NBC Sports Network

Seven Hours Of Honda Indy Grand Prix Of Alabama Coverage On NBC Sports Network This Weekend

April 4, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama – Sunday at 3 p.m. ET

Qualifying Coverage – Saturday at 5 p.m. ET

Firestone Indy Lights – Sunday at 2 p.m. ET

NEW YORK – April 3, 2013 – NBC Sports Network presents seven hours of the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series coverage this weekend highlighted by the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on Sunday, April 7 at 3 p.m. ET from Barber, Ala. The race will be preceded by IndyCar qualifying on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET and Firestone Indy Lights at Barber Motorsports Park on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET. An encore of the race will air on Monday, April 8 at 1 a.m. ET.

St. Petersburg Grand Prix winner and 2011 Rookie of the Year James Hinchcliffe aims to extend his stay on top of the podium this weekend against 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series champion and Andretti Autosport teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay. However, two-time Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama champion Will Power looks to claim his third consecutive career win at Barber.

COMMENTATORS: NBC Sports Network’s IndyCar booth is helmed by lead voice Leigh Diffey. He will be joined by race analyst and former NASCAR driver Wally Dallenbach, Jr. and IndyCar driver Townsend Bell.

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

DATE	COVERAGE	TIME (ET)
Sat., April 6	IndyCar: Barber Qualifying	5:00 p.m.
Sun., April 7	Indy Lights: Barber Motorsports Park	2:00 p.m.
Sun., April 7	Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama	3:00 p.m.
Mon., April 8	Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Encore	1:00 a.m.

FIRESTONE INDY LIGHTS: NBC Sports Network will air a total of 12 one-hour telecasts of Firestone Indy Lights continuing with the 2.38-mile circuit at Barber Motorsports Park in Barber, Ala., on Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m. ET.

Firestone Indy Lights is the premier ladder series for drivers and teams striving to compete in the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500. Primarily run in conjunction with the IZOD IndyCar Series, the Firestone Indy Lights schedule features races on road courses/street circuits and ovals, including the famed 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

MOTORSPORTSTALK: MotorSportsTalk (@MotorSportsTalk) on NBCSports.com brings racing fans up-to-the-minute news, video and information on the IZOD IndyCar Series, Formula One, 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.

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 Sports Network Showcases Penguins and Rangers Tonight From Madison Square Garden

April 3, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

Penguins-Rangers on NBC Sports Network’s “Wednesday Night Rivalry” at 7:30 p.m. ET

NHL Live Begins at 6:30 p.m. ET

Coverage continues Wednesday night, from Madison Square Garden, with Penguins-Rangers on NBC Sports Network’s Wednesday Night Rivalry. 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 on both nights 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 Mike Milbury and Keith Jones.

EDDIE OLCZYK ON PENGUINS-RANGERS: “What better place than Madison Square Garden for these two teams to meet at this time. There’s so much buzz surrounding both teams, although not for the same reasons. The Penguins are obviously the team to beat in the East.”

KEITH JONES ON PENGUINS-RANGERS: “When you look at the Pittsburgh Penguins, there are virtually no holes in this team. The Rangers are offensively challenged and need to put some wins together to keep their playoff hopes alive. It sets up as an interesting Wednesday Night Rivalry matchup.”

DOC EMRICK, EDDIE OLCZYK AND PIERRE MCGUIRE PREVIEW PENGUINS-RANGERS:

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/31/video-nbc-previews-pens-rangers-wednesday-rivalry-night-game/

Beginning Wednesday night, NBC and NBC Sports Network will deliver five other games over three nights: Minnesota Wild-San Jose Sharks at 10:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network; Calgary Flames–San Jose Sharks, Friday at 10:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network; St. Louis Blues-Detroit Red Wings, Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC; New Jersey Devils–Buffalo Sabres, Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network; and Chicago Blackhawks–Minnesota Wild, Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network.

WILD-SHARKS WEDNESDAY NIGHT

In the late game on Wednesday night, the San Jose Sharks (42pts) host the Minnesota Wild (44pts) at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. The Wild are in a close race with the Canucks for the top spot in the Northwest Division and every game counts. Randy Hahn (play-by-play), Drew Remenda (analyst) and Brodie Brazil (reporter) will call the game at 10:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network.

FLAMES-SHARKS FRIDAY NIGHT

In bonus coverage Friday night at 10:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network, the Calgary Flames (30pts) travel to the Shark Tank in San Jose, Calif. to take on the teal and black in a battle between the Northwest and Pacific Divisions. Hahn, Remenda, and Brazil will once again be on the call.

BLUES-RED WINGS SUNDAY

NHL on NBC coverage will continue on Sunday, April 7 at 12:30 p.m. ET with a Central Division matchup between the Detroit Red Wings (41pts), who are currently in second place in the division, and the St. Louis Blues (38pts). The Blues have won two of the three previous meetings between the two teams, and are just three points behind the Red Wings in the Central Division standings. Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick (play-by-play), Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and Pierre McGuire (‘Inside-the-Glass’) will call the action from Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich.

DEVILS–SABRES SUNDAY NIGHT

Sunday night on NBC Sports Network, the New Jersey Devils (39pts) will travel to the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY., to take on the Buffalo Sabres (32pts) at 7:30 p.m. ET. Dave Strader (play-by-play) and Brian Engblom (‘Inside-the-Glass’) will call the game.

BLACKHAWKS-WILD TUESDAY NIGHT

Tuesday, April 9, the Minnesota Wild will host the Chicago Blackhawks (57pts) at 8 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. Both teams currently lead their respective divisions. Strader (play-by-play) and Engblom (‘Inside-the-Glass’) will call the game from Xcel Energy Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

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
Tues., April. 2	NHL Live	6:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Tues., April. 2	Buffalo at Pittsburgh	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Tues., April. 2	NHL Overtime	11:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Wed., April. 3	NHL Live	6:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Wed., April 3	Pittsburgh at New York	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Wed., April 3	Minnesota at San Jose	10:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Fri., April 5	Calgary at San Jose	10:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Sun., April 7	St. Louis at Detroit	12:30 p.m.	NBC
Sun., April 7	NHL Live	6:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Sun., April 7	New Jersey at Buffalo	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Tues., April 9	NHL Live	7 p.m.	NBCSN
Tues., April 9	Chicago at Minnesota	8 p.m.	NBCSN
Tues., April. 9	NHL Overtime	11:30 p.m.	NBCSN

NHL VIEWERSHIP:

Through nine games, NHL coverage on NBC has drawn 1.7 million average viewers, up 31% from 2012 (1.3 million, excluding Winter Classic). Through 38 games, NBC Sports Network has drawn 428,000 average viewers, up 29% 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

Montreal Canadiens And Boston Bruins Renew Classic Rivalry As They Battle For The Top Spot In Northeast On NBC Sports Network’s “Wednesday Night Rivalry” At 7:30 P.M. ET

March 27, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

Blackhawks, Red Wings, Penguins, Bruins and Canadiens featured in Five Games over Four Days and Nights

NHL Live, Sunday Night-Wednesday Night

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

NEW YORK – March 26, 2013 — In one of sports’ classic rivalries, Brian Gionta and the Montreal Canadiens (45pts) travel to TD Garden in Boston, Mass. to take on Zdeno Chara and the Boston Bruins (45pts) in a head-to-head battle for the top spot in the Northeast Division, on NBC Sports Network’s Wednesday Night Rivalry at 7:30 p.m. ET. 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 Mike Milbury and Keith Jones.

PIERRE MCGUIRE ON CANADIENS-BRUINS: “The Bruins will try to get physical against the quick and skilled Canadiens. Emotion usually plays a big role in this rivalry. Because of the intensity they bring to the arena, the fans for both teams help make this one of the best rivalries in all of sports. Even though the players change year to year, Montreal and Boston is always must-see TV.”

JEREMY ROENICK ON CANADIENS-BRUINS: “Montreal and Boston have emerged as the two best teams in the Northeast, but many are wondering if the Canadiens can remain in the top spot. There is never any love lost between these two teams, and the rivalry has become even more heated this season because of the physical nature of the Canadiens and Bruins previous meetings in 2013.”

In addition to NBC Sports Network’s Wednesday Night Rivalry matchup between the Canadiens and Bruins, NBC and NBC Sports Network will also deliver coverage of four other games over three days and nights, beginning Sunday: Chicago Blackhawks-Detroit Red Wings, Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC; Boston Bruins–Buffalo Sabres, Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network; Colorado Avalanche–Detroit Red Wings, Monday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network; and Buffalo Sabres–Pittsburgh Penguins, Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network.

BLACKHAWKS-RED WINGS SUNDAY

NHL on NBC coverage will continue on Sunday, March 31 at 12:30 p.m. ET with a classic Central Division matchup between the league-leading Chicago Blackhawks (51pts), who started the season with a record-breaking 22-game point streak, and the Detroit Red Wings (39pts) who are currently in second place in the division. The Blackhawks and Red Wings have split their two previous meetings this season, with both games ending in 2-1 final scores. Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick (play-by-play), Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and Pierre McGuire (‘Inside-the-Glass’) will call the action from Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich.

BRUINS–SABRES SUNDAY NIGHT

Sunday night on NBC Sports Network, the Boston Bruins (45pts) will travel to the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY., to take on the Buffalo Sabres (30pts) at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Bruins are tied with the Canadiens for the top spot in the Northeast and will look to capitalize against the Sabres, who are struggling to remain in the playoff race. Dave Strader (play-by-play) and Brian Engblom (‘Inside-the-Glass’) will call the game.

AVALANCHE-RED WINGS MONDAY NIGHT

Monday, April 1, the Detroit Red Wings will host the Colorado Avalanche (26pts) at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. Emrick (play-by-play) and McGuire (‘Inside-the-Glass’) will call the game from Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich.

SABRES-PENGUINS TUESDAY NIGHT

On Tuesday, April 2, Sidney Crosby and the surging Pittsburgh Penguins (50pts) will take the ice against the Buffalo Sabres at 7:30 p.m. ET. on NBC Sports Network. The Penguins have won 12 consecutive games and are chasing the Blackhawks for the top spot in the league. If the Penguins continue their current win streak, the team will enter its game against Buffalo having won 15 straight games, tied for second most in the history of the NHL (‘82-83 New York Islanders). A win against the Sabres could put Pittsburgh one game shy of tying the record for most consecutive wins in the history of the league (‘92-93 Pittsburgh Penguins – 17 games). Strader (play-by-play) and Engblom (‘Inside-the-Glass’) will call the action from the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

NHL LIVE and NHL OVERTIME

NHL Overtime airs Monday-Friday nights 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., Mar. 27	NHL Live	6:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Wed., Mar. 27	Montreal at Boston	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Wed., Mar. 27	NHL Overtime	11:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Sun., Mar. 31	Chicago at Detroit	12:30 p.m.	NBC
Sun., Mar. 31	NHL Live	6:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Sun., Mar. 31	Boston at Buffalo	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Mon., April 1	NHL Live	6:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Mon., April 1	Colorado at Detroit	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Mon., April 1	NHL Overtime	11:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Tues., April 2	NHL Live	6:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Tues., April 2	Buffalo at Pittsburgh	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Tues., April 2	NHL Overtime	11:30 p.m.	NBCSN

NHL VIEWERSHIP:

Through eight games, NHL coverage on NBC has drawn 1.7 million average viewers, up 31% from 2012 (1.3 million, excluding Winter Classic). Through 34 games, NBC Sports Network has drawn 433,000 average viewers, up 30% from the full regular-season average in 2012. (Confirming updated numbers with the Research Department.)

NHLonNBC ON TWITTER

NHLonNBC ON FACEBOOK

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 G

Filed Under: NBC Sports Network, NHL

Indycar & Formula One™ Notes & Quotes – Sunday, March 24

March 25, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

IZOD INDYCAR – HONDA GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG NOTES & QUOTES

NEW YORK, NY – March 24, 2013 – Leigh Diffey (play-by-play), Wally Dallenbach, Jr. (analyst) and Townsend Bell (analyst) hosted NBC Sports Network’s coverage of the inaugural race of the 2013 IZOD IndyCar season – the Honday Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (Fla.). Jon Beekhuis, Kevin Lee, Brian Till and Robin Miller served as reporters.

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

PRE-RACE COVERAGE

Defending IndyCar season champion Ryan Hunter-Reay to Kevin Lee: “Last year was great, but right now, we’re not thinking about last year anymore. This is what it’s all about – the IndyCar season opener.”

Three-time series runner up and pole sitter Will Power: “Imagine if I’d won the championship the last three years. I’d have no motivation.”

Dallenbach: “If I’m Will Power, I going to want to have this championship wrapped up by the time I get to Houston.”

Bell on female driver Simona de Silvestro, who has a new engine and finished third in qualifying: “There’s this wave building of support for Simona…the ultimate compliment in this paddock, her fellow drivers absolutely tell me across the board, ‘she is super fast.’”

Dallenbach on more teams stepping up performance: “This is going to be the most competitive IndyCar season in 10 or 15 years.”

Bell on the track: “At St. Pete, it’s all about the start, critical to get a good start. It’s so tough to pass at this track.”

RACE COVERAGE

Team owner David Letterman on Graham and Bobby Rahal being on same team: “I think it’s delightful. I love Bobby. I love Graham. Graham’s a tremendous racer. Bobby was in a class by himself. I think it provides great energy.”

Dallenbach on Dario Franchitti’s crash after pitting: “These cars are treacherous on cold tires. They are a handful.”

Franchitti to Beekhuis on his crash: “We’ve really struggled with the car. I was just saying to Chip, you know, I have to make it up somewhere, and I just stepped over the line there. Cold tires, hit a bump…totally my mistake, just pushing too hard.”

Beehuis: “You would expect that they would start the season as strongly as anyone, but they’re struggling.”

Dallenbach on restarts: “This is such a tightrope walk for these guys…making the decision, this is my only chance to really make passes, make positions here, but I’ve got to think championship, I’ve got to finish the race. Hardest part about this deal, first lap on a restart.”

Diffey on Helio Castroneves, who has had success at St. Pete and who is the current leader: “Helio just seems to find another gear around this 1.8 mile track.”

Bell on Hunter-Reay: “If there’s one thing that Ryan proved last year, it’s that, in the face of adversity, he doesn’t lose his cool. Don’t count this guy out.”

Dallenbach: “You have so much respect for Roger Penske and what he’s done in motorsports. He’s incredible.”

JR Hildebrand on contact with Will Power: “It was totally my fault.”

Diffey on Marco Andretti, who was battling de Silvestro for third place in the final laps: “This is the Marco Andretti Andretti autosport fans have been waiting for for some time – fighting until the end, vying for podiums, in the mix.”

Diffey on James Hinchcliffe’s win: “The Mayor of Hinchtown is now an IndyCar series winner.”

***

FORMULA ONE™ – MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX NOTES & QUOTES

STAMFORD, CT – March 24, 2013 – Bob Varsha (play-by-play) filled in for Leigh Diffey, who was on-site calling IndyCar’s St. Pete race, and was joined by David Hobbs (analyst), Steve Matchett (analyst) and Will Buxton (on-site reporter) for NBC Sports Network’s live coverage of the second race of the 2013 Formula One™ season – the Malaysian Grand Prix.

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

PRE-RACE COVERAGE

Hobbs on drivers not wearing cooling vests in the car despite the heat in Malaysia: “Formula One is so obsessed with weight that it’s very difficult to get a real cooling system that works.”

Matchett on course necessitating high speeds followed by steep braking: “This track has everything.”

RACE COVERAGE

Matchett before race on whether teams should use medium or dry tires based on unpredictable weather: “That’s the conundrum the teams face.”

Matchett after Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso did not pit after the first lap despite damage to the car: “My best guess here would be the FIA will make a decision and show Alonso that flag to return to the pits.” Note: Immediately after this comment, Alonso wrecked due to the damage.

Matchett: “You could see it coming, guys, and now look what’s happened. Alonso going to be pretty much out of this Grand Prix. He had the opportunity to come into the pits. It was there for him. They could have put him onto slick tires. He is out of the race. That is a terrible faux pas and a drop of strategy by Ferrari. Don’t understand it.”

Hobbs: “You’re right. That sort of strategic thinking is just absolutely crazy.”

Varsha on Ferrari’s decision: “A huge faux pas from the greatest name in worldwide motorsport.”

Buxton: “I don’t believe for one moment that was a Ferrari decision. I’m standing right here by their pit box. They were ready and waiting for him. I think Fernando decided to stay out.”

Matchett on slow Force India pit stop: “A disaster for the team.”

Hobbs: “What a shame.”

Varsha after Lewis Hamilton went to wrong pit block: “Second weekend of the season and everyone looking a little under-rehearsed at this point.” (laughter)

Hobbs revisiting Alonso: “An incredible lack of judgment for one of the finest drivers out there…For him to make a mistake like that, it’s very uncharacteristic.”

Matchett on Force India retiring both cars: “Clearly they saw a design or an engineering error that could have affected the safety of both cars. So, it’s a very good call by in terms of safety by Force India.”

Matchett on Red Bull drivers Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel vying for the lead: “It’s hard to believe they are on the same team.”

Hobbs: “Another great win for Vettel. Red Bull still looking like their top of the heap.”

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Filed Under: Formula One, IndyCar, NBC Sports Network

Live World Series Of Fighting Returns To NBC Sports Network This Saturday, March 23, At 9:30 P.M. ET

March 22, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

First Show of New Multi-Year Partnership Between NBC Sports Network and World Series of Fighting

Main Event Features Heavyweights Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski vs. Anthony “Rumble” Johnson

Co-Feature Bout Includes Bantamweights Two-Time National Muay Thai Champion Marlon Moraes and Tyson Nam

NEW YORK – March 21, 2013 – World Series of Fighting (WSOF) returns to NBC Sports Network this Saturday, March 23, at 9:30 p.m. ET, the first show of a new multi-year partnership to deliver live, World Championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) programming.

The main event features heavyweights Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski (19-9) of Minsk, Belarus, and Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (15-3) of Boca Raton, Fla., at the Ovation Hall at Revel in Atlantic City, N.J. Arlovski, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, comes off a five-fight winning streak as he faces Johnson in a heavyweight showdown.

In the co-feature bout, Tyson Nam (12-4) of Portland, Ore., takes on two-time national Muay Thai champion and Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Marlon Moraes (9-4) of Jupiter, Fla., via Friburgo, Brazil.

NBC Sports Network’s World Series of Fighting broadcast team of Todd Harris (play-by-play) and mixed martial artist Bas Rutten (analyst) will call the action. Tina Dixon will report from the cage.

About World Series of Fighting: NBC Sports Network and World Series of Fighting agreed to a three-year partnership in January 2013. The agreement includes at least six events per year on NBC Sports Network beginning this year.

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: MMA, NBC Sports Network

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 admin Leave a Comment

“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 admin Leave a Comment

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

Formula One™ – Australian Grand Prix Notes & Quotes

March 19, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

STAMFORD, 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 102^nd 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

“Wednesday Night Rivalry” Continues On NBC Sports Network Tomorrow With Flyers At Devils At 7:30 P.M. ET

March 12, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

“I see heavy hits, brilliant saves and sets of penalties, for sure, and perhaps some scoring.” – Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick

Friday Night Ice: College Hockey on NBC Sports Network Features Hockey East Tournament at 7 p.m. ET

NEW YORK – March 12, 2013 — Wednesday Night Rivalry continues tomorrow night on NBC Sports Network featuring the Philadelphia Flyers against the New Jersey Devils at 7:30 p.m. ET. The two Atlantic Division rivals are separated by only 90 miles, and have clashed in many memorable playoff series. Coverage begins with NHL Live at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Emmy Award-winning play-by-play commentator Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, analyst Eddie Olczyk and ‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst Pierre McGuire will call the game live from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

KEITH JONES: “Two Atlantic Division teams that have developed a lot of dislike toward each other, especially because of big games and their playoff history. The Flyers will try to turn the tables on the Devils, seeking revenge for last year’s playoff ouster. The Devils have been a little bumpy as of late, but have some great stars on their side, such as Ilya Kovalchuk.”

MIKE ‘DOC’ EMRICK: “Rivalries often emerge from geography, become hostile in regular-season games, but are fierce from playoffs. There were early ’80s mismatches before the Devils went through the Flyers en route to two titles. Philadelphia responded by winning series games with their patented blend of skill and bile. I see heavy hits, brilliant saves and sets of penalties, for sure, and perhaps some scoring.”

ADDITIONAL GAMES

NBC and NBC Sports Network’s NHL coverage will continue on Sun., Mar. 17 with the Boston Bruins facing off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC, followed by the Buffalo Sabres against the Washington Capitals at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. Monday, March 18, the Tampa Bay Lighting will host the Philadelphia Flyers at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network, followed by Tuesday’s coverage of Washington at Pittsburgh at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Emrick (play-by-play), Olczyk (analyst) and McGuire (‘Inside-the-Glass’) will call the action in Pittsburgh, Penn., while Dave Strader (play-by-play) and Brian Engblom (‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst) will call Sunday night’s coverage. Gord Miller and
Engblom will call Monday night’s coverage with Strader and McGuire on-hand in Pittsburgh for Tuesday’s coverage.

Next week’s Wednesday Night Rivalry will feature Minnesota at Detroit at 7:30 p.m. ET.

COLLEGE HOCKEY

In addition to the NHL, NBC Sports Network will resume Friday Night Ice, with live coverage of the Quarterfinal game in the Hockey East Tournament on March 15, where the University of Vermont will take on Boston College at 7 p.m. ET. NBC Sports Network will air coverage of both Semifinals next weekend, from TD Garden in Boston, Mass. Steve Schlanger will serve as play-by-play announcer alongside ‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst Ken Hodge live from Conte Forum, in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

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

DATE	GAME	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
Wed., Mar. 13	Philadelphia at New Jersey	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Fri., Mar. 15	Vermont at Boston College (college)	7 p.m.	NBCSN
Sun., Mar. 17	Boston at Pittsburgh	12:30 p.m.	NBC
	Buffalo at Washington	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Mon., Mar. 18	Philadelphia at Tampa Bay	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Tues., Mar. 19	Washington at Pittsburgh	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN

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

Atlantic 10 Men’s Championship First Round Games On NBC Sports Network Thursday & Thursday Night

March 12, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

More Than Eight Hours of A-10 Tournament Coverage

***

CAA Conference Championship, Tonight at 7 p.m. ET

NEW YORK – March 11, 2013 – As previously announced, NBC Sports Network will deliver first-round coverage of the A-10 Men’s Basketball Championship on Thursday, March 14, from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Per the agreement, NBC Sports Network will televise all four first-round games and more than eight hours of A-10 men’s basketball.

Coverage will begin at Noon ET, when the No. 8 seed Richmond takes on the No. 9 seed Charlotte, in game one of the first-round.

At 2:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network will deliver game two of the first-round, featuring No. 5 Butler vs. No. 12 Dayton.

A-10 Men’s Championship excitement continues at 6:30 p.m. ET. In game three of the first-round, No. 7 Xavier plays No. 10 Saint Joseph’s.

Coverage concludes with game four at 9 p.m. ET, when No. 6 UMass challenges No. 11 George Washington. Mike Corey will manage play-by-play for all four games and will be joined by analyst Dave Kaplan. Brooke Weisbrod will serve as the courtside reporter.

Carolyn Manno and Rob Simmelkjaer will split host assignments for NBC Sports Network’s college basketball studio show and will be joined by former New Jersey Nets and UCONN forward Donny Marshall.

A-10 Tournament First Round Games

Thurs., March 14	Richmond – Charlotte	Noon ET
Thurs., March 14	Butler-Dayton	2:30 p.m. ET
Thurs., March 14	Xavier-Saint Joseph’s	6:30 p.m. ET
Thurs., March 14	UMass-George Washington	9 p.m. ET

CAA TOURNAMENT

Tonight at 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network will telecast the CAA Men’s Basketball Conference Championship between Northeastern and James Madison. Veteran play-by-play announcer Todd Harris and analyst Ron Thompson will call the action for the game, with the winner of the contest receiving an automatic invite to the NCAA Tournament.

Mon., March 11

Northeastern – James Madison

7 p.m. ET

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, NCAA Basketball

Seven Hours Of Honda Indy Grand Prix Of Alabama Coverage On NBC Sports Network This Weekend

NBC Sports Network Showcases Penguins and Rangers Tonight From Madison Square Garden

Montreal Canadiens And Boston Bruins Renew Classic Rivalry As They Battle For The Top Spot In Northeast On NBC Sports Network’s “Wednesday Night Rivalry” At 7:30 P.M. ET

Indycar & Formula One™ Notes & Quotes – Sunday, March 24

Live World Series Of Fighting Returns To NBC Sports Network This Saturday, March 23, At 9:30 P.M. ET

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

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

Formula One™ – Australian Grand Prix Notes & Quotes

“Wednesday Night Rivalry” Continues On NBC Sports Network Tomorrow With Flyers At Devils At 7:30 P.M. ET

Atlantic 10 Men’s Championship First Round Games On NBC Sports Network Thursday & Thursday Night

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