NBC Sports Group And The Jockey Club Kick Off “Road To The Kentucky Derby” Series With Special Preview Show

March 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

nbc-sportsNew York, N.Y. – March 21, 2013 – The Jockey Club, in collaboration with the NBC Sports Group, will kick off the Road to Kentucky Derby series with a 30-minute special previewing the Triple Crown season on Saturday, March 23, on the NBC Sports Network from 6 – 6:30 p.m. EDT.

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

The special, produced by America’s Best Racing, will provide a comprehensive look at the top contenders for the 2013 Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands, as well as features on jockeys Gary Stevens and Rosie Napravnik, and the six recent college graduates who are now serving as “brand ambassadors” for America’s Best Racing.

The live racing telecasts commence on Saturday, March 30, with the Besilu Florida Derby from Gulfstream Park and the Louisiana Derby from Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on NBC Sports Network from 6 – 7 p.m. EDT.

The Wood Memorial from Aqueduct Racetrack and the Santa Anita Derby from Santa Anita Park will air on NBC Sports Network on Saturday, April 6, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. EDT.

The series will conclude on Saturday, April 13, with two and half hours of continuous coverage spread across two networks. A 90-minute live broadcast on NBC featuring the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes from Keeneland Race Course will be followed by a one-hour broadcast on the NBC Sports Network featuring the Arkansas Derby. The NBC telecast will air from 4:30 – 6 p.m. EDT; the NBC Sports Network telecast will airfrom 6 – 7 p.m. EDT.

All six races fall into the highest tier on Churchill Downs’ new points system to determine starters for the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4, on NBC. The points system features 36 stakes races overall and 17 marquee events for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds that comprise a 10-week run up to the first Saturday in May.

America’s Best Racing, initiated and funded by The Jockey Club and promoted in association with NTRA Communications, is a multimedia fan development platform designed to increase the profile and visibility of North America’s best Thoroughbred racing events, with a primary focus on the sport’s lifestyle and competition. Additional information is available at followhorseracing.com.

The brand ambassadors are traveling around the country in an “ABRV” bus, promoting Thoroughbred racing’s lifestyle scene and premier events. The tour kicked off at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, March 8-17.

–ABOUT THE JOCKEY CLUB–

THE JOCKEY CLUB: The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred racing and breeding, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms, among others. Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.

–ABOUT NBC SPORTS GROUP—

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, which was broadcast on NBC from 1984-2005. 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. In 2012, the NBC Sports Group presented 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.

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

Filed Under: Horse Racing, NBC

NBC Sports Network’s MLS Coverage Continues With Columbus Crew At D.C. United This Saturday At 3:30 P.M. ET

March 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

nbc-mls“D.C. United has turned grand, old RFK Stadium into a fortress.” – Arlo White

“It is once again a rocking atmosphere that both teams will hope to survive.” – Kyle Martino

NEW YORK – March 20, 2013 – NBC Sports Network continues its MLS coverage this weekend with an Eastern Conference matchup when D.C. United hosts the Columbus Crew Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

COMMENTATORS: NBC Sports Group’s MLS announce team of Arlo White (play-by-play), Kyle Martino (‘Between-the-Benches’) and Russ Thaler (analyst) will host coverage from Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C.

WHITE AND MARTINO BREAK DOWN THE MATCHUP:

WHITE: “D.C. United has turned grand, old RFK Stadium into a fortress over the last year. They are unbeaten in 17 regular-season games, and the fans are pouring back to watch Ben Olsen’s men in action. Dwayne De Rosario, Chris Pontius and Nick DeLeon present a massive threat in attack, and in Bill Hamid, D.C. may be nurturing the next great American goalkeeper.

“But Columbus has enjoyed a solid start to 2013 and in Frederico Higuain, they have a forward who is capable of thrilling moments and spectacular goals.”

MARTINO: “D.C. woke up a dormant fan base with their playoff run last year. It is once again a rocking atmosphere that both teams will hope to survive, though it’s not the ideal venue for a Columbus team seeking momentum.”

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

Date Home Away Time (ET)
Sat., March 23 D.C. Columbus 3:30 p.m.
Sat., March 30 New York Philadelphia 3:30 p.m.
Sat., April 6 Columbus Real Salt Lake 7:30 p.m.
Sat., April 13 Dallas Los Angeles 7:30 p.m.
Sun., April 14 Portland San Jose 10:30 p.m.
Sat., April 20 Los Angeles Kansas City 10:30 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

NBC Sports Network Begins Coverage Of 2013 Izod Indycar Series This Sunday At Noon ET

March 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

nbc-sports-network

NBC Sports Network Presents 19 Hours of IndyCar’s Honda Indy Grand Prix of St. Petersburg & Formula One’s Malaysia Grand Prix

Firestone Indy Lights Returns
NEW YORK – March 20, 2013 – NBC Sports Network presents 19 hours of motorsports coverage this weekend featuring the 2013 IZOD IndyCar series debut and Formula One’s second race of the season. This weekend’s coverage is highlighted by live qualifying and race coverage of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, plus the return of Firestone Indy Lights. Formula One coverage continues with the Malaysia Grand Prix which includes qualifying and practice and NBC Sports Network’s post-race show, F1 Extra.

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

Thurs., March 21 IndyCar: Ryan Hunter-Reay: An American Champion 7 p.m.
Fri., March 22 F1: Practice 2 a.m.
Fri., March 22 F1: Practice Re-Air Midnight
Sat., March 23 F1: Qualifying 4 a.m.
Sat., March 23 F1: Qualifying Re-Air 1 p.m.
Sat., March 23 IndyCar: Qualifying 2:30 p.m.
Sun., March 24 F1: Malaysia Grand Prix 3:30 a.m.
Sun., March 24 F1 Extra 6 a.m.
Sun., March 24 Indy Lights: Streets St. Petersburg 11 a.m.
Sun., March 24 Honda Indy Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 12 p.m.
Sun., March 24 F1: Race Re-Air 3 p.m.
Tues., March 26 IndyCar: Race Re-Air 12 a.m.


2013 IZOD INDYCAR SERIES: NBC Sports Network’s coverage of the 2013 IZOD IndyCar series starts its engines this weekend with the Honda Indy Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 24 at noon ET, live from St. Petersburg, Fla. The race will be preceded by the return of Firestone Indy Lights on the streets of St. Petersburg at 11 a.m. ET. IndyCar qualifying airs live at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 23.

Coverage begins on Thursday with the special feature Ryan Hunter Reay: An American Champion at 7 p.m. ET.

NBC Sports Network’s IZOD IndyCar Coverage from St. Petersburg (subject to change, all times ET):

Thurs., March 21 Ryan Hunter-Reay: An American Champion 7 p.m.
Sat., March 23 IndyCar Qualifying 2:30 p.m.
Sun., March 24 Indy Lights: Streets St. Petersburg 11 a.m.
Sun., March 24 Honda Indy Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Noon
Tues., March 26 Honda Indy Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Re-Air Midnight


INDYCAR COMMENTATORS: NBC Sports Network’s new-look IndyCar booth makes its debut with Leigh Diffey as lead voice in his first year covering the IndyCar Series. He will be joined by returning race analyst and former NASCAR driver Wally Dallenbach, Jr., and newcomer to the booth, IndyCar driver Townsend Bell.

Jon Beekhuis, an analyst who has also served at the network since 2009, will now report from pit road. Veterans Kevin Lee and Brian Till will manage the pit, and will be joined by Robin Miller, the network’s IndyCar reporter.

FORMULA ONE: NBC Sports Network continues its live coverage of Formula One this weekend with the Malaysia Grand Prix airing at 3:30 a.m. ET on Sunday morning, March 24, followed by F1 Extra at 6 a.m. ET. Extensive coverage of the Malaysia Grand Prix includes live practice on Friday, March 22 at 2 a.m. ET that will be re-aired at 11:30 p.m. ET, and live qualifying on Saturday, March 23 at 4 a.m. ET that will be re-aired at 1 p.m. ET.

F1 COMMENTATORS: Bob Varsha will fill in for Diffey, who is calling the IndyCar debut, and serve as lead announcer for this week’s Formula One race. Sharing the booth with Varsha will be former racecar driver David Hobbs and analyst Steve Matchett, a former race mechanic for the Benneton F1 team, including two years with seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher. Diffey will return for the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, April 14. Will Buxton, F1 insider and former journalist, will serve as the team’s on-site reporter from Malaysia.

NBC Sports Network’s Formula One Malaysia Grand Prix Coverage (subject to change, all times ET):

Fri., March 22 Practice 2 a.m.
Fri., March 22 Practice Re-Air Midnight
Sat., March 23 Qualifying 4 a.m.
Sat., March 23 Qualifying Re-Air 1 p.m.
Sun., March 24 Malaysia Grand Prix 3:30 a.m.
Sun., March 24 F1 Extra 6 a.m.
Sun., March 24 Race Re-Air 3 p.m.

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: IndyCar, NBC Sports Network

NBC And Golf Channel Roll Out Coverage Fit For ‘The King’ At Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented By Mastercard

March 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment

golf_channel_NBCMore than 40 Live Hours of News and Tournament Coverage on Tap This Week from Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando

Golf Channel’s ‘Spotlight’ Coverage Returns This Weekend to Complement NBC’s Live Coverage

Pro Am Special Airs Wednesday; ‘School of Golf’ Produced on Site at Bay Hill

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 19, 2013) – The next stop on the PGA TOUR is Orlando, Fla., home of Golf Channel’s studio headquarters and site of co-founder Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge, where this week a stellar field will compete in the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. The NBC Sports Group will dedicate nearly 80 total hours of news and tournament action, which includes 22 live hours of tournament coverage on NBC and Golf Channel.

22 HOURS OF LIVE TOURNAMENT COVERAGE: Combined, live tournament coverage of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard on NBC and Golf Channel will be unprecedented. Golf Channel will showcase a one-hour, pro-am special on Wednesday; six total hours of early rounds on Thursday and Friday; four total hours of coverage leading into NBC’s coverage on the weekend; and five hours of Spotlight coverage that will complement NBC’s weekend coverage. NBC will deliver a combined seven hours of live tournament coverage on Saturday and Sunday.

Golf Channel and Golf Channel on NBC’s 18th tower broadcast teams will include Rich Lerner and Frank Nobilo (Golf Channel), and Dan Hicks and Johnny Miller (NBC). For telecasts on both networks, Gary Koch and Peter Jacobsen will report from tower positions, while Roger Maltbie, Mark Rolfing and Notah Begay will walk with the players on the course. Steve Sands will conduct player interviews. Jimmy Roberts’ signature essays will be highlighted during weekend coverage.

Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard Air Times (all times Eastern):

Thursday- Friday 3-6 p.m. Golf Channel
Saturday-Sunday 12:30-2:30 p.m. Golf Channel
2:30-6 p.m. NBC

GOLF CENTRAL LIVE AT BAY HILL: Golf Central will air in front of a live audience all week from Bay Hill. Golf Central will preview tournament week, and will lead in and out of live tournament coverage on Golf Channel. Golf Central also will air on NBC at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday prior to the network’s live coverage of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The Golf Central on-air team will include Kelly Tilghman, Brandel Chamblee, Tim Rosaforte, Todd Lewis, Ryan Burr, Lara Baldesarra and Tripp Isenhour.

Live player news conferences from Bay Hill will air Wednesday afternoon.

PRO-AM SPECIAL: The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard Pro-Am special will air Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET. Golf Channel reporters will roam Bay Hill during pro-am day, talking with pros in a more relaxing environment about their on-course preparations for tournament play and getting a tip or two along the way. Rich Lerner and Frank Nobilo will host the pro-am show, with Steve Sands, Gary Koch and newcomer Ahmad Rashad talking with players on the course.

SPOTLIGHT COVERAGE RETURNS: While NBC delivers its award-winning coverage on the weekend, Golf Channel also will be on the air live with its exclusive Spotlight coverage, which will feature one of the best finishing three-hole stretches in golf – holes 16-18 at Bay Hill. The 18th hole, with its kidney-shaped green fronted by rocks and water, has proved one of the most treacherous approaches in the game for those who go pin hunting. Calling the action for Spotlight coverage will be Brian Hammons, joined by analyst Curt Byrum. Phil Parkin will be in a tower position and Phil Blackmar will report from the golf course. Todd Lewis will conduct post-round interviews.

Spotlight Air Times:

Saturday-Sunday 2:30-5 p.m. ET Golf Channel

INSTRUCTION: Golf Channel’s signature instructional programs, The Golf Fix and School of Golf focus this week on the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. Last night, Michael Breed visited Bay Hill to show viewers how to play the pivotal closing holes on The Golf Fix. School of Golf hosts Martin Hall and Holly Sonders will celebrate the swing of Arnold Palmer on Wednesday’s episode (7 p.m. ET), showing viewers what they can learn from Palmer’s unique swing, putting stroke and style of play. On the Range (Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET) will take viewers to the driving range at Bay Hill to get an inside look and interviews about the practice routines and other preparations players will be making for tournament play.

MORNING DRIVE: An extensive list of players competing in the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard and other notable guests from the world of golf will appear on Morning Drive every day this week airing at 7 a.m. ET. Morning Drive will extend to 10:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, and will air from 7-9 a.m. ET Thursday-Sunday.

-NBC Sports Group-

Filed Under: Golf, Golf Channel, NBC

NBC Sports Group Garners 58 Sports Emmy Award Nominations, Most Of Any Sports Media Company

March 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment

nbc-sportsTotal Nominations for NBC Sports Group up from 33 Last Year

NBC Leads All Networks (Broadcast or Cable) with 36 Nominations

London Olympics Receives 19 Nominations

NBC Sports Group’s NFL Coverage Receives 16 Nominations

Super Bowl XLVI Receives Nomination for Outstanding Live Sports Special

Sunday Night Football & Football Night in America Nominated for Outstanding Live Sports Series & Outstanding Studio Show – Weekly

On-Air Personalities Costas, Michaels, Emrick, Collinsworth, Dungy, Patrick, Mayock, Tafoya, McGuire, Boldon & Joyce Nominated

NBC Sports Network Garners 9 Nominations; NBCOlympics.com Receives 3; Golf Channel Earns 2

NEW YORK – March 20, 2013 – NBC Sports Group received 58 total Sports Emmy Award nominations for 2012, the most nominations for any sports media company or network. NBC led all networks, broadcast or cable, with 36 nominations. The announcement was made today by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The winners will be announced by the Academy on Tuesday, May 7.

Highlights of NBC Sports Group’s nominations include:

  • The London Olympics received 19 nominations, including Outstanding Live Event Turnaround;
  • NBC’s NFL coverage received 16 nominations;
  • Super Bowl XLVI on NBC was nominated for Outstanding Live Sports Special;
  • Once again, Sunday Night Football on NBC was nominated for Outstanding Live Sports Series, which it has won each of the last four years;
  • Football Night in America was nominated for the third consecutive year for Outstanding Studio Show – Weekly;
  • NBC’s NFL Wild Card Saturday received its second nomination for Outstanding Playoff Coverage;
  • NBC Sports Network received nine nominations, the most in its history, and Golf Channel earned two.
  • NBC Sports Group’s digital assets NBCOlympics.com and NBCSports.com received a combined four nominations.
  • 11 nominations in individual talent categories:
  • Bob Costas (Studio Host)
  • Dan Patrick (Studio Host)
  • Al Michaels (Play-by-Play)
  • Cris Collinsworth (Event Analyst)
  • Michele Tafoya (Reporter)
  • Tony Dungy (Studio Analyst)
  • Mike Mayock (Event Analyst)
  • Mike Emrick (Play-by-Play)
  • Pierre McGuire (Reporter)
  • Ato Boldon (Event Analyst)
  • Andrea Joyce (Reporter)

All of the national platforms of NBC Sports Group — NBC Sports, NBC Sports Network, Golf Channel, NBCOlympics.com and NBCSports.com — received nominations. Most notably, NBC Sports Group received 19 nominations related to coverage of the London Olympics and 16 nominations for its NFL coverage. Golf Channel earned two nominations, NBCOlympics.com received three nominations and NBCSports.com was honored with one. MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo and Telemundo each received nominations for their London Olympics coverage.

The complete list of NBC Sports Group nominations are as follows:

  • Outstanding Live Sports Special: Super Bowl XLVI (NBC)
  • Outstanding Live Sports Series: Sunday Night Football (NBC)
  • Outstanding Live Event Turnaround: London Olympics (NBC)
  • Outstanding Live Event Turnaround: USA Pro Challenge (NBC)
  • Outstanding Playoff Coverage: NFL Wild Card Saturday (NBC)
  • Outstanding Edited Sports Special: Still Standing: The Earl Campbell Story (NBC Sports Network)
  • Outstanding Studio Show – Weekly: Football Night in America(NBC)
  • Outstanding Long Feature: London Olympics – Olga Korbut (NBC)
  • Outstanding Open/Tease: Sunday Night Football (NBC)
  • Outstanding Open/Tease: London Olympics – Measure & Motion (NBC)
  • Outstanding Open/Tease: Red Bull Signature Series – Show Open (NBC)
  • Outstanding New Approaches, Sports Event Coverage: Super Bowl XLVI Extra (NBCSports.com)
  • Outstanding New Approaches, Sports Event Coverage: London Olympics – Live From London (NBCOlympics.com)
  • Outstanding New Approaches, Sports Programming: London Olympics – Countdown to London (NBCOlympics.com)
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host: Bob Costas (NBC/NBC Sports Network)
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host: Dan Patrick (NBC/NBC Sports Network/DirecTV)
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Play-by-Play: Al Michaels (NBC)
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Play-by-Play: Mike Emrick (NBC/NBC Sports Network)
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Analyst: Tony Dungy (NBC)
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Sports Event Analyst: Cris Collinsworth (NBC)
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Sports Event Analyst: Mike Mayock (NBC/NFL Network)
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Sports Event Analyst: Ato Boldon (NBC)
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Sports Reporter: Michele Tafoya (NBC)
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Sports Reporter: Pierre McGuire (NBC/NBC Sports Network)
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Sports Reporter: Andrea Joyce (NBC/NBC Sports Network)
  • Outstanding Technical Team Remote: America’s Cup World Series (NBC)
  • Outstanding Technical Team Remote: London Olympics (NBC)
  • Outstanding Technical Team Studio: London Olympics (NBC/NBC Sports Network/MSNBC/Telemundo/Bravo)
  • Outstanding Camera Work: London Olympics – Measure & Motion (NBC)
  • Outstanding Camera Work: 2012 Ironman World Championship (NBC)
  • Outstanding Editing: London Olympics – Profiles of the London Games (NBC)
  • Dick Schaap Writing Award: London Olympics – Measure & Motion (NBC)
  • Outstanding Post Produced Audio/Sound: London Olympics – Measure & Motion (NBC)
  • Outstanding Graphic Design: Sunday Night Football (NBC)
  • Outstanding Graphic Design: London Olympics (NBC/NBC Sports Network)
  • Outstanding Production Design / Art Direction: Sunday Night Football – Open (NBC)
  • George Wensel Technical Achievement Award: London Olympics – The Multi-Screen Olympics (NBC/NBC Sports Network/ NBCOlympics.com/ MSNBC/ CNBC/ Telemundo/Bravo)
  • George Wensel Technical Achievement Award: London Olympics/NBC Golf Tour – 360 Cam (NBC)
  • Outstanding Sports Promotional Announcement – Episodic:
    • London Olympics – Britain Just Got Great (NBC)
    • Triple Crown Trailer (NBC)
    • Feherty Live from Ryder Cup(Golf Channel)

A complete list of nominees is available at www.emmyonline.org.

Filed Under: NBC

NBC SPORTS RADIO: Chipper Jones, Stan Van Gundy, Bobby Valentine & Chris Mannix Join Newy Scruggs for “Voices of the Game”

March 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

NBC-Sports-RadioNEWY SCRUGGS BUILDS A ROSTER ON NBC SPORTS RADIO

“Voices of the Game with Newy Scruggs” Debuts 12-3pm ET on Monday, April 1

NEW YORK, NY, March 19, 2013 – NBC Sports Radio announced today that weekend talker Newy Scruggs will expand his duties with a new show premiering on Monday, April 1, the day the network rolls out 24/7 programming. Voices of the Game with Newy Scruggs will air during the Noon-3p ET Monday-Friday slot. Newy will be joined each day by a major renowned and recognizable sports “voice” during the entire second hour of the show. Personalities will include Chipper Jones, Stan Van Gundy, Bobby Valentine and Chris Mannix.

Voices of the Game with Newy Scruggs brings a proven top-market radio host together each day with an added expert voice and perspective. Newy gets the conversation going and is then joined every second hour with a major guest host, live, who will appear consistently each week.

Tuesdays’ guest host will be recently-retired Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones; Wednesdays’ guest host will be Sports Illustrated and NBC Sports Radio’s Chris Mannix; Thursdays’ guest host will be former Major League Baseball manager and ESPN MLB analyst Bobby Valentine; and Fridays’ guest host will be former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy. Newy’s Monday guest host will be announced soon.

Jones will begin baseball season in this hourly role on Tuesdays and then move into a weekly major contributor role as NBC Sports Radio’s MLB Senior Analyst once baseball season is fully underway. Mannix, Valentine and Van Gundy are already part of the NBC Sports Radio roster and are expanding their roles.

All four “voices” are known for their candor, humor and insight, adding a refreshing take on sports talk. Newy will broadcast from a studio in Dallas and the “voices” will be situated in studios around the country, sitting in live as co-host for the entire second hour.

Newy Scruggs is the Sports Director and weeknight sports anchor at KXAS-TV (NBC 5) in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and former host of The Newy Scruggs radio show on 105.3 The Fan, in Dallas. Newy is a multiple Emmy Award-winning sportscaster and a 20-year TV, radio and print veteran with major market stops in Austin, Texas, Cleveland and Los Angeles.

Newy Scruggs said, “I am excited to bring NBC Sports Radio listeners into daily conversations with some of the most honest, opinionated, and in-the-know people in American sports. I want our listeners to feel like they are sitting at their favorite watering hole getting the inside scoop on the biggest topics and sports opinions of the day.”

Chipper Jones said, “I am very excited to be working with NBC Sports Radio, Dial Global and Newy. This will bring new meaning to the saying ‘coming out of retirement.’ I think we will bring a new, fresh voice to sports radio that will let the fans get into the clubhouse and behind the scenes into a life that I have lived for the last 22 years in professional baseball. It is truly a new and exciting chapter for me.”

Chris Corcoran, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Dial Global, adds, “Hands down, ‘Voices of the Game’ is going to be special. Not only is Newy one of the smartest and most reputable personalities around, but our unmatched and incredible daily guest hosts are going to deliver such a unique and informative show for affiliates, listeners and advertisers.”

Rob Simmelkjaer, SVP, NBC Sports Ventures, says “We have put together a unique roster of opinionated journalists, respected and outspoken former coaches, and a future Hall of Fame player to team with Newy on a show that will provide listeners with something different every day. As we begin our 24/7 coverage on April 1, they provide credible and relevant voices during midday, which will lead nicely into our recently-announced ‘Under Center with McNabb and Malone.’”

NBC Sports Radio will launch its full 24/7 talk programming on April 1, 2013. There will be more announcements to come.

For more information on programming, please contact Dial Global at [email protected].

About NBC Sports Radio

NBC Sports Radio is a joint venture between NBC Sports Group and Dial Global. It provides sports talk programming to radio stations nationwide and distributed by Dial Global. Content includes hourly sports news updates, daily features and long-form shows. On social media, join the NBC Sports Radio community on Twitter at twitter.com/nbcsportsradio. To listen live or to find a station, visit www.nbcsportsradio.com.

About Dial Global

Dial Global is the largest independent national audio media company in the U.S., delivering compelling, engaging, and fully-integrated audio content to over 8,500+ radio stations and digital media companies. Dial Global’s powerful portfolio of iconic media, sports and entertainment brands, combined with some of the most recognized live events in the world, provide strong and unique brand engagement to over 225 million consumers each week. For more information, visit www.dialglobal.com.

Filed Under: NBC Sports Radio

Cowboys And Dolphins To Kick Off Preseason In 2013 NFL/Hall Of Fame Game August 4 on NBC

March 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

NFLThe Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins will kick off the 2013 preseason in the NFL/Hall of Fame Game on Sunday, August 4 at 8:00 PM ET on NBC.

The game will be played at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio one day after the newest class of enshrinees is formally inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, August 3. Three of the seven members of the Class of 2013 have ties to the participating teams.

Guard Larry Allen is the 14th longtime member of the Cowboys franchise to earn election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He starred for the team from 1994-2005 and was named All-Pro seven times. Bill Parcells finished his Hall of Fame coaching career with four seasons in Dallas from 2003-06. He also spent time in the Dolphins front office as the club’s Executive Vice President of Football Operations (2007-2010). Wide receiver Cris Carter closed out his playing career with the Dolphins in 2002.

Joining Allen, Carter, and Parcells in the Class of 2013 are defensive tackles Curley Culp and Warren Sapp, tackle Jonathan Ogden, and linebacker Dave Robinson.

Demand for tickets for this year’s NFL/Hall of Fame Game is expected to be substantially higher than previous years. This year’s game will serve not only as the culminating event of the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, but as an exclamation point for the Hall of Fame’s 50th Anniversary Golden Reunion Celebration. More than 120 previously elected members of the Hall of Fame are expected to be in Canton to celebrate the Hall of Fame’s 50th Anniversary. It will be the largest gathering of Hall of Famers in one place at the same time.

In addition to recognizing the members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2013 during the game, plans are being formulated to recognize many of the returning Hall of Fame members.

Tickets for the NFL/Hall of Fame Game are priced at $52, $62, $67, and $72 and can be ordered online at Profootballhof.com.

This year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is partnering with NFL On Location, the league’s event experience and hospitality source, to offer exclusive fan packages to the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival and Golden Anniversary Celebration. The all-inclusive fan packages include exclusive opportunities such as VIP seating at the Enshrinement Ceremony. Fan packages may be purchased through NFL On Location by calling (888) 310-HALL or visiting www.nflonlocation.com.  Packages are serviced by Sports Travel and Tours, the official travel partner of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Additional information on both the NFL/Hall of Fame Game and the 2013 Enshrinement Ceremony including Enshrinement Festival fan packages can also be found on Profootballhof.com.

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Filed Under: NBC, NFL

Formula One™ – Australian Grand Prix Notes & Quotes

March 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

nbc-sportsSTAMFORD, CT – March 17, 2013 – Leigh Diffey (play-by-play), David Hobbs (analyst), Steve Matchett (analyst) and Will Buxton (on-site reporter) hosted NBC Sports Network’s coverage of the inaugural race of the 2013 Formula One™ season – the Australian Grand Prix from Melbourne.

Following are notes and quotes from this morning’s coverage:

Q3 COVERAGE

Hobbs on three-time defending champion and pole position winner Sebastian Vettel: “37 poles and this will be his 102nd start. That is absolutely mind blowing.”

Matchett on Red Bull: “A mind-blowing performance from the driver, mind-blowing performance from the team.”

PRE-RACE COVERAGE

Hobbs before the race: “Red Bull have been an absolute revelation again, locking up the front row.”

Matchett on tire durability: “It’s going to be a storyline that’s going to go right through the season, I’m sure. There’s no question about that.”

Diffey on Vettel’s success at a young age: “He has written himself right at the very top of F1’s history books.”

Diffey on Ferrari: “This time last year, there was a lot of head shaking and a lot of head scratching. I think Ferrari are feeling a lot more confident this year.”

RACE COVERAGE

Matchett: “A terrible start for (Mark) Webber.”

Buxton on Lewis Hamilton’s early-race struggles: “Perhaps he took just a little too much out of them in that all important qualifying session to get him up into P3, and it’s really costing him in the race now.”

Diffey on first pit stop during lap 5 of 58-lap race: “Already we’re talking about tire degradation being an issue.”

Matchett joking about Kimi Raikkonen’s personality: “He’s only asleep in a state of alertness.” [laughter]

Hobbs on Raikkonen: “He’s got fabulous natural car control. When you watch him behind the wheel, he’s got uncanny balance.”

Diffey on Raikkonen: “The ice man has been red hot today…Kimi Rakkonen – victorious in Australia to kick the season off.”

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Filed Under: Formula One, NBC Sports Network

Donovan Mcnabb and Mark Malone Join Forces On NBC Sports Radio

March 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

NBC-Sports-Radio“Under Center with McNabb & Malone” to Debut 3-7p ET on Monday, April 1

NEW YORK, NY, March 15, 2013 – NBC Sports Radio announced today that Donovan McNabb and Mark Malone will host Under Center with McNabb & Malone at 3-7pm ET Monday-Friday when the nationally-syndicated radio network rolls out 24/7 programming on Monday, April 1st.

Under Center with McNabb & Malone will be an all-sports show that leverages the unique perspective of two former NFL quarterbacks, both of whom have also played multiple sports at high levels and can break down the daily headlines–from on-the-field competition to locker room dynamics. Under Center with McNabb & Malone will captivate listeners with engaging and entertaining sports talk enhanced by personal stories and experience, plus candid opinions and conversations.

As a player, Donovan McNabb posted one of the best records in the NFL, averaging 10 wins per season over his 13-year career. With McNabb under center, the Eagles went to the postseason eight times, won the NFC East Division five times, played in five NFC Championship Games, and had their first Super Bowl berth in 24 years. His 4,746 pass attempts, 2,801 completions, 32,873 passing yards, and 216 TD passes are franchise records. McNabb is also a former Syracuse University football standout and basketball player.

Mark Malone, analyst for Dial Global Sports’ Sunday afternoon NFL package, also hosts NFL Insider each week. Malone, an All-American quarterback at Arizona State and first-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, played for 10 years in the NFL, quarterbacking the Steelers to the 1984 AFC Championship Game. He is also known for the decade he spent with ESPN, where, in addition to hosting NFL programming, he also covered NASCAR, GOLF, the NHL, boxing and the NBA.

McNabb says, “I am very excited to expand my relationship with NBC Sports Radio. I am also excited to partner with Mark Malone as we look to create a dynamic afternoon drive show for listeners around the country.”

Malone says, “In my 20-plus years in the broadcasting business, I have worked at virtually every position in front of the camera or mic. The opportunity to be involved with NBC Sports Radio is an exciting one. I’m looking forward to working daily with Donovan McNabb to make this venture not only successful, but entertaining and informative.”

Chris Corcoran, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Dial Global, adds, “We’ve got two quarterbacks, two leaders, two competitive former professional athletes and two current media personalities who know all sports—you know this is going to be a fun ride for sports fans!”

Rob Simmelkjaer, SVP, NBC Sports Ventures, says “The position of NFL quarterback is one of the most unique perspectives in all of sports, and we are thrilled to pair together two men who have both experienced it. Whether they’re talking NFL or any other sport, they will bring that perspective to our listeners day in and day out.”

NBC Sports Radio will launch its full 24/7 talk programming on April 1, 2013. There will be more announcements to come.

For more information on programming, please contact Dial Global at [email protected].

About NBC Sports Radio

NBC Sports Radio is a joint venture between NBC Sports Group and Dial Global. It provides sports talk programming to radio stations nationwide and is distributed by Dial Global. Content includes hourly sports news updates, daily features and long-form shows. On social media, join the NBC Sports Radio community on Twitter at twitter.com/nbcsportsradio. To listen live or to find a station, visit www.nbcsportsradio.com.

About Dial Global

Dial Global is the largest independent national audio media company in the U.S., delivering compelling, engaging, and fully-integrated audio content to over 8,500+ radio stations and digital media companies. Dial Global’s powerful portfolio of iconic media, sports and entertainment brands, combined with some of the most recognized live events in the world, provide strong and unique brand engagement to over 225 million consumers each week. For more information, visit www.dialglobal.com.

Filed Under: NBC Sports Radio

NBC Sports Group To Present 10 Consecutive Hours Of Major League Soccer On MLS Rivalry Saturday

March 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

nbc-mlsCoverage of Seven Live Games, Including Three Complete Games and Four Live Look-ins on MLS Breakaway Highlight Coverage this Saturday, March 16 on NBC and NBC Sports Network Beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET

Rivalries Include: D.C. United at N.Y. Red Bulls, Chicago Fire at Sporting Kansas City and Portland Timbers at Seattle Sounders

MLS Breakaway “Whip-Around” Show Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET Hosted by Arlo White, Kyle Martino and Russ Thaler from NBC Sports Group’s International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn.

NEW YORK – Mar. 13, 2013 – NBC and NBC Sports Network will present unprecedented wall-to-wall Major League Soccer coverage with 10 consecutive live hours of seven games this Saturday, March 16 beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Every MLS game played on Saturday will be covered, including three live games – one on NBC and two on NBC Sports Network. A special two-and-a-half hour studio “whip-around” show, MLS Breakaway (5:30-8 p.m. ET on NBCSN) will cover all four games being played at that time. It is hosted by NBC’s MLS broadcast team of Arlo White, Kyle Martino and Russ Thaler – who will also call the N.Y. Red Bulls-DC United game earlier in the day – from NBC Sports Group’s new International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn.

Coverage on Saturday begins on NBC at 12:30 p.m. ET with a playoff rematch as the New York Red Bulls host D.C. United, from Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. Coverage continues on NBC Sports Network with two more games: Sporting Kansas City vs. Chicago Fire at 3 p.m. ET, and a Cascadia Cup matchup as the Seattle Sounders host the Portland Timbers at 8 p.m. ET.

FROM HARRISON, N.J. TO STAMFORD CONN.: NBC Sports Group’s MLS announce team of White (play-by-play) and Martino (“Between-the-Benches” analyst) and Thaler (host) will call the Red Bulls-DC United game on NBC from Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., and, immediately after the game ends, will travel to the new NBC Sports Group International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn., to host MLS Breakaway, a “whip-around” studio show showcasing coverage of the rest of Saturday’s MLS games (Montreal Impact vs. Toronto FC, Philadelphia Union vs. New England Revolution, Columbus Crew vs. San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake vs. Colorado Rapids).

COMMENTATORS: NBC Sports Network’s coverage of the Chicago Fire at Sporting Kansas City will be called by the team of JP Dellacamera (play-by-play), Robbie Earl (“Between the Benches” analyst) and Rob Carlin (host). John Strong (play-by-play), Brian Dunseth (“Between the Benches” analyst) and Jim Kozimor (host) will be at CenturyLink Field in Seattle to call the Sounders vs. Portland game.

“Our goal is to be the destination for soccer fans, and MLS Rivalry Saturday provides a perfect vehicle for them to enjoy the games they love,” said Pierre Moossa, Coordinating Producer for NBC Sports Group’s soccer coverage. “During MLS Breakaway, Arlo, Kyle and Russ will guide viewers through all the exciting soccer action and provide a balance between all four games.”

WHITE ON MLS BREAKAWAY: “Saturday is going to be a high-octane, adrenalin-fuelled day, which Kyle, Russ and I are very excited about. This type of show has never been done before in U.S. Soccer, so we are stepping into the unknown. But with a talented editorial team behind us, we can’t wait to provide some compelling television. It’s going to be an energetic show, containing all the best action from these key rivalry battles in MLS. The rest is up to the teams. Hopefully, they’ll provide some great goals and storylines to keep everyone entertained.”

Full Coverage of NBC Sports Group’s Rivalry Saturday Coverage (All Times ET):

Game Away Home Start Time Network
Game 1 D.C. New York 12:30 p.m. NBC
Game 2 Chicago Kansas City 3 p.m. NBCSN
Game 3 Toronto Montreal 4 p.m. NBCSN*
Game 4 New England Philadelphia 5 p.m. NBCSN*
Game 5 San Jose Columbus 5:30 p.m. NBCSN*
Game 6 Colorado Salt Lake 6 p.m. NBCSN*
Game 7 Portland Seattle 8 p.m. NBCSN

*MLS Breakaway “Whip-Around” Coverage

NOTE: Due to WNBC’s commitment to cover the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, coverage of D.C. United at New York Red Bulls can be seen in the New York DMA on NBC Sports Network and Cozi TV, a new national network developed by the NBC Owned Television Stations division of NBCUniversal. The D.C. United-New York Red Bulls game is also available live across the country on NBC Sports Live Extra, the NBC Sports Group’s live streaming platform.

To Find Cozy-TV click here: http://www.cozitv.com/get-cozi-tv/

To Find NBC Sports Network click here: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/ and use the channel finder.

For the full NBC Sports Group 2013 MLS Schedule visit www.NBCSports.com.

About NBC Sports Group’s Soccer Coverage

The 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
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