Tom Brady and the Patriots host Peyton Manning and the Broncos. The teams have met a total of 76 times dating back to 1970, with the Patriots leading the series 47-29.

THURSDAY, NOV. 28 – WEEK 13 – THANKSGIVING NIGHT GAME

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Md.)

For the second straight year, NBC will host a Thanksgiving night game. This year it is one of the hardest-hitting games of the year, as the defending Super Bowl Champion Ravens host their division rivals, the Steelers.

SUNDAY, DEC. 1 – WEEK 13

New York Giants at Washington Redskins (FedEx Field, Landover, Md.)

A fierce NFC East division rivalry pits RGIII and the Redskins, who made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2007, against Eli Manning and the Giants. This series dates back to 1932, with the Giants leading the all-time series 93-65-4.

SUNDAY, DEC. 8 – WEEK 14

Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers (Lambeau Field, Green Bay Wis.)

Sunday Night Football returns to Lambeau Field as Aaron Rodgers and the Packers host Matt Ryan and the Falcons, in a matchup featuring two of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. These teams last met on SNF in Week 5 of the 2011, season with the Packers winning 25-14.

SUNDAY, DEC. 15 – WEEK 15

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pa.)

The Bengals, led by QB Andy Dalton, qualified for the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, the first time the franchise has reached the postseason in back-to-back years since the 1981-1982 seasons. The Steelers have won 10 of the last 13 meetings between these two teams, and lead the all-time series 53-33.

SUNDAY, DEC. 22 – WEEK 16

New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens (M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Md.)

A rematch of the last two AFC Championship Games. Last year, the Ravens defeated the Patriots, 28-13, to advance to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. After the 2011 season, the Patriots advanced to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis by defeating the Ravens, 23-20.

SUNDAY, DEC. 29 – WEEK 17

Teams to be announced by NFL at least six days prior.

The schedule does not list a Sunday night game in Week 17, but the NFL will choose matchups for each of their network partners to ensure a national game with playoff implications to conclude the season.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING: The season again will utilize “flexible scheduling” in Weeks 11-17. In Weeks 11-16, the schedule lists the games tentatively set for Sunday Night Football on NBC. Only Sunday afternoon games are eligible to be moved to Sunday night, in which case the tentatively scheduled Sunday night game would be moved to an afternoon start time. Flexible scheduling will not be applied to games airing on Thursday or Monday nights.

A flexible scheduling move would be announced at least 12 days before the game. For Week 17, the change will be announced no later than six days before the December 29 game. The schedule does not list a Sunday Night Football game in Week 17, but an afternoon game with playoff implications will be moved to that time slot to conclude the season.

Flexible scheduling will ensure quality matchups in all Sunday time slots in those weeks, and give “surprise” teams a chance to play their way into primetime.

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Filed Under: NBC, NFL

Dan Hicks To Call Notre Dame Football On NBC

April 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

nbc-sportsSeason Begins August 31

Hicks, Mike Mayock, & Alex Flanagan to call 84th Annual Blue-Gold Game this Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network

NEW YORK — April 15, 2013 – Dan Hicks, NBC Sports Group’s longtime and critically-acclaimed golf and Olympic commentator, will join NBC Sports’ Notre Dame Football coverage this season as its lead play-by-play voice. His first assignment comes this Saturday, April 20, when NBC Sports Network presents Notre Dame Football’s 84th Annual Blue-Gold Game at 1 p.m. ET.

A versatile voice, Hicks is well-known for his coverage of high-profile events, such as the PGA TOUR, the U.S. Open, the Ryder Cup, Olympic speed skating and Olympic swimming, which includes all of Michael Phelps’ 18 gold medal victories. Hicks also has significant football experience, having called NFL games in the 1990s for NBC’s AFC package. Earlier this year, he teamed with Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan for the AFC Wild Card game on NBC between the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals. Hicks has Fighting Irish broadcasting experience as well, including filling in for Tom Hammond for one game in each of the last two seasons.

“Dan is a gifted commentator, and we wanted to find more high-profile opportunities to showcase his talents,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports & NBC Sports Network. “Coming off an undefeated regular season and a berth in the BCS Championship Game, Notre Dame Football provides a perfect platform.”

Hicks will continue to work as the lead commentator for NBC Sports Group’s live-event golf coverage, and will return for NBC’s Olympic coverage, including the 2014 Sochi Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Hicks succeeds Hammond, who has been the play-by-play voice for Notre Dame Football on NBC for most games dating back to 1992. Renowned for his work on the Olympics and horse racing, Hammond recently agreed to a new multi-year deal. He will continue to be the lead voice for three of NBC Sports Group’s most prestigious properties: Triple Crown horse racing; figure skating, including at the 2014 Sochi Olympics; and track & field, including at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

For more on Dan Hicks, click here: http://nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/bio/dan-hicks/

For more on Tom Hammond, click here: http://nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/bio/tom-hammond/

84TH ANNUAL BLUE GOLD GAME

The 84th annual Notre Dame Blue-Gold spring football game will air on NBC Sports Network, Saturday, April 20 at 1 p.m. ET, marking just the third time that the Fighting Irish’s traditional spring scrimmage game will be televised nationally.

In his first official assignment as the newest member of NBC Sports’ Notre Dame Football on-air team, Dan Hicks will call play-by-play, and be joined by analyst and 2013 Sports Emmy Award nominee Mike Mayock, and sideline reporter Alex Flanagan.

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL ON NBC

Notre Dame Football on NBC begins Saturday, August 31, at 3:30 p.m. ET, when the Fighting Irish host Temple. The 2013 schedule also includes games against Michigan State on Saturday, September, 21; Oklahoma on Saturday, September, 28; Arizona State from Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Tex., on Saturday, October 5; USC on Saturday, October, 19; Navy on Saturday, November 2; and BYU on Saturday, November, 23.

The following is the NBC Sports Group 2013 Notre Dame Football schedule (all times ET)

Date Opponent Network
Saturday, April 20 Blue-Gold Game NBC Sports Network
Saturday, Aug. 31 Temple NBC
Saturday, Sept. 21 Michigan State NBC
Saturday, Sept. 28 Oklahoma NBC
Saturday, Oct. 5 Arizona State* NBC
Saturday, Oct. 19 USC NBC
Saturday, Nov 2 Navy NBC
Saturday, Nov 23 BYU NBC

*Off-site home game from Dallas, Texas.

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Filed Under: NBC, NCAA Football

Notre Dame & NBC Sports Group Renew Historic Football Partnership

April 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment
nbc-sports10-Year Extension Brings Partnership to 35 Years, Through 2025 Season

Enhanced Rights Allow for Select Games to Air on NBC Sports Network

Recent Tradition of Primetime Games to Continue
NEW YORK – April 18, 2013 – The University of Notre Dame and the NBC Sports Group have renewed their historic football partnership for 10 years, through the 2025 season. The renewal extends the landmark partnership, which began in 1991, to 35 years.

“While our relationship with NBC Sports is longstanding, the more recent merger between NBC and Comcast has opened up additional avenues to expand the breadth of Notre Dame-related sports programming on NBC platforms,” said Notre Dame vice president and athletics director Jack Swarbrick. “Specifically, the evolution of the NBC Sports Network has provided opportunities for special programming featuring inside looks at our football team and several other Notre Dame sports programs and in-depth profiles on the unsung heroes of Notre Dame athletics. These are examples of the growth of our partnership, and we look forward to collaborating on additional projects and distribution strategies in seasons to come.”

“Coming off one of Notre Dame’s best and most dramatic seasons in decades, we could not be more proud to extend this historic partnership, which continues to be one of the most innovative in sports-media history,” said Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBC Sports Group. “We are particularly excited that this extension offers enhanced rights that allow us to bring Notre Dame Football to fans on more platforms than ever before.”

Per the extension, which begins with the 2016 season, the NBC Sports Group retains global media rights on all platforms to a minimum of seven Notre Dame home football games per year on NBC. It also allows for selected games to air on NBC Sports Network, similar to past NBC-Notre Dame agreements which allowed for selected games to be moved to cable. As it has since 2009, NBC Sports Digital will continue to live stream Fighting Irish home games.

In 2012, Notre Dame finished the regular season undefeated — with a 12-0 record that included numerous dramatic finishes — and ultimately earned their first-ever berth in the BCS Championship Game. The Fighting Irish averaged 4.4 million viewers and a 2.8 household rating for its seven games on NBC in 2012, up 69% and 67%, respectively, versus 2011. It was the best performance on NBC in seven years (2005, 5.2 million), while the 2.8 rating was the best since 2006 (3.0).

Revenues from the NBC partnership have played a key role in Notre Dame’s financial aid endowment since the start of the relationship in 1991 when University officers allocated a portion of the football television contract revenue for undergraduate scholarship endowment (not athletic scholarships). To date, some 6,300 Notre Dame undergraduate students have received nearly $80 million in aid from revenue generated through the NBC contract.

The University also has committed NBC revenues to endow doctoral fellowships in its Graduate School and MBA scholarships in its Mendoza College of Business.

NBC has been televising Irish home games since 1991. This marks the first 10-year extension of the partnership, following five five-year agreements. By the conclusion of this extension, NBC will have televised Notre Dame Football home games for 35 consecutive seasons.

84TH ANNUAL BLUE-GOLD GAME

The 84th annual Notre Dame Blue-Gold spring football game airs on NBC Sports Network this Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, marking just the third time that the Fighting Irish’s traditional spring scrimmage game will be televised nationally.

In his first official assignment as the newest member of NBC Sports’ Notre Dame Football on-air team, Dan Hicks will call play-by-play, and be joined by analyst and 2013 Sports Emmy Award nominee Mike Mayock, and sideline reporter Alex Flanagan.

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL ON NBC

The 2013 Notre Dame Football season on NBC begins Saturday, August 31, at 3:30 p.m. ET, when the Fighting Irish host Temple. The 2013 schedule also includes games against Michigan State on Saturday, September 21; Oklahoma on Saturday, September 28; Arizona State from Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Tex., on Saturday, October 5; USC on Saturday, October 19; Navy on Saturday, November 2; and BYU on Saturday, November 23.

The following is the NBC Sports Group 2013 Notre Dame Football schedule (all times ET)

Date Opponent Network
Saturday, April 20 Blue-Gold Game NBC Sports Network
Saturday, Aug. 31 Temple NBC
Saturday, Sept. 21 Michigan State NBC
Saturday, Sept. 28 Oklahoma NBC
Saturday, Oct. 5 Arizona State* NBC
Saturday, Oct. 19 USC NBC
Saturday, Nov 2 Navy NBC
Saturday, Nov 23 BYU NBC

*Off-site home game from Dallas, Texas.

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–
Filed Under: NBC, NCAA Football

Boston Bruins Look To Clinch Playoff Spot With Win Against The Buffalo Sabres On NBC Sports Network’s “Wednesday Night Rivalry” At 7:30 P.M. ET

April 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment

nhl_nbc_2NBC and NBC Sports Network Deliver Nine NHL Games Over Seven Days

Devils-Rangers, Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC

Blues-Avalanche, Sunday Night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network

NHL Live, Sunday Night-Wednesday Night

NHL Overtime, Monday-Thursday at 11:30 p.m. ET

NEW YORK – April 16, 2013 — Zdeno Chara and the Boston Bruins (56 pts.) host Drew Stafford and the Buffalo Sabres (42 pts.) at TD Bank Garden in Boston, Mass., on NBC Sports Network’s Wednesday Night Rivalry at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Bruins, who are in second place in the Northeast Division, need just one win to clinch a spot in the playoffs. The Sabres have won five of their last seven games and need to win out the rest of the season to keep their playoff hopes alive. Emmy Award-winning play-by-play commentator Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, analyst Eddie Olczyk and ‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst Pierre McGuire will call the game.

Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET with NHL Live, NBC Sports Group’s NHL pregame show. Liam McHugh hosts NHL Live from Studio 2 at NBC Sports Group’s International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn., and will be joined by analysts and former NHL players Mike Milbury and Keith Jones.

PIERRE MCGUIRE ON SABRES-BRUINS:

“When the rivalry began both teams played on smaller ice surfaces in legendary buildings. ‘The Aud’ in Buffalo, and ‘The Garden’ in Boston were buildings where physical contact could not be avoided, and hard hitting was a staple of both team’s identities. The aggressive play has carried over to the next generation. The Sabres will not soon forget Boston LW Milan Lucic’s hit last season on Buffalo Goalie Ryan Miller. Wednesday night should be action packed.”

JEREMY ROENICK ON SABRES-BRUINS:

“The Sabres have recently jumped back in to the playoffs conversation, and need to win the rest of their games to make the postseason. The Bruins are one game shy of a playoff spot, and are battling the Canadiens for first place in the Northeast Division. Every game left in the season counts for both teams. Wednesday Night could prove to have major playoffs implications for the Sabres, Bruins and the entire Eastern Conference.”

In addition to NBC Sports Network’s Wednesday Night Rivalry matchup between the Sabres and Bruins, NBC and NBC Sports Network will also deliver coverage of nine other games over seven days, beginning Thursday night:

  • • New Jersey Devils-Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network

    • Nashville Predators-Chicago Blackhawks, Friday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network

    • Washington Capitals-Montreal Canadiens, Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network

    • New Jersey Devils–NY Rangers, Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC

    • St. Louis Blues-Colorado Avalanche, Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network

    • Phoenix Coyotes-Detroit Red Wings, Monday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network

    • Boston Bruins-Philadelphia Flyers, Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network

    • Dallas Stars-San Jose Sharks, Tuesday night at 10 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network.

DEVILS-FLYERS, THURSDAY NIGHT

On Thursday, April 18, NBC Sports Network features a matchup between the New Jersey Devils (40 pts.) and the Philadelphia Flyers (39 pts.) at 7:30 p.m. ET. Dave Strader (play-by-play) and Brian Engblom (‘Inside-the-Glass’) will call the game from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa.

PREDATORS-BLACKHAWKS, FRIDAY NIGHT

In bonus coverage on Friday, April 19, the Nashville Predators (38 pts.) travel to the United Center in Chicago, Ill., to take on the Chicago Blackhawks (70 pts.). Pat Foley (play-by-play) and Eddie Olczyk (analyst) will call the game at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network.

CAPITALS-CANADIENS, SATURDAY NIGHT

In bonus coverage on Saturday night, April 20 the Washington Capitals travel to the Bell Centre to take on the Montreal Canadiens (57 pts.). Joe Beninati (play-by-play), Craig Laughlin (analyst) and Al Koken (reporter) will call the game at 7 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network.

DEVILS-RANGERS, SUNDAY

NHL on NBC coverage will continue on Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m. ET with an exciting Atlantic Division matchup between the New Jersey Devils (40 pts.) and New York Rangers (46 pts.). Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick (play-by-play), Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and Pierre McGuire (‘Inside-the-Glass’) will call the action from Madison Square Garden in New York, NY.

BLUES-AVALANCHE, SUNDAY NIGHT

Sunday Night on NBC Sports Network, the St. Louis Blues (48 pts.) will travel to the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo., to take on the Colorado Avalanche (35 pts.) at 7:30 p.m. ET. Gord Miller (play-by-play) and Brian Engblom (‘Inside-the-Glass’) will call the game.

COYOTES-RED WINGS, MONDAY NIGHT

On Monday, April 22, the Phoenix, Coyotes (43 pts.) travel to Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich., to take on the Detroit Red Wings at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. John Forslund (play-by-play) and Pierre McGuire (‘Inside-the-Glass’) will call the action.

BRUINS-FLYERS, TUESDAY NIGHT

Tuesday, April 23, the Philadelphia Flyers host the Boston Bruins at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. Dave Strader (play-by-play) and Brian Engblom (‘Inside-the-Glass’) will call the game.

STARS-SHARKS, TUESDAY NIGHT

In bonus coverage on Tuesday night, the San Jose Sharks (51 pts.) will host the Dallas Stars (45 pts.) at 10 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. Randy Hahn (play-by-play), Drew Remenda (analyst) and Brodie Brazil (reporter) will call the game from HP Pavillion in San Jose, Calif.

NHL LIVE and NHL OVERTIME

NHL studio programming throughout the 2013 season will originate from NBC Sports Group’s new, state-of-the-art International Broadcast Center located in Stamford, Conn. NHL Live, NBC Sports Network’s pregame show, will air prior to every game, usually beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET.

NHL Overtime airs most weeknights at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. NHL Overtime is hosted by Bill Patrick and former NHL C Jeremy Roenick. NHL Overtime examines all NHL games played each night and features news, highlights, and analysis.

NBC Sports Network’s Upcoming Hockey Schedule (all times ET, subject to change):

DATE GAME TIME (ET) NETWORK
Wed., April 17 NHL Live 6:30 p.m. NBCSN
Wed., April 17 Buffalo at Boston 7:30 p.m. NBCSN
Wed., April 17 NHL Overtime 11:30 p.m. NBCSN
Thurs., April 18 NHL Live 6:30 p.m. NBCSN
Thurs., April 18 New Jersey at Philadelphia 7:30 p.m. NBCSN
Thurs., April 18 NHL Overtime 11:30 p.m. NBCSN
Fri., April 19 Nashville at Chicago 8:30 p.m. NBCSN
Sat., April 20 Washington at Montreal 7 p.m. NBCSN
Sun., April 21 New Jersey at New York 3 p.m. NBC
Sun., April 21 NHL Live 7 p.m. NBCSN
Sun., April 21 St. Louis at Colorado 7:30 p.m. NBCSN
Mon., April 22 NHL Live 6:30 p.m. NBCSN
Mon., April 22 Phoenix at Detroit 7:30 p.m. NBCSN
Mon., April 22 NHL Overtime 11:30 p.m. NBCSN
Tues., April 23 NHL Live 6:30 p.m. NBCSN
Tues., April 23 Boston at Philadelphia 7:30 p.m. NBCSN
Tues., April 23 Dallas at San Jose 10:00 p.m. NBCSN

NHL VIEWERSHIP:

Through 11 games, NHL coverage on NBC has drawn 1.6 million average viewers, up 23% from the full regular-season average in 2012 (1.3 million, excluding Winter Classic). Through 47 games, NBC Sports Network has drawn 405,000 average viewers, up 22% from the full regular-season average in 2012.

NHLonNBC ON TWITTER

Follow @NHLonNBCSports on Twitter for the most up to date news, scores, photos and videos around NBC and NBC Sports Network’s coverage of the National Hockey League. For all games on NBC and NBCSN use #NHLonNBC to follow the conversation around the broadcast. A special #RivalryNight is used for all Wednesday Night Rivalry Matchups on NBCSN.

NHLonNBC ON FACEBOOK

Facebook.com/NHLonNBCSports – The NHL on NBC Sports Facebook page provides news, photos and video from NBC and NBC Sports Network’s coverage of the NHL. The page aggregates all NHL on NBC-related content found within the NBC Sports digital network, including NBCSports.com, NHL Live Streaming, and ProHockeyTalk.com

NHLonNBC ON INSTAGRAM

Follow @NHLonNBCSports on Instagram for photos around NBC and NBCSN coverage of the National Hockey League.

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Filed Under: NBC Sports Network, NHL
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