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FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

Billick on Favre/Childress: “Much To Do About Nothing”

Johnson:  The Cowboys Looked Their Absolute Best Against New Orleans

Digger Goes Hollywood

GIANTS STILL HAVE A FIGHTING CHANCE – The 2009 NFL on FOX campaign rolls into Week 16 on Sunday, Dec. 27 with singleheader coverage of five exciting matchups. With their playoff hopes still alive, Eli Manning and the Giants try to keep the pressure on the Cowboys and Packers as they host the Panthers in NYG’s final game at Giants Stadium. Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver call the action from the Meadowlands. In Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers and the NFC wild card-leading Packers look to maintain control of their destiny when they host the Seahawks. The early window concludes as Drew Brees and the Saints come off their first loss and welcome the Bucs to the Bayou. The late window features Kurt Warner and the Cardinals facing his former team, the Rams, at his current home in Arizona.  Also, the Lions are in San Francisco to take on the Niners.

Coverage begins at 12:00 PM ET with America’s most-watched pregame show, FOX NFL SUNDAY.  Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee co-host the Emmy Award-winning program and are joined by analysts Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Jimmy Johnson.  The crew is joined by NFL Insider Jay Glazer who presents the latest league news and scoops in the FOX NFL SUNDAY studio and comedic prognosticator Frank Caliendo contributes his weekly “Frank’s Picks” segment. In this week’s show, Long searches for his hidden gems; players you don’t know about, but should.  Also, the guys discuss the Brett Favre vs. Brad Childress situation.

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

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST/SIDELINE COV. TIME

Carolina Panthers at New York Giants                        Joe Buck, Troy Aikman                                    47%        1:00PM

& Pam Oliver

Giants Stadium – East Rutherford, NJ

MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Austin, Charlotte, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, New York, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, Tulsa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers                   Thom Brennaman & Brian Billick                  15%       1:00PM

Lambeau Field – Green Bay, WI

MARKETS INCLUDE: Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle

Tampa Bay Bucs at New Orleans Saints                    Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston                          12%       1:00PM

& Tony Siragusa

Louisiana Superdome – New Orleans, LA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Birmingham, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando, Tampa

St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals                            Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan                       17%      4:05PM

& Chris Myers

University of Phoenix Stadium – Glendale, AZ

MARKETS INCLUDE: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, St. Louis

Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers                           Dick Stockton & Charles Davis                          8%     4:05PM

Candlestick Park – San Francisco, CA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Detroit, Sacramento, San Francisco

BILLICK ON FAVRE/CHILDRESS: “MUCH TO DO ABOUT NOTHING; NATIONAL STAGE ADDS LEVEL OF COMPLEXITY TO IT” – “I think all the talk about the Favre/Childress argument is much to do about nothing,” said NFL on FOX analyst Brian Billick.  “Unfortunately in these cases it’s played out on a national stage, which always adds another level of complexity to it. I’m sure Brad and Brett have sat down and it’s been made very clear-cut.  Brad was clearly just going to try and protect Brett Favre. He wasn’t questioning Brett’s leadership ability, the game wasn’t going well and Brad didn’t want to expose his quarterback.  Brett was basically saying, ‘you can’t do that to me, I can’t leave these guys, I understand why but I can’t do that.’”

JOHNSON: ARE THE COWBOYS BACK? – Former Cowboys Super Bowl-winning head coach Jimmy Johnson watched the Cowboys hand New Orleans its first loss of the season this past Saturday and believes Dallas looked the best they have all season.  “Tony Romo was taking what was given to him in the underneath passing game and they were pounding the ball with Marion Barber.  If the Cowboys can maintain this same focus and intensity for the final two games, they will have a shot against anybody in the playoffs,” said Johnson.  However, the former coach isn’t too impressed with the speed of wide receiver Miles Austin.  “Austin is strong and has a great burst, but he doesn’t have any separation speed which is probably why he wasn’t in the lineup earlier in the season.  He’s not really a fast guy but he does break tackles and make big plays.”

For more from Johnson on Vince Young and Jimmy’s thoughts on the Redskins log onto: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Jimmy-Johnson-Titans-have-bright-future-122009

NASCAR ON FOX ANIMATED GOPHER TO MAKE BIG SCREEN DEBUT – Even in the off-season, NASCAR on FOX’s unofficial mascot, Digger, is busy at work.  The furry, enthusiastic, clever little gopher has managed to make his way to the big screen with an appearance in this Wednesday’s premiere of Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.  Digger makes his cameo towards the end of the film, when he pops out of a sewer cap during a chase scene with Alvin & the Chipettes.

FOX NFL SUNDAY NOTES – 12/6/09

Johnson: Eagles Will Win the NFC East; The Giants are Done

Bradshaw:  I’d Like to See Holmgren Coach. The NFL Needs His Offensive Mind.

Long: I Was Shocked When I Heard Ward Criticizing Roethlisberger for Sitting Out

Strahan: Saints & Colts Will Not Go Undefeated

————————————————————————————————

FOX NFL SUNDAY Analyst Jimmy Johnson on the NFC East: “I think most everyone feels the NFC East belongs to the Cowboys because they’re leading the division right now, but the Cowboys are going to have to settle for being a wild card because the Philadelphia Eagles will win the NFC East.  As far as the New York Giants go, you can stick a fork in them, they’re done!”

————————————————————————————————

FOX NFL SUNDAY Insider Jay Glazer reports on the Seahawks following GM Tim Ruskell resignation: “With Tim Ruskell out as GM, the Seahawks have hired a search firm to identify potential candidates for the GM and/or president job.  As far Mike Holmgren goes, he wants to go to Seattle with a Bill Parcells-type of head-honcho role.”

Analyst Jimmy Johnson on whether Mike Holmgren returning to Seattle is a done deal following the resignation of Ruskell: “No, because they need a GM. They don’t need a football czar like Parcells.”

Co-host Terry Bradshaw added: “I would like to see Holmgren coach because he’s a great offensive mind and the NFL doesn’t have enough great offensive minds.”

————————————————————————————————

Analyst Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson, Terry Bradshaw remark on the likelihood of both the Indianapolis Colts & New Orleans Saints remaining undefeated.

Strahan: “Wanting to go undefeated and actually accomplishing it are two different things.  I don’t see it happening for either team.  I have a feeling the Indianapolis Colts are going to rest guys.”

Johnson: “Don’t play hurt players just to go undefeated.”

Bradshaw (reacting to Johnson): “That’s some bull. Tony Dungy did that and it cost them. Don’t forget about that.”

————————————————————————————————

Analyst Howie Long & Co-host Terry Bradshaw reacted to comments made by Steelers WR Hines Ward criticizing QB Ben Roethlisberger for not playing last week against the Ravens:
Long: “I was shocked when I heard Hines Ward’s statement on the news. A player questioning whether you could go if you chose not to go is the last thing you want to happen.”
Bradshaw: “Should he have said that about Ben?  No.  But I guarantee that half of the NFL was thinking like Hines Ward.  That’s the mentality of a football player from the time he’s a kid.  You don’t cry and you always play hurt.”

————————————————————————————————

Co-host Terry Bradshaw on Michael Vick’s future: “I don’t think he’ll be an Eagle next year. He’s had his grace period and he’s proven to be a good citizen. I think the Eagles will move him.”

————————————————————————————————

Analyst Michael Strahan on whether or not Brian Urlacher, who has been out of the Bears lineup since Week 1 with a wrist injury, should be commenting on the play of his teammates: “Brian Urlacher probably should not be making public comments about his team while he’s out hurt.  I was out one year after I tore my pectoral muscle and Plaxico Burress didn’t go after a ball against the Titans and it was intercepted by Pacman Jones.  I said ‘I know Plaxico is better than that, he’s not a quitter’…I found that I was a distraction.  If you’re not on the field to help, you should be quiet.”

Co-host Terry Bradshaw added:  “Yeah, I agree. When you’re hurt you’re really not part of the football team anyway, that’s the way they treat you.  I do see something good coming from what Urlacher said and that’s Cutler’s response.  I like what he said, I liked his response. He seemed very humble.”

————————————————————————————————

Bradshaw, Johnson & Long agree on picking Stanford RB Toby Gerhart as their Heisman winner.
Long on Gerhart: “He’s been as dominate a guy at his position than anyone.”

Strahan: “After his performance yesterday, I’m going with Mark Ingram.”

————————————————————————————————

Co-Host Bradshaw sat down with Saints QB Drew Brees and asked Brees about going undefeated.

Brees: “You get this close, we’re 11-0 and it’s not that far fetched but we’re not going to let it cloud our vision or focus.  We understand the opportunity we have.  Foot on the gas.”

– FOX SPORTS –

NEW SHOWS HIGHLIGHT 2009 FALL PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE ON NFL NETWORK

Sunday “NFL GameDay” Slate Delivers Over 13 Hours of

Original Programming

“NFL GameDay Morning” First Pregame Show On The Air, Taking Viewers Up to Kickoff

“Playbook,” “NFL Weekly Countdown,” “Up to the Minute,”

“Greatest 4^th QTRs,” and “Sound FX” Among Network Debuts

Viewer Favorites “NFL Replay,” “NFL Classic Games” and

“NFL Replay Real-Time” Return

The 32 teams of the NFL aren’t the only ones ready to unveil their 2009 lineups. NFL Network is also excited to announce a roster of new shows and faces for its in-season programming, as well as the return of original programming and talent.

As the only network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football, NFL Network continues to provide fans with unique and innovative programming aimed to inform, entertain and provide inside access to their favorite teams.

“The appetite of our fans keeps growing,” said Charles Coplin, NFL Network VP of Programming. “They are becoming more sophisticated and our programming reflects their interests in multiple areas of the game.”

Below are descriptions of shows making their debut on the Network this fall, as well as veteran programs returning to the lineup:

THE DEBUTS

• Around the League (HD), Monday-Friday at 5:00 PM ET: With Team Cams at all 32 team sites, fans gain inside access to their favorite team’s facility each day, featuring press conferences and interviews with players and coaches. Around the League, with hosts including Randy Moss, Lindsay Soto, Alex Flanagan, Stacey Dales and  Paul Burmeister, debates the biggest stories in the NFL with beat writers and bloggers who live and breathe the teams.

• Greatest 4^th QTRs, Thursday at 9:00 PM ET: Greatest 4^th QTRs is a 90-minute compilation of three memorable fourth quarters in NFL history. Using NFL Films footage, Greatest 4^th QTRs preps viewers for the upcoming weekend’s games by reliving three of the most exciting finishes between teams set to faceoff on Sunday. Debut date: Saturday, September 12 at 9:00 PM ET.

• The NFL Head Coaches (HD), Monday at 6:30 PM ET: Mike Martz, Steve Mariucci and Jim Mora take an inside look at the previous Sunday’s games and analyze the big plays and tough decisions made by NFL head coaches on the sidelines in this 30-minute, roundtable program hosted by Charles Davis. Debut date: Monday, September 14 at 5:00 PM ET.

• Playbook (recap editions), Tuesday & Wednesday at 6:00 PM ET: The ultimate Xs & Os show expands to Tuesday and Wednesday with 60-minute recap editions looking back at the previous week’s games. Playbook unlocks the keys to every game, giving fans and fantasy football enthusiasts an insider’s edge. These new editions are hosted by Solomon Wilcots with analysis from Brian Billick and Mike Mayock.

• Sound FX, Wednesday at 4:00 PM ET: Hosted by NFL Network analyst Brian Billick, Sound FX highlights the best sounds captured from the weekend’s NFL action. The award-winning NFL Films crews take viewers inside the game with exclusive on-field and off-field sound from around the league using sideline and wireless microphones mounted on players shoulder pads and coaches’ shirts.

• NFL Weekly Countdown (HD), Wednesday at 4:30 PM ET: Michelle Beisner hosts this 30-minute interactive countdown show where the top plays and performances from the previous week, as voted by the fans on NFL.com, are revealed.

• Up-to-the-Minute (HD), Monday at 6:00 PM ET: Scott Hanson hosts this fast-paced 30-minute look at the best highlights and sound bytes seen and heard the day after an NFL Sunday. Debut date: Monday, September 14 at 4:30 PM ET.

THE VETERANS

• NFL GameDay Morning (HD), Sunday at 9:00 AM ET: NFL GameDay Morning, the first NFL pregame show on the air expands to four hours taking viewers up to kickoff and providing the earliest news and notes as well as live reports from around the league. Expert analysts Warren Sapp, Marshall Faulk, Emmy-nominated Steve Mariucci, newcomer Michael Irvin, and NFL insider Jason La Canfora join hosts Spero Dedes and Stacey Dales each week.

• NFL GameDay StatZone (HD), Sunday at 1:00 PM ET: NFL Network provides the best place on television to get up-to-the-minute scores, statistics and news each game day during the season. Formerly entitled NFL GameDay Red Zone, NFL GameDay StatZone features continuously scrolling real-time game statistics with audio from Sirius NFL Radio’s “Around the League” program.

• NFL GameDay Scoreboard, Sunday at 4:00 PM ET: After the early afternoon games conclude, NFL GameDay Scoreboard takes viewers around the league for post-game press conferences and game highlights in addition to up-to-the-minute scores, statistics and news during the late afternoon games. Fran Charles hosts alongside analysts Jamie Dukes and Tom Waddle.

• NFL GameDay Highlights (HD), Sunday at 7:30 PM ET: Following the late afternoon games, NFL GameDay Highlights analysts Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin join host Rich Eisen to analyze the events of the day. Includes highlights from all completed games, insider commentary, on-field interviews and post-game press conferences.

• NFL GameDay Final (HD), Sunday at 11:30 PM ET: Get the final word on all of Sunday’s action with NFL GameDay Final. The 90-minute whip around show features highlights and news from all the games of the day, insider commentary, on-field interviews and post-game press conferences. Expert analysis is provided by Deion Sanders, Steve Mariucci and host Rich Eisen.

• NFL Total Access (HD), Monday-Saturday at 7:00 PM ET: NFL Total Access is the NFL’s show of record, providing daily news, interviews and analysis from around the league. Hosts Rich Eisen and Fran Charles, alongside a bevy of expert analysts, provide viewers inside access into their favorite teams with 32 ‘team cams’ stationed every facility. NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora and other reporters break the latest news in daily ‘Around the League’ reports.

• NFL Replay (HD), Tuesday & Wednesday at 8:00 and 9:30 PM ET: If you didn’t catch all of Sunday’s games, NFL Network has you covered. NFL Replay exclusively re-airs the four best NFL games of the weekend in a fast-paced, 90-minute format with bonus NFL Films footage, wired sounds from the field, and coaches’ commentary. It’s non-stop action minus the halftime.

• NFL Replay Real-Time (HD), Monday at 4:00 PM ET: NFL Replay Real-Time gives fans a unique minute-by-minute look at what happened in the previous afternoon’s games as they unfolded in real time. Debut date: Monday, September 14 at 2:30 PM ET.

• Playbook (AFC & NFC editions), Thursday & Friday at 6:00 PM ET (encores at 8:00 PM ET): The definitive X’s and O’s show gives viewers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the weekend’s games using exclusive coaches tape to break down the matchups and answer the question of ‘who will win and why?’ Former players now analysts Brian Baldinger and Sterling Sharpe host the hour show.

• NFL’s Top 10, Saturday at 8:00 and 9:00 PM ET: NFL’s Top 10 is a fast-paced weekly series that provides an irreverent look at some of the most intriguing subjects in the NFL, creating and debating a top ten list for each category. Each 60-minute episode counts down from No. 10 to the top ranking in each category.

• NFL Classic Games (HD), Friday at 9:00 PM ET: From the opening kickoff to the final whistle, NFL Network re-airs the complete original network broadcast of greatest NFL games ever played.  Telecasts include original network announcers and graphics.

• NFL Films Presents (HD), Thursday at 4:30 PM ET: Hosted by Steve Sabol, NFL Films Presents explores the depth of the NFL Films archive – the world’s largest sports film library – with unique perspectives on football’s greatest heroes and personalities as well as its history, humanity and humor.

ADDITIONAL SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Trent Green Joins NFL Network Analyst Lineup

• Former NFL QB Trent Green is the latest all-pro to join NFL Network’s talented analyst lineup. The two-time Pro Bowler will contribute regularly on NFL Total Access. Green is the third member of the St. Louis Rams’ 1999 Super Bowl-winning team to join the NFL Network family as former head coach Mike Martz begins his first year as an analyst and RB Marshall Faulk enters his fourth season.

NFL Network’s NFL RedZone Channel Launches Sunday, September 13

• Sunday, September 13 at 1:00 PM ET marks the launch of NFL RedZone, a new channel produced by NFL Network that brings fans every touchdown from every game on Sunday afternoons during the regular season. Hosted by Scott Hanson, NFL RedZone whips around every NFL game on Sunday afternoons delivering the touchdowns and most exciting moments live and in high definition. When a team goes inside the 20-yard line, fans see the crucial plays as they happen. The channel keeps fans up-to-date in real time, switching from game to game with live look-ins, highlights and a chance to see every important play. NFL RedZone available now on Comcast, DISH Network, Verizon FiOS and more distributors. Visit http://redzonetv.nfl.com for more information.

THE 2009 PLAY-BY-PLAY (ALL TIMES ET)

Sunday

9:00 AM          NFL GameDay Morning

1:00 PM          NFL GameDay StatZone

4:00 PM          NFL GameDay Scoreboard

7:30 PM          NFL GameDay Highlights

11:30 PM        NFL GameDay Final

Monday

4:00 PM          NFL Replay Real-Time

5:00 PM          Around the League

6:00 PM          Up to the Minute

6:30 PM          The NFL Head Coaches

7:00 PM          NFL Total Access

11:30 PM        NFL Total Access

Tuesday

5:00 PM          Around the League

6:00 PM          Playbook (recap edition)

7:00 PM          NFL Total Access

8:00 PM          NFL Replay

9:30 PM          NFL Replay

Wednesday

4:00 PM          Sound FX

4:30 PM          NFL Weekly Countdown

5:00 PM          Around the League

6:00 PM          Playbook (recap edition)

7:00 PM          NFL Total Access

8:00 PM          NFL Replay

9:30 PM          NFL Replay

Thursday

4:30 PM          NFL Films Presents

5:00 PM          Around the League

6:00 PM          Playbook (AFC edition)

7:00 PM          NFL Total Access

9:00 PM          Greatest 4^th QTRs

Friday

5:00 PM          Around the League

6:00 PM          Playbook (NFC edition)

7:00 PM          NFL Total Access

9:00 PM          NFL Classic Games

Saturday

7:00 PM          NFL Total Access

8:00 PM          NFL’s Top 10

9:00 PM          NFL’s Top 10

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

# # #

NFL NETWORK & BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN PRESENT BEHIND-THE-SCENES

SUPER BOWL HALFTIME DOCUMENTARY

Springsteen Narrates

“Working on a Dream: A Super Bowl Journal”

60-Minute Special Debuts Monday, Sept. 7 at 8:00 PM ET

Exclusively on NFL Network

“Better than Super” is how the St. Petersburg Times described Super Bowl XLIII. More people watched Pittsburgh defeat Arizona 27-23 on NBC – 151.6 million – than watched any other program in the history of American television.  And Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band gave fans a Super Bowl XLIII Halftime performance for the ages.

Now, fans will get a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of the Super Bowl XLIII Halftime Show. For the first time, the talent – Springsteen himself – narrates the special 60-minute “Working on a Dream: A Super Bowl Journal” which debuts Monday, September 7 at 8:00 PM ET exclusively on NFL Network.

In the documentary, Springsteen takes viewers inside the band’s trailer prior to performing, marvels at how an “army of ants” assembled the halftime stage, and relays the sights and sounds he experienced from center stage.

“The NFL threw us an anniversary party the likes of which we’d never throw for ourselves with fireworks and everything” Springsteen said. “I love playing long and hard, but it was the 35 years in 12 minutes…that was the trick. You start here, you end here, that’s it.”

“Fans will get an inside look at this iconic performance in Bruce’s own words,” said NFL vice president of programming Charles Coplin. “This documentary is a dream combination of football and music that will bring fans back to that most memorable of halftime shows.”

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band performed four songs (“Born to Run,” “10^th Avenue Freeze-Out,” “Working on a Dream,” and “Glory Days”) in the 12-minute halftime show originally televised by NBC. The Super Bowl XLIII Halftime Show was nominated for four Emmy awards.

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

For more information on Bruce Springsteen, please visit www.brucespringsteen.net and www.shorefire.com.

2010 BRIDGESTONE/NHL WINTER CLASSIC^® TICKET DRAWING
REGISTRATION BEGINS SEPT. 15 ONLY ON NHL.COM

NEW YORK (Aug. 17, 2009) –The only way to get news about the 2010 Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic^® before it breaks is to visit NHL.com, where, beginning today, fans can sign up for important alerts – including ticket information for the open-air battle between long-time rivals the Boston Bruins^® and Philadelphia Flyers^® that faces off at 1 p.m. ET on January 1, 2010 at Fenway Park, the historic home of the Boston Red Sox.

The NHL Winter Classic ticket has become one of most sought-after in sports.  In 2008, the NHL Winter Classic between the Buffalo Sabres^® and Pittsburgh Penguins^® sold out the 74,000 seat Ralph Wilson Stadium in just 20 minutes.  Last season’s 2009 Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic^® received more than 240,000 ticket requests for the Wrigley Field showdown between the Chicago Blackhawks^® and Detroit Red Wings^®, attracted 5.6 million North American TV viewers — including the largest U.S. audience for a regular-season NHL game in 34 years — and gathered more than 750,000 visitors on NHL.com.

Fans seeking information about a chance to win the right to purchase tickets to the 2010 Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic^® can sign up at www.nhl.com/winterclassic to receive detailed alerts regarding the NHL Winter Classic — for example, how and when to register for the opportunity to get their hands on the hottest tickets in hockey.

Ticket prices for the 2010 Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic^® range from $50 to $350.

Registration at www.nhl.com/winterclassic for the general public, random ticket drawing will begin on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at Noon, Eastern Time (ET), and will run through Monday, October 5, 2009 at 11:59 a.m. ET.  Registrations received after the deadline will not be accepted.  There is no fee to register.  Limit one entry per person or household.  Registrants selected in the drawing will be notified by October 20, 2009 of their opportunity to purchase one pair of tickets (seated together).

By registering for the 2010 Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic^® alerts today, fans also will get advance notice on NHL Winter Classic priorities such as notification of jersey and merchandise sale dates, event construction and entertainment plans, player interviews and other important information throughout the course of the NHL Winter Classic season.

In addition to tickets made available through the drawing, Bruins season ticket holders and Flyers season ticket holders will be notified by each respective club later this month regarding details on their chance to purchase tickets.

Continuing its commitment to youth hockey, the NHL again will make a certain allotment of tickets available for local youth hockey groups.  This year, the Boston Bruins Foundation will coordinate the youth hockey initiative ticket drawing for young hockey fans in the greater Boston area.  The team will release details later this month on the community program.

The 2010 Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic^® will be the third regular-season outdoor NHL game played in the United States.  NBC will provide live broadcast coverage of the game in the U.S.  In Canada, CBC and RDS will televise the event live.  NHL Radio™ and SIRIUS XM Radio will provide radio coverage and NHL.com will provide extensive digital video coverage.

ESPN’s Tennis Team: My Favorite US Open Memory

First-Ever Coverage Begins with Brackets Announced Live on ESPNEWS Aug. 27;
Action Begins Aug. 31

ESPN will become the first U.S. network to present tennis’s four Grand Slam tournaments in a single year with the addition of the US Open beginning Monday, Aug. 31. ESPN2 will televise approximately 100 hours, with more on ESPN360.com and other ESPN platforms. In addition, ESPNEWS will televise live the announcement of the men’s and women’s brackets in a commercial-free half-hour show Thursday, Aug. 27, at noon ET. Chris McKendry will host with Patrick McEnroe and Mary Joe Fernandez. The show will include live interviews via satellite with defending champions Roger Federer and Serena Williams.

ESPN’s tennis team recalls their favorite US Open memories:

Darren Cahill – Andre’s Final Stand
“My favorite memory is just three years ago, when I was coaching Andre Agassi. At Wimbledon he had announced his retirement, saying the US Open would be his final event. He was 36 and struggling mightily with a bad back. In the second round, he played Marcos Baghdatis, who had enjoyed a strong year, in a match that started late and went back and forth for five sets, with Andre winning the fifth set 7-5 near 1:30 in the morning. The whole experience was surreal. A couple points here and there and it would have been the end of his career. I was his coach, but enjoyed that match as a fan. It was the most rewarding and best tennis experience I’ve ever had.

“But I have to add the US Open has always been my favorite major, going back to my days as a player. I love the people, the sounds, the smells, the city and even the heat, humidity and chaos. The fans there love a good fighter. They get behind someone who puts up a good fight, so I always thought I could get them behind me.”

Mary Carillo – The Ageless Jimmy & Incomparable Sisters
“I’d have to say 1991 – Jimmy Connors’ amazing run to the semis. That was tremendous, including a thrilling five-setter on his 39th birthday, edging Aaron Krickstein in the fourth round 3-6, 7-6, 1-6, 6-3, 7-6. Furthermore, he was playing in a place that for a long time didn’t appreciate him. It took a long time for New York to warm up to him and when they did they helped carry him.

“The other important development I have to mention is how the Williams sisters created the Saturday night women’s final. Because of them, CBS said, ‘this is prime-time stuff.’”

Cliff Drysdale – “The Senator would like to meet you.”
“In 1965, I was waiting to play in the final against Manuel Santana of Spain and there was a long rain delay. I fell asleep in the locker room and someone came up and touched me and said ‘The Senator would like to meet you.’ Right behind him was the late, great Robert Kennedy, then the junior senator from New York. We spoke for a few minutes and he wished me well.”

Mary Joe Fernandez – Rallying with the Fans’ Help
“As a fan, some of Andre Agassi’s matches stand out — his last year in 2006 he was so brave, and the final against Pete Sampras in 2002 was tremendous. But as a player a couple night matches were memorable. Once, I was down against Arantxa Sanchez Vicario and the fans really rallied behind me and got me going as only true New Yorkers staying late can. It was a great atmosphere.”

(Editor’s Note: Mary Joe is being somewhat modest, seeing as she could have mentioned what she accomplished in 1985: at the age of 14 years and eight days, she became the youngest person to win a match at the US Open, defeating Sara Gomer in the first round, 6-1, 6-4.)

Brad Gilbert – Andre’s Title and Super Saturday
“Obviously, I’m biased, but Andre Agassi winning the 1994 Open with me as coach is my top memory. He was unseeded and defeated five seeded players en route to the championship. I had only been coaching him for six months and he hadn’t won a major since Wimbledon in 1992. It was so unexpected, added to the way he did it, it was a blast.

“But I also have to mention Super Saturday in 1984, with Ivan Lendl and Pat Cash going five sets, followed by the women’s final with Martina Navratilova defeating Chris Evert in three sets, and finally John McEnroe beating Jimmy Connors in five sets. I had played in the tournament – and had already lost, of course – and didn’t leave my hotel room for 12 hours watching it all. It was an epic day for tennis.”

John McEnroe – Standing (upside down) By His Word
“My favorite US Open memory is from a first-round match in 1994 between Richard Krajicek and Jan Siemerink. Krajicek led the match by two sets to one and was up 6-0 in a fourth set tiebreaker. I was calling the match with Ted Robinson so I said, ‘If Krajicek loses this set, I’ll stand on my head.’ Sure enough, Richard lost in the tiebreaker, 10-8. The following day, I called a match upside down for a few minutes, until the blood rushed to my head and I couldn’t take it any longer.”

Patrick McEnroe – “Give me a good one.”
“I’ve had the rare opportunity to experience the US Open on many levels. As a kid growing up in Queens, the most exciting time of the year was running around from court to court at Forest Hills, the West Side Tennis Club. As a teenager, I served as a ball boy, and eventually was lucky enough to enjoy a little bit of success myself on the court. Of course, as a fan and brother, I watched with pride as my brother John won the title four times, and since 1996 I’ve been there as a broadcaster and have witnessed so many great matches.

“But my favorite memory comes from 1981 when I was a ball boy for a fourth-round match on the grandstand court. The late Vitas Gerulaitis – who I knew well through my brother and someone I looked up to – was on the verge of a major upset. It was match point against Ivan Lendl, who starting the next year would appear in seven consecutive finals, winning three straight at one point. Vitas needs a ball to serve out the match and he looks at me and says, ‘Give me a good one.’ Like many tennis players, he was superstitious, and I had given him the ball for the previous point, which he had won. I will never forget that moment – at 5-4 in the fifth set he was asking me to pick the ball to finish the match – or my friend Vitas.”

Pam Shriver – Youngest Women’s Finalist
“In 1978, I was only 16 and still an amateur but was seeded #16 in my first US Open and the draw opened up for me wonderfully. I beat the eighth seed in the fourth round, Kerry Melville Reid, and then another Aussie, Lesley Hunt, who was unseeded but had beat the player who upset Virginia Wade. In the semis I played Martina Navratilova, who had won Wimbledon earlier in the summer and had captured the #1 ranking. While the match was straight sets it could not have been closer, as I won in two tie-breakers. We both served and volleyed on about every point. I played with the oversized Prince Classic, introducing the oversized racket to elite pro tennis. There were rain delays. Airplanes flew low over head throughout.

“Because of the rain, I had to wait until Saturday to find out that Chris Evert would be my opponent. I had never played Chris in singles before. Because of rain we were scheduled to play at 4 p.m. Sunday, just before the men’s final, Connors vs. Borg. I was the youngest woman ever in the US Open final and extremely nervous. I traveled out to the brand new National Tennis Center via the #7 train. I never took transport the entire Open. I had chances to win the first set and our points were great because of the contrasting serve and volley (me) and baseline styles (Chris). I lost 7-5 6-4 and would never get back to a major singles final again. Because the men’s final followed our match, not one person left the stadium and were seated for our on-court speeches. Mine began with a simple “hello….” and a pause that was filled with appreciative New York City roars.”

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