Sports Media News

Keeping Up With All The Industry Press Releases

Archives for June 2015

NBCSN INTRODUCES “NASCAR VICTORY LAP”

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New Sunday Night NASCAR Show Presents Exclusive Interviews with Race Winners, Analysis of Pivotal Moments & Highlights Featuring Scanner Audio

NASCAR Victory Lap Premieres Sunday, July 5th at 11 p.m. ET, Following Coverage of the Sprint Sup Series Coke Zero 400  

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 30, 2015 – Following NBC’s Sunday night coverage of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400, NBCSN will debut NASCAR Victory Lap, a new weekly one-hour NASCAR program recapping the biggest moments of each weekend’s Sprint Cup Series and XFINITY Series races on NBC and NBCSN. NASCAR Victory Lap will air Sundays at 11 p.m. ET on NBCSN, through the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, Nov. 22.

NASCAR Victory Lap, hosted by Carolyn Manno with analyst and current NASCAR driver Brian Vickers, will serve as a destination for NASCAR fans each Sunday night, utilizing highlights from NBC and NBCSN’s race coverage, scanner audio from the teams, and post-race interviews and commentary to provide a comprehensive look back at the most compelling stories from each race weekend. In addition, the program will also feature exclusive interviews with the winner of the Sprint Cup Series race from NBC Sports’ trackside studio.

The 60-minute program will feature insight and analysis from NBC Sports Group’s NASCAR broadcast team, including 21-time NASCAR Sprint Cup winning driver Jeff Burton, Daytona 500-winning crew chief Steve Letarte, engaging NASCAR personality Kyle Petty, and three-time Daytona 500 champion and Hall of Fame driver Dale Jarrett.

NBC Sports Group’s team of veteran pit reporters, comprised of Marty Snider, Kelli Stavast, Dave Burns and Mike Massaro, will take viewers through the field following each race, while lead NASCARTalk writer Nate Ryan and NBC Sports’ NASCAR features reporter Rutledge Wood will also contribute.

In addition to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and XFINITY Series coverage, NASCAR Victory Lap will also provide recaps and analysis of Formula One and Verizon IndyCar Series races throughout the season.


NASCAR ON NBC

On July 23, 2013, NASCAR and NBC Sports Group reached a comprehensive agreement that grants NBCUniversal exclusive rights to the final 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, final 19 NASCAR XFINITY Series events, select NASCAR Regional & Touring Series events and other live content, beginning this coming 4th of July weekend from Daytona International Speedway.

With this partnership, NBC’s 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race schedule includes a designation as the exclusive home to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, when the elite national series races through its final 10 events of the season. The Chase culminates with the season-ending championship event, which returns to network television in 2015 for the first time since 2009. Of NBC Sports Group’s 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, seven will be carried on NBC annually, with 13 airing on NBCSN. Four of NBC Sports Group’s 19 NASCAR XFINITY Series races will air on NBC, with 15 airing on NBCSN.

NASCAR AMERICA is NBCSN’s weekday 30-minute news and highlights program dedicated to America’s fascination with speed and stock car racing, and features regular appearances by NBC Sports’ NASCAR experts, as well as a rotation of guest analysts.

 

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

 

Marvel & ESPN Films Introduce the Short Film Series “Marvel & ESPN Films Present 1 of 1 – Origins” Beginning on July 10

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Additionally, feature-length documentary “1 of 1 – Genesis” will premiere on ESPN on July 14

 

Starting Friday, July 10, Marvel Entertainment and ESPN Films are premiering “1 of 1 – Origins,” the short film series that gives viewers a unique look at some of the world’s most successful athletes by mixing the award-winning non-fiction style of ESPN Films with original Marvel art, design and creative animation. All eight films will have a television premiere and will also be released on the ESPN 30 for 30 Facebook page the same day.

Directed by Emmy-winning director/producer Eric Drath (30 for 30 “No Mas,” Assault In The Ring), “1 of 1 – Origins” contains all-new interviews with some of the top athletes in the world. Each short film focuses on a single athlete, all of whom have, like all Marvel Super Heroes, a defining story of the origin of their powers in their ascent to greatness in their sport.

“I could not ask for more collaborative and creative teams to work with than those at ESPN Films and Marvel,” said Drath. “It was truly amazing to work with such incredible athletes for this series and to learn of their moments of self-discovery.”

The series kicks off with a film on Colin Kaepernick that will be shown during the July 10 episode of His & Hers that will be telecast from San Diego Comic-Con with Jemele Hill and Michael Smith at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The remaining “1 of 1 – Origins” short films will launch across various ESPN programs including SportsCenter and coverage of the Home Run Derby and British Open. They will also be accessible digitally on 30 for 30’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/espn30for30) and on Marvel.com.

Film summaries: 

“1 of 1 – Origins: Colin Kaepernick” – Premiering July 10

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is one of the NFL’s biggest stars, but it was on the baseball diamond that a young Colin would be forever changed. At 12, he was already a standout athlete, head and shoulders over his peers in both size and skill. But on one fateful day, the hits were not coming and his father would see this opportunity as a moment to help redirect Colin’s life and forever alter his destiny.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Brandi Chastain” – Premiering July 13

At a pivotal moment during a childhood soccer game, Brandi Chastain gets a pass to her left foot. It was that kick where she would discover her power and later use it during the most dramatic penalty kick in USA soccer history.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Bryce Harper” – Premiering July 13

Major league baseball player Bryce Harper discovers the secret to his hitting powers as a little boy, but his destiny unfolds when he finally get the call to the big leagues.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Dwight Howard” – Premiering July 14

It was on a crude basketball court in middle school where NBA legend Dwight Howard played a pick-up game that would forever change his self-confidence and influence his ultimate destiny.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Amy Purdy” – Premiering July 15

Snowboarding star Amy Purdy tells her story of coming back from the brink of death, losing her legs, and finding her super power.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Phil Mickelson” – Premiering July 15

PGA super star Phil Mickelson finds his super power at the moment when others failed to persevere, and it was this moment that would propel him to the greatest heights in golf.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Danica Patrick” – Premiering July 16

Star racecar driver Danica Patrick retells the moment she discovered her super power as a 10 year-old racing go-carts. It was on a little track in rural Beloit, Wisconsin where she discovered that she would do anything to win, and found the internal drive and focus to accomplish greatness.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Tony Hawk” – Premiering July 17

Super star skater Tony Hawk was not always soaring to new heights, it was an early moment of failure during his childhood that would reshape his attitude and help him find his power.

Additionally, the feature-length documentary film, “1 of 1 – Genesis” will air on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET and then again at 9:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 14. “1 of 1 – Genesis” premiered on Netflix in March and features star athletes such as Russell Wilson, Dwight Howard and Danica Patrick. The film is also currently available on Digital HD through select digital retailers.

About Marvel:

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.  For more information, visit marvel.com.  © 2015 MARVEL

About ESPN Films:

Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality films showcasing some of the most compelling stories in sports. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched its signature 30 for 30 film series, which has since won a Peabody Award, Producer’s Guild Award and an Emmy Award. Inspired by ESPN’s 30th Anniversary, the films that made up the series were a thoughtful and innovative reflection on the past three decades told through the lens of diverse and interesting sports fans and social commentators. The strong reaction from both critics and fans led to the launch of 30 for 30 Volume II, which is currently underway. Additional projects from ESPN Films include the critically-acclaimed Nine for IX series, SEC Storied and the Webby Award- and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 Shorts.

For More Information & Assets:

ESPN

Jay Jay Nesheim

JayJay.Nesheim@espn.com

646-547-5839

 

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT

Arune Singh

asingh@marvel.com

818-560-9121

NBC SPORTS GROUP RAMPS UP 360 DEGREE NASCAR MARKETING CAMPAIGN AS IT KICKS OFF NEW 10-YEAR CHAPTER WITH NASCAR

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NASCAR Promotion to Run Across NBC, NBCSN, USA, CNBC, MSNBC, Golf Channel, Syfy, Bravo, E!, and Collection of NBCUniversal Television Networks and Online Platforms

TODAY Show, Access Hollywood, Morning Joe, E! News, Squawk Box & The Dan Patrick Show Air NASCAR Content This Week  

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 30, 2015 – In preparation for the launch of its 10-year chapter as the home of NASCAR’s championship run, beginning this 4th of July weekend, NBC Sports Group will employ its “Big Event Strategy” to leverage NBCUniversal’s robust collection of broadcast and cable networks, websites, radio and social media platforms, and additional promotional assets to drive further awareness of the launch.

 

NBC Sports Group’s cross-channel promotional campaign for NASCAR on NBC will include advertising and editorial support on television, radio, online and on-site, and will include NBC, NBCSN, USA, CNBC, MSNBC, Golf Channel, Syfy, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Cloo, Chiller, Esquire, The Weather Channel, Comcast Spotlight, and the collection of NBCUniversal television, radio and digital networks.

PROMOTION

Many of NBCUniversal’s high-profile programs and platforms will feature NASCAR related content leading up to the July 4th weekend launch. Shows and platforms include:

TODAY: This morning, TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, Natalie Morales, Dylan Dreyer, and Tamron Hall participated in a pit-stop tire change contest on the plaza with two-time Daytona 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his former crew chief and NBC Sports Group NASCAR analyst Steve Letarte. In addition, Earnhardt Jr. unveiled Nationwide’s new No. 88 car paint scheme for the Coke Zero 400. Click here for a link to the segment.

WEEKEND TODAY: Weekend TODAY’s Kerry Sanders will report live from Daytona on Saturday and Sunday, offering updates from the track.

ACCESS HOLLYWOOD: The show featured a behind-the-scenes video of the filming of Blake Shelton’s NASCAR on NBC Sprint Cup Series open.

CNBC: Earnhardt Jr. and Letarte previewed the upcoming weekend races at Daytona, and discussed Nationwide’s new No. 88 car paint scheme for the Coke Zero 400 and NBC Sports’ return to NASCAR in a segment on CNBC’s Squawk Box this morning.

MSNBC: MSNBC’s Morning Joe will feature a segment with Earnhardt Jr. and Letarte tomorrow morning to discuss NBC Sports’ return to NASCAR.

E! NEWS: The show will feature a segment with Earnhardt Jr. this week, discussing his recent engagement and favorite stops along the NASCAR circuit.

THE DAN PATRICK SHOW: Dan Patrick and his production staff of Paul Pabst, Patrick O’Connor, Andrew Perloff and Todd Fritz, known as The Danettes, will be joined by each weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner every Monday at 10:45 a.m. ET throughout the second half of the season and The Chase for the Sprint Cup.

THE WEATHER CHANNEL: On Friday, The Weather Channel’s AMHQ with Sam Champion will preview the weather in Daytona for NBC Sports Group’s NASCAR launch.

NBC SPORTS REGIONAL NETWORKS & NEWSCHANNEL/AFFILIATES: NBC Sports Regional Networks will air interviews and other NASCAR-related content featuring NBC Sports Group’s on-air team throughout the week.

NBC SPORTS RADIO: On Mondays and Fridays, Voices of the Game with Newy Scruggs on NBC Sports Radio features a segment with a member of NBC Sports Group’s broadcast team.

UNIVERSAL THEME PARKS: Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles have been promoting NBC Sports Groups’ NASCAR launch with in-park messaging and by featuring an NBC Sports-produced video on CityWalk’s big outdoor screen along with signage on print billboards throughout the theme parks.

MARKETING

NBC Sports Group has been running promotional spots on television, online, and on radio to let viewers know where they can catch NASCAR’s championship run.

Television

Beginning with NBC Sports Group’s coverage of Super Bowl XLIX, the most-watched TV event in U.S. History, several promotion spots have aired on NBC, NBCSN and the networks of NBC Universal.

Throughout the month of June, NBC Sports’ numerous NASCAR promos aired on NBC, NBCSN, USA, CNBC, MSNBC, Golf Channel, Syfy, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Cloo, Chiller, Esquire, The Weather Channel and Comcast Spotlight. The spots include NASCAR “Drivers Take It To The Streets” and NASCAR “Big Celebration.” Localized NBC Sports NASCAR spots have been created to run on 200 NBC affiliates across the United States.

In addition, NBC Sports Group pushed out a high-charged spot designed to capture the attention of sports fans, “Get Closer to NASCAR,” and a :60 spot from a long-form video featuring Parks and Recreation star Nick Offerman, “America, Start Your Engines.” In March, NBC Sports and FOX Sports connected in a rare marketing collaboration to promote the sport. Click here for more information.

Online

NASCAR on NBC banner ads will run across many of NBCUniveral’s 20+ digital platforms including, NBC.com, NBCSports.com, GolfChannel.com, Rotoworld.com, CNBC.com, MSNBC.com, Eonline.com, BravoTV.com, Oxygen.com, and TV.Esquire.com. NASCAR on NBC banner ads will also be present on YahooSports.com, through NBC Sports Digital’s partnership with Yahoo Sports.

Social

NBC Sports Social Media is deploying around-the-clock coverage across all of NBC Sports’ social media platforms this week, including Periscope and Facebooks Q&A’s with two-time Daytona 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. Click here for NBC Sports Group’s full social media plan.

On-site

Bumper NARCARS hit the road: NBC Sports Group is launching a national “Bumper NASCAR” tour at races nationwide. Fans can face off pedal-to-metal just like their favorite drivers on a custom track at Fan Zones of races throughout the 2015 season.  Daytona International Speedway marks the first stop on the season-long tour, with the Bumper NASCAR activation open to fans as they head to the track for the Subway Firecracker 250 NASCAR XFINITY Series and Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races throughout the weekend.

Radio

NBC Sports Group’s NASCAR commercials are running on more than 400 NBC Sports Radio affiliates across the country.

Coverage begins Saturday, July 4th, at 7 p.m. ET with the Subway Firecracker 250 NASCAR XFINITY Series race on NBCSN.  On Sunday evening, NBC presents the 57th running of the Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at 7 p.m. ET.

On July 23, 2013, NASCAR and NBC Sports Group reached a comprehensive agreement that grants NBCUniversal exclusive rights to the final 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, final 19 NASCAR XFINITY Series events, select NASCAR Regional & Touring Series events and other live content, beginning this coming 4th of July weekend from Daytona International Speedway.

With this partnership, NBC’s 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race schedule includes a designation as the exclusive home to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, when the elite national series races through its final 10 events of the season. The Chase culminates with the season-ending championship event, which returns to network television in 2015 for the first time since 2009. Of NBC Sports Group’s 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, seven will be carried on NBC annually, with 13 airing on NBCSN. Four of NBC Sports Group’s 19 NASCAR XFINITY Series races will air on NBC, with 15 airing on NBCSN.

NASCAR AMERICA is NBCSN’s weekday 30-minute news and highlights program dedicated to America’s fascination with speed and stock car racing, and features regular appearances by NBC Sports’ NASCAR experts, as well as a rotation of guest analysts.

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Florida’s Takeover Schedule for July 2 on SEC Network

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SEC Network Takeover (#SECNTakeover) continues Thursday, July 2, with the Florida Gators taking over the national television network for 24 hours. With the help of current WWE Tag Team World Champion and former Florida football player Titus O’Neil (Thaddeus Bullard), the Gators have selected 15 marquee television events from the vault* to relive with fans.

Florida #SECNTakeover Schedule Includes:

  • Florida Gators’ Takeover Special: Meet nearly a dozen Gators and coaches from the sports of baseball, football, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, track & field and volleyball who comprise Team Florida and make it one of the most dominant athletic programs in the country.
  • 2015 SEC Baseball Tournament Championship – Florida vs. Vanderbilt: The Gators had to win four consecutive elimination games to bring home their first title since 2011.
  • 2014 Florida vs. Texas (Volleyball): Head Coach Mary Wise and the Gators had already solidified their 21st SECtitle and played one more match before the NCAA Tournament – the result was a five-set thriller!
  • 2009 Tennessee vs. Florida (Women’s Basketball): Legendary coach Pat Summitt was looking for career win No. 1,001 but the Gators had other ideas, led by a pair of Tennessee state-natives, Sha Brooks and Head Coach Amanda Butler.
  • 2015 SEC Outdoor Track & Field Championship: The Gators sprinted, jumped and did everything else they needed to do in Starkville to bring the BIG hardware trophy back to Gainesville.
  •  2014 Florida State vs. Florida (Soccer): The Gators travel to Tallahassee and their rivals sport a 38-match regular-season win streak … watch the eighth-ranked Gators and the second-ranked ‘Noles battle on the pitch and see which team comes out CHOMP-ing!
  • SEC Storied: Abby Head On: SEC Storied examines the extraordinary Abby Wambach, one of the most noticeable Gator athletes on the international soccer stage.
  • 2015 Kentucky vs. Florida (Gymnastics): The Gators entertain the Wildcats and another emotional and exciting edition in the team’s annual “LinkToPink” challenge.
  • 2014 Kentucky vs. Florida (Men’s Basketball): The SEC Tournament title is on the line when these two powerhouse programs collide and it’s a thriller that comes down to the final possession!
  • 2015 Florida State vs. Florida (Softball): The top-ranked and defending NCAA Champion Gators aim to complete the season sweep of their intrastate rival when the 10th-ranked ‘Noles challenge senior right-hander Lauren Haeger at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.
  • Florida Gators’ Takeover Special: An encore showing the hour-long program that highlighted some of the top athletes and coaches who comprise Team Florida and make it one of the top athletic programs in the country.
  • 11/22/1997 FSU vs. Florida (Football): The ‘greatest game ever played?’ The Gators sure think so! Watch and find out why!
  • 1/2/1997 FSU vs. Florida (Football): It’s the rematch of intrastate rivals and the final collegiate game for Gator Great and Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel with the 1997 Sugar Bowl and national championship on the line in New Orleans.
  • 2006 Ohio State vs. Florida (Men’s Basketball): Relive the excitement of the self-named ‘04s – Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, Al Horford and Joakim Noah – and the rest of the defending NCAA Champion Gators defend their home court against the third-ranked Buckeyes.
  • Tim Tebow: Everything In Between: Watch behind-the-scenes footage of one of the all-time greatest and recognizable Gators in this intimate documentary about Tim Tebow and his preparation from college to the NFL.

 

 

Time (ET) Programming
midnight Florida Gators’ Takeover Special
1 a.m. 2015 SEC Baseball Tournament Championship: Florida vs. Vanderbilt
3 a.m. 2014 Florida vs. Texas (Volleyball)
5 a.m. 2009 Tennessee vs. Florida (Women’s Basketball)
7 a.m. 2015 SEC Outdoor Track & Field Championship
9 a.m. 2014 Florida State vs. Florida (Soccer)
11 a.m. SEC Storied: Abby Head On
Noon 2015 Kentucky vs. Florida (Gymnastics)
1:30 p.m. 2014 Kentucky vs. Florida (Men’s Basketball)
3 p.m. 2015 Florida State vs. Florida (Softball)
4:30 p.m. Florida Gators’ Takeover Special (encore presentation)
5:30 p.m. 11/22/1997 FSU vs. Florida (Football)
7:30 p.m. 1/2/1997 FSU vs. Florida (Football)
9:30 p.m. 2006 Ohio State vs. Florida (Men’s Basketball)
11 p.m. Tim Tebow: Everything In Between

(schedule subject to change)

*Takeover schedules were created from available television inventory; NCAA Championships were not available for re-air.

 

About the SEC Network Takeover

The SEC Network Takeover is a two-week programming initiative dedicated to airing programming selected by Southeastern Conference schools. All 14 schools will craft their own 24-hour schedule which may include classic games, films, ESPN original content and some school-produced content. In addition to delivering the ultimate the day of television for their fan-base, the takeover includes SEC Network’s twitter handle.

 

The SEC Network
The Southeastern Conference and ESPN have a 20-year agreement through 2034 to create and operate a multiplatform network which launched August 14, 2014. The new network and its accompanying digital platform carry SEC content 24/7 and featured more than 1,000 live events the first year. The network televises over 45 SEC football games, more than 100 men’s basketball games, 60 women’s basketball games, 75 baseball games, and events from across the SEC’s 21 sports annually. Programming includes in-depth commentary and analysis in studio shows, daily news and information, original content such as SEC Storied, spring football games, and more. AT&T U-verse® TV, Bright House Networks, Charter, Comcast Xfinity TV,  Cox Communications, DIRECTV, DISH, Google Fiber, LUS Fiber, Mediacom, PTC Communications, Suddenlink, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS, Wilkes Telephone, and members of the NCTC, NRTC and NTTC carried the television network nationwide. Hundreds of additional live events from various sports are offered exclusively as SEC Network+ events on WatchESPN and SECNetwork.com through authenticated access from AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast, Cox, DIRECTV, DISH, Google Fiber, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS and members of the NCTC, NRTC and NTTC.

 

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ABC’s World of X Games to Showcase First-ever Real Wake Driven by Mastercraft Wakeboarding Video Competition

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Growing the popular Real Series lineup, the ABC’s World of X Games will air the first-ever Real Wake Driven by MasterCraft video competition this summer, in collaboration with Alliance MultiMedia. The competition will showcase some of the biggest names in wakeboarding today reconnecting the sport with X Games for the first time since 2005.

ESPN X Games and Alliance MultiMedia involved MasterCraft Boats given the company’s long-standing history with X Games and their commitment to supporting competitive wakeboarding and the progression of watersports. Part of a summer-long initiative, Real Wake Driven by MasterCraft will be followed by the MasterCraft Throwdown event on August 8, 2015.

A premier group of athletes were invited to compete in this summer’s Real Wake Driven by MasterCraft competition with professional filmers capturing these riders performing never-before-seen tricks in a wide variety of backdrops ranging from iconic lake locations to urban settings. The eight world-class wakeboarders invited are Harley Clifford, Raph Derome, Chris “Shredtown” Abadie, Aaron Rathy, Rusty Malinoski, Shota Tezuka, Daniel Grant and Mike Dowdy. Similar to other Real Series competitions, these athletes were given the opportunity to choose the filmer they felt was most capable of capturing their vision and own unique style.

Initial footage and behind-the-scenes teaser segments will be posted on XGames.com/RealWake beginning in June, followed by the release of eight individual Real Wake Driven by MasterCraft athlete segments on July 15. Extremely interactive and engaging by design, fans will have a chance to view and vote for their favorite video online. The fan favorite winner will be awarded a $5,000 cash prize.

The Real Wake Driven by MasterCraft competition will culminate in a one-hour World of X Games show produced by Alliance MultiMedia slated to air at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 26 on ABC. The show will feature the top six video segments, behind-the-scenes footage and athlete interviews. The athletes and filmers themselves will then select the top three videos to be awarded gold, silver and bronze X Games medals along with cash prizes.

HarleyClifford_Cortese copy1

Rider: Harley Clifford / Photo: Cortese | Click to View Video

“I am so excited for Real Wake this year,” said Harley Clifford. “With X Games being the pinnacle of action sports, it’s really going to give me the chance to showcase what I love about wakeboarding and the way I am trying to push the sport, especially having Greg Browning as my filmer and producer!”

World of X Games is a weekly program on ABC which features a variety of X Games and action sports athlete-focused content. Scheduling is subject to change; check local listings for additional details. More information on Real Wake Driven by MasterCraft can be found on xgames.com for fans or on www.espnmediazone.com for members of the media. Follow the X Games on Twitter at http://twitter.com/xgames and join the conversation using #RealWake.

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Media Contacts:

Grace Coryell, ESPN Communications, grace.s.coryell@espn.com, 213-405-4402

Danny Chi, ESPN Communications, danny.c.chi@espn.com, 213-405-4400

 

 

More than Ten Ways to Follow the Pan American Games Toronto 2015 on ESPN and ESPN Deportes Platforms

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ESPN and ESPN Deportes team up for an unprecedented Olympic-style production to deliver complete multiplatform coverage of the 2015 Pan American Games from Toronto, starting Friday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET with the Opening Ceremony live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

The production comes to live across all English and Spanish-language platforms with a state-of-the-art studio area in the host city, with a backdrop of the iconic Toronto skyline, featuring multiple production areas. The production will be led by a team of about 200 onsite, including more than 25 on-air personalities, supported by an in-studio team reporting from Bristol.

ESPN and ESPN Deportes’ extensive coverage includes daily, up-to-the-minute multimedia content and live broadcast throughout the 17-day event. Together, the brands will offer more thirteen ways to follow the Games:

ESPN Deportes TV will telecast about 200 hours of live Pan Am Games content, dedicating 12 hours of live windows every day starting at 10 a.m., featuring soccer, swimming, diving, track & field, boxing, basketball and gymnastics. The live telecasts will be complemented with news and information programming throughout the day, followed by a nightly edition of SportsCenter and a recap of the top highlights of the day.

ESPN and ESPN2 will present live 66 hours. ESPN’s telecasts will kick off with the Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m.  – marking the first English-language live presentation of the ceremony in 30 years  – and wrap up with a five-hour live window on July 26 for the closing day of the Games, starting at 1:00 p.m.

Between July 11 – July 25, ESPN2 will present two to six hours of daily live coverage focused on Men and Women’s hoop and volleyball, diving, swimming, gymnastics, boxing, track and field, and soccer. The network will also present daily highlights of all medal winners and the action across every venue.

Longhorn Network will present 44 live hours dedicated to diving, swimming and Women’s Volleyball. The network will follow Team USA’s performance in these disciplines including some lifetime and rising Longhorns: In diving, Texas head coach Matt Scoggin will be in Toronto along with diving rising junior Murphy Bromberg, lifetime Longhorn Maren Taylor and rising senior Cory Bowersox. In swimming, lifetime Longhorn Jimmy Feigen will represent Team USA. In addition, lifetime Longhorns Lauren Paolini and Rachael Adams will be part of the Women’s Volleyball team.

ESPN3 and ESPN Deportes+ will present over 650 live hours of programming that will include 249 sports events in their entirety (210 in English and 39 in Spanish).

ESPN3 will carry 580 hours of Pan American Games programming, with live access to almost every competition in more than 15 different disciplines, including basketball, gymnastics, swimming, diving, soccer, volleyball, karate, taekwondo, track and field, and many others.

ESPN Deportes+, the Spanish-language broadband channel, will carry an additional 90+ hours of live content, including the complete broadcast of select men and women’s soccer, basketball and volleyball games. The channel will also feature medal final competitions in artistic gymnastics, judo, swimming, taekwondo and boxing.

Every Pan American coverage option on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, Longhorn Network, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Deportes+ will also be available through WatchESPN, accessible on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360, and Xbox One to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.

For the first time, ESPN Deportes Radio will offer live play-by-play broadcast of select Pan American Game events, including the complete men’s soccer and basketball competition, and select women’s soccer matches and basketball games. These will be complemented by daily programming dedicated to the Games such as Al Despertar Panamericanos (6-9 a.m.), Zona Panamericana (12-2 p.m.), Destino Panamericano (7-9 p.m.), and Pan Am Express, an hourly update on the latest news and information happening in Toronto.

ESPN Deportes Radio’s coverage will also be available via SIRIUS Satellite Radio, ESPN Radio app available on iPhone and Android, and 24/7 audio streaming via ESPNDeportesRadio.com.

ESPN Radio will also provide daily updates on the latest news, information and results during SportsCenter. Coverage will also include live reports from Toronto and interviews with athletes across talk shows.

ESPNDeportes.com will offer a dedicated section for the Games with daily news and information, video analysis, reports and summaries around all sport competitions. Daily coverage will include events recaps, Hispanic athletes’ results, and post-event interviews with medalists. Content will also include highlights and the stories in anticipation of each day, medal count, and video reports and interviews. In addition, there will be color notes focused on Toronto, the villages, the delegations’ arrivals, marathon routes and Outside the Lines stories.

ESPN.com’s Bonnie D. Ford and Jim Caple will provide onsite coverage around the Games for all digital platforms, including the dedicated Pan Am section on the site. Ford’s coverage will include an exclusive feature on 12-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin that will also be featured on espnW. Other special content will focus on U.S. boxing, basketball and soccer, as well as Olympic qualifier events such as diving, field hockey and men’s water polo.

ESPN and ESPN Deportes’ Social Media Channels will supplement the multimedia coverage, engaging fans with the latest news around the Games using the hashtag #PanAmXESPN and #YoDigoPresente. With a social reporter onsite and supplemented by video and images, ESPN Deportes’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will focus on daily results, top athletes and events of the day, and a behind-the-scenes look of the Games and ESPN’s onsite production.

For detailed, daily schedules across platforms visit ESPN.com and ESPNDeportes.com

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Más de diez maneras de seguir los Juegos Panamericanos Toronto 2015 por las plataformas de ESPN y ESPN Deportes

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ESPN y ESPN Deportes se unen en una producción, de estilo Olímpico, sin precedentes para brindar una cobertura completa y multiplataforma de los Juegos Panamericanos 2015 desde Toronto, comenzando el viernes 10 de julio a las 7:30 pm (hora Este) con la transmisión en vivo de la Ceremonia Inaugural por ESPN y ESPN Deportes.

La producción cobra vida a través de todas las plataformas de las cadenas tanto en español como en inglés, con un área de producción y set de última tecnología ubicado en la ciudad anfitriona con el icónico downtown sirviendo de fondo para el set. El contenido será presentado por un equipo de más de 200 personas incluyendo 25 presentadores y comentaristas, apoyados por un equipo que ampliará la cobertura desde Bristol.

La extensa cobertura de ESPN y ESPN Deportes incluirá contenido multimedia a diario y al minuto, y transmisiones en vivo durante los 17 días de las competencias. Ambos medios en conjunto ofrecerán más de trece maneras de seguir de cerca los Juegos:

ESPN Deportes TV transmitirá alrededor de 200 horas de cobertura en vivo durante los Juegos, dedicando 12 horas de transmisiones en vivo cada día a partir de las 10 de la mañana con un enfoque en las competencias de fútbol, clavado, atletismo, boxeo, básquetbol y gimnasia. Las transmisiones en vivo serán complementadas con programación de noticias e información durante la jornada, seguidas por una edición nocturna de SportsCenter y un resumen de los momentos destacados del día.

ESPN y ESPN2 presentarán 66 horas de cobertura en vivo. La transmisión de ESPN comenzará con la Ceremonia Inaugural el viernes 10 de julio a las 7:30 pm  –marcando la primera cobertura de la ceremonia en vivo y en inglés en últimos 30 años– y terminará con un especial de cinco horas también en vivo el 26 de julio, último día de los Juegos, a partir de la 1:00 p.m.

Entre el 11 y el 25 de julio, ESPN2 presentará de dos a seis horas de cobertura diaria en vivo concentradas en las competencias masculina y femenina de aro y voleibol, clavados, natación, gimnasia, boxeo, pista y campo, y fútbol.

Longhorn Network presentará más de 650 horas en vivo dedicadas al clavado, natación y la competencia femenina de voleibol. La cadena seguirá de cerca el desempeño de Team USA en estas disciplinas incluyendo la de algunos veteranos y nuevos atletas de Longhorn: En clavado, el entrenador principal de Texas Matt Scoggin estará en Toronto junto a los estudiantes atletas de Longhorn Murphy Bromberg, Cory Bowersox y Maren Taylor. En natación Jimmy Feigen representará a Longhorn. Además Lauren Paolini y Rachael Adams, veteranas de Longhorn, serán parte del equipo de voleibol.

ESPN3 y ESPN Deportes+ presentarán más de 650 horas de programación en vivo que incluirá 249 eventos deportivos completos (210 en inglés y 39 en español).

ESPN3 transmitirá 580 horas de programación de los Juegos Panamericanos, con acceso directo a casi todas las competencias en más de 15 disciplinas diferentes, incluidos básquetbol, gimnasia, natación, clavados, fútbol, voleibol, karate, taekwondo, atletismo, y muchas otras.

ESPN Deportes+, el canal de banda ancha en español de la cadena, transmitirá más de 90 horas adicionales de contenido en vivo, incluyendo la transmisión completa de partidos selectos de los equipos femeninos y masculinos de fútbol, básquetbol y voleibol. El canal también presentará las competencias finales de la gimnasia artística, judo, natación, taekwondo y boxeo.

Cada una de las opciones de cobertura de los Juegos Panamericanos en ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPN Deportes y ESPN Deportes+ también estarán disponible a través de WatchESPN, accesible a través de computadoras, teléfonos móviles, tabletas, Amazon Fire TV y Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 y Xbox One para los aficionados que reciben suscripción de video de un proveedor afiliado.

Por primera vez, ESPN Deportes Radio presentará transmisiones de varios eventos de los Juegos incluyendo la competencia completa del fútbol y basquetbol masculino, y varios de los partidos de las selecciones femeninas de los mismos deportes. Éstos serán complementados por programación diario dedicada a los Panamericanos como Despertar Panamericanos (6-9 a.m.), Zona Panamericana (12-2 p.m.), Destino Panamericano (7-9 p.m.), y Pan Am Express, un programa de una hora con lo último en noticias e información de todo lo que ocurre desde Toronto.

La cobertura de ESPN Deportes Radio también estará disponible a través de SIRIUS Satellite Radio, la aplicación de ESPN Radio para iPhone y Android, y transmisión continua de audio 24/7 vía ESPNDeportesRadio.com.

ESPN Radio también ofrecerá actualizaciones diarias de las últimas noticias, información y resultados de los Juegos durante SportsCenter. La cobertura también incluirá reportes en vivo desde Toronto y entrevistas con atletas a lo largo de los shows.

ESPNDeportes.com ofrecerá una sección dedicada a los Juegos con noticias e información diaria, análisis en video, informes y resúmenes sobre todas las competencias deportivas. La cobertura diaria incluirá resultados de la actuación de los atletas hispanos y entrevistas con los ganadores de medallas después de los eventos. El contenido cubrirá también las actuaciones más destacadas e información de las actividades antes de cada día, el conteo de medallas, video-reportajes y entrevistas. Además, se brindarán notas de color de la ciudad de Toronto, las villas, la llegada de las delegaciones, las rutas de los maratones y crónicas del acontecer al margen de las competencias.

Bonnie D. Ford y Jim Caple de ESPN.com darán cobertura de los Juegos desde el lugar de los acontecimientos para todas las plataformas digitales, incluido una sección de la página dedicada a los juegos. La cobertura de Ford incluirá un informe especial exclusivo sobre Natalie Coughlin, ganadora de 12 medallas olímpicas, que también se difundirá por espnW. También habrá contenido especial que se concentrará en el boxeo, básquetbol y fútbol de Estados Unidos, así como en eventos de clasificación Olímpica como clavados, hockey sobre hierba y waterpolo masculino.

Los canales de redes sociales de ESPN y ESPN Deportes complementarán la cobertura multimedia, conectando a los aficionados con las noticias más recientes de los Juegos a través de los hashtags #PanAmXESPN y #YoDigoPresente. Con un reportero digital en el lugar y el complemento de videos e imágenes, los sitios de ESPN Deportes en Facebook, Twitter e Instagram se concentrarán en los resultados diarios, los atletas principales y los eventos del día, así como una mirada tras bastidores de los Juegos y de la producción de ESPN en el lugar.

Para ver los programas diarios y detallados de las plataformas visite ESPN.com y ESPNDeportes.com

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WNBA: Eastern Conference Matchup on ESPN2 Tonight

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An Eastern Conference tilt between the New York Liberty at the Chicago Sky tonight (Tuesday, June 30) will air on ESPN2 at 8 p.m., and will be called by Pam Ward and analyst Carolyn Peck. Chicago’s Elena Delle Donne is on a historic run – her 261 points through the first nine games of the season are 30 more than any WNBA player has scored during such a time span.

Also this evening, ESPN3 will show the Indiana Fever at the Connecticut Sun at 7 p.m. in a matchup between the first and last place teams in the Eastern Conference standings. The Sun are currently on a seven-game win streak – second longest in the league.

Looking ahead – on Tuesday, July 7 – the Tulsa Shock will travel to the Atlanta Dream for an 8 p.m. showdown on ESPN2. The game will be called by Ward, Peck and reporter LaChina Robinson. The Shock are on a league-best eight-game win streak.

Full Schedule | ESPN Images | ESPN MediaZone WNBA Media Kit

2015 ESPN WNBA Schedule (subject to change)

Date Time (ET) Games Networks
Tue, June 30 7 p.m. Indiana Fever at Connecticut Sun ESPN3
  8 p.m. New York Liberty at Chicago Sky
Pam Ward, Carolyn Peck		 ESPN2
Tue, July 7 8 p.m. Tulsa Shock at Atlanta Dream
Pam Ward, Carolyn Peck, LaChina Robinson		 ESPN2

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NBC SPORTS GROUP PRESENTS LIVE AND PRIMETIME COVERAGE OF THE 102ND TOUR DE FRANCE BEGINNING THIS SAT., JULY 4 AT 7 AM ET ON NBCSN

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All 21 Stages Live on NBC or NBCSN

Live Race Coverage Begins with Stage 1 on Sat., July 4, at 7 a.m. ET on NBCSN

Nightly Tour Primetime Show on NBCSN

Exclusive Features Available on NBC Sports Tour de France Live 

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 30, 2015 – NBC Sports Group presents live and primetime coverage of each stage of the 102nd Tour de France, the world’s most prestigious and grueling cycling race, on NBC, NBCSN, and the NBC Sports Tour de France Live  mobile app. Daily live coverage of the Tour de France begins Saturday, July 4, at 7 a.m. ET on NBCSN with Stage 1, and continues each night with the Tour Primetime show featuring a look at the day’s most compelling action with new analysis, interviews, and updates. Coverage culminates with the final stage Sunday, July 26, at 10 a.m. ET on NBCSN.

The 2015 Tour de France features six new stage cities, and will cover a total distance of more than 2,000 miles. Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) looks to defend his 2014 Tour de France title against 2013 Tour de France winner Chris Froome (Team Sky), two-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador (2007 and 2009; Tinkoff-Saxo), and Nairo Quintana (Movistar Team), who won the 2014 Giro d’Italia and finished second overall in the 2013 Tour de France.

NBC Sports Group’s coverage features:

  • All 21 stages live on NBC or NBCSN and NBC Sports Tour de France Live
  • NBCSN, the primary home of the Tour de France, offers live coverage throughout the race, with Tour Primetime, a nightly studio show
  • NBC features coverage of Stages 1 (Utrecht), 2 (Utrecht to Neeltje Jans), 14 (Rodez to Mende), and 21 (Sèvres to Paris), and live coverage of Stage 8 (Rennes to Mûr-de-Bretagne).

COMMENTATORS

Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen, the voices of cycling, call the race action for the live shows with reporters Steve Schlanger, Jenna Corrado, and Steve Porino (‘inside-the-race’). Todd Harris hosts nightly studio coverage with analyst Bob Roll, and former professional cyclists and analysts Christian Vande Velde and Jens Voigt, who makes his Tour de France debut for NBC Sports Group. Voigt, who won the Critérium International a record-tying five times and has two Tour de France stage wins, broke the sport’s hour-record (51.115km in 60 minutes) last year before announcing his retirement from professional cycling.

PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS

For the first time, NBC Sports Group’s coverage will include real time speeds of both the leaders and the peloton, daily clips from cameras mounted to competitors’ bikes to take the viewer ‘inside the peloton,’ and additional maps that show more detailed versions of the finishes and each mountain climb. “I Was There” videos, which tell behind-the-scenes stories from a fan’s perspective, will be incorporated into the Tour telecasts.

NBCSN will also utilize several production enhancements, including a pointer feature which will easily identify and focus on one rider in the peloton; exclusive, in-depth profiles and features on teams and riders; and an onscreen predicted time for the peloton riders who are trying to catch the leading riders. ‘Inside-the-Race’ correspondent Porino will report from aboard a motorcycle on the course, and offer updates on race situations.

DIGITAL COVERAGE

NBC SPORTS TOUR DE FRANCE LIVE: NBC Sports Group will surround its linear coverage with extensive digital coverage, including two premium-subscription products, one for desktops, and one for mobile devices and tablets.

On NBCSports.com, NBC Sports Tour de France Live for desktops offers live streaming video with a multi-camera option of every stage online in full HD, with the ability to pause, rewind and slow-mo the video. While watching live coverage, viewers will also have access to a live GPS tracking map to follow the riders’ progress and to see an enhanced interactive map for each stage. Also, subscribers can personalize their Tour experience by choosing their favorite riders and teams to track throughout the Tour.

To experience the Tour de France on-the-go, fans can also purchase the NBC Sports Tour de France Live mobile and tablet app, which is available for iPhone and iPad, as well as Android devices. All features of the NBC Sports Tour de France Live online experience for desktops will be mirrored in the NBC Sports Tour de France Live app, including live video of every stage. The app is sold separately from the online product.

Additional elements available to cycling fans at NBCSports.com and through the app, are listed below.

Before the Tour:

  • Stage-by-stage descriptions and previews, featuring historical stage and technical information and travelogue vignettes
  • Breakdown of top contenders
  • The best of the 2014 Tour de France

During the Tour:

  • Live streaming video with multi-camera options
  • Full stage video replays including highlights, stage recaps, and rider interviews
  • Route and stage previews, course and stage maps, elevation profiles, and stage descriptions
  • GPS Race Tracking displayed on interactive maps and rider profiles
  • Live stage results and detailed standings
  • Rider profiles by country and team
  • Real time commentary feeds from media covering the Tour
  • Display of every rider group and time gap on the road
  • Live time trial results for every split and finish line
  • Rider biometric information and analysis
  • A Tour de France Twitter stream that will feature tweets from top race officials, riders, analysts, and fans

A desktop subscription to NBC Sports Group’s enhanced digital coverage of the Tour de France is available for $29.99, and a mobile subscription is available for $19.99.  The app is now available to purchase at http://tourdefrance.nbcsports.com/, and on the iTunes App Store and Google Play.

BROKEN SPOKES – BEHIND THE TOUR WITH STEVE SCHLANGER: Throughout the Tour, NBCSports.com will feature daily, online-only, video features entitled Broken Spokes: Behind the Tour with Steve Schlanger. Tour de France reporter Schlanger will take viewers behind-the-scenes of what it takes to cover the grueling, 21-stage race including the beauty of the French countryside, the passionate fans, and the knee-deep mountain mud.

NBC Sports Live Extra will stream Tour de France coverage on NBCSN via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Fans can keep up with the Tour de France through NBC Sports Group’s social media platforms throughout the race, including exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, interviews, video clips, up-to-date news reports and stories from around the cycling world through the NBC Sports Cycling Facebook page and @NBCSNCycling on Twitter.

Telecast Schedule (subject to change, all times ET):

Date Time (ET) Coverage Network
Wed., June 24 10 – 11 p.m. Tour de France Preview Show NBCSN
Sat., July 4 7 a.m. – Noon Stage 1:  Utrecht (LIVE) NBCSN
Sat., July 4 3 – 4 p.m. Stage 1:  Utrecht NBC
Sun., July 5 7 a.m. – Noon Stage 2: Utrecht to Neeltje Jans (LIVE) NBCSN
Sun., July 5 2 – 4 p.m. Stage 2: Utrecht to Neeltje Jans NBC
Sun., July 5 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 2: Utrecht to Neeltje Jans NBCSN
Mon., July 6 7 a.m. – Noon Stage 3: Antwerp to Huy (LIVE) NBCSN
Mon., July 6 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 3: Antwerp to Huy NBCSN
Tues., July 7 8 a.m. – Noon Stage 4: Seraing to Cambrai (LIVE) NBCSN
Tues., July 7 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 4: Seraing to Cambrai NBCSN
Wed., July 8 8 a.m. – Noon Stage 5: Arras to Amiens (LIVE) NBCSN
Wed., July 8 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 5: Arras to Amiens NBCSN
Thurs., July 9 8 a.m. – Noon Stage 6: Abbeville to Le Havre (LIVE) NBCSN
Thurs., July 9 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 6: Abbeville to Le Havre NBCSN
Fri., July 10 8 – 11:30 a.m. Stage 7: Livarot to Fougeres (LIVE) NBCSN
Sat., July 11 8 a.m. – Noon Stage 8: Rennes to Mûr-de-Bretagne (LIVE) NBC
Sun., July 12 8 a.m. – Noon Stage 9: Vannes to Plumelec (LIVE) NBCSN
Sun., July 12 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 9: Vannes to Plumelec NBCSN
Mon., July 13 8 – 10:30 p.m. Rest Day NBCSN
Tues., July 14 8 a.m. – Noon Stage 10: Tarbes to La Pierre Saint Martin (LIVE) NBCSN
Tues., July 14 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 10: Tarbes to La Pierre Saint Martin NBCSN
Wed., July 15 8 a.m. – Noon Stage 11: Pau to Cauterets (LIVE) NBCSN
Wed., July 15 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 11: Pau to Cauterets NBCSN
Thurs., July 16 6 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Stage 12: Lannemezan to Plateau de Beille (LIVE) NBCSN
Thurs., July 16 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 12: Lannemezan to Plateau de Beille NBCSN
Fri., July 17 8 – 11:30 a.m. Stage 13: Muret to Rodez (LIVE) NBCSN
Fri., July 17 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 13: Muret to Rodez NBCSN
Sat., July 18 8 – 11 a.m. Stage 14: Rodez to Mende (LIVE) NBCSN
Sat., July 18 2 – 3 p.m. Stage 14: Rodez to Mende NBC
Sun., July 19 8 a.m. – Noon Stage 15: Mende to Valence (LIVE) NBCSN
Sun., July 19 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 15: Mende to Valence NBCSN
Mon., July 20 8 a.m. – Noon Stage 16: Bourg-de-Péage to Gap (LIVE) NBCSN
Mon., July 20 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 16: Bourg-de-Péage to Gap NBCSN
Tues., July 21 8 – 10:30 p.m. Rest Day NBCSN
Wed., July 22 8 a.m. – Noon Stage 17: Digne-les-Bains to Pra Loup (LIVE) NBCSN
Wed., July 22 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 17: Digne-les-Bains to Pra Loup NBCSN
Thurs., July 23 8 a.m. – Noon Stage 18: Gap to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne (LIVE) NBCSN
Thurs., July 23 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 18: Gap to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne NBCSN
Fri., July 24 7 a.m. – Noon Stage 19: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to La Toussuire (LIVE) NBCSN
Fri., July 24 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 19: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to La Toussuire NBCSN
Sat., July 25 7 – 11:30 a.m. Stage 20: Modane to Alpe d’Huez (LIVE) NBCSN
Sun., July 26 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Stage 21: Sèvres to Paris (LIVE) NBCSN
Sun., July 26 3 – 4:30 p.m. Stage 21: Sèvres to Paris NBC
Sun., July 26 8 – 11 p.m. Stage 21: Sèvres to Paris NBCSN

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Costas & McCarver to Call First Game Together in 35 Years This Thursday

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mlb-networkMcCarver to Join Costas for the San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals This Thursday, July 2

June 29, 2015 – Hall of Fame award-winning broadcaster Tim McCarver will join MLB Network’s Bob Costas to call the MLB Network Showcase telecast of the San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals this Thursday, July 2 at 7:00 p.m. ET. Though they’ve each called MLB games over the last four decades, July 2 will mark the first time that Costas and McCarver will call a game together since two “Game of the Week” broadcasts on NBC in 1980, and it will be the first national MLB game McCarver will call since the 2013 World Series.

Over the last 35 years, there are only four World Series – 2014, 1983, 1981 and 1980 – in which neither Costas nor McCarver were part of the broadcast team. McCarver, who most recently spent 18 years as the lead MLB analyst at FOX, has called baseball games for four national U.S. TV networks, including 24 World Series and 20 All-Star Games. McCarver’s guest analyst role on MLB Network Showcase this week is in addition to his current work as an analyst on St. Louis Cardinals game telecasts for FOX Sports Midwest.

“Over the past few years, we’ve looked for opportunities for interesting announcer pairings for the sheer enjoyment of it,” said Costas. “A few years ago, I did a game with my friend Al Michaels; last year it was Bob Uecker; this time, Tim McCarver. He and I have been friends for 35 years, dating to the two games we did together on NBC in 1980. While our paths have crossed zillions of times since then, and we’ve each worked too many games to count, this will be the first time we’ve worked together since. Let’s hope we’ve each learned a few things in the meantime.”

“One of the expressions that I abhor in baseball is ‘at this pace,’ and yet, at this pace, Bob and I will work together every 35 years,” said McCarver. “I’m delighted to be with Bob again, if only for one game.”

The remaining MLB Network Showcase games in July will feature the New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox on Friday, July 10, the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers at NL East first-place Washington Nationals on Friday, July 17, and the Dodgers at New York Mets on Thursday, July 23. Games will be blacked out in each club’s home television territory unless otherwise announced. Viewers in areas subject to blackouts will be provided with an alternate game telecast or other programming. MLB Network’s complete programming lineup is available here.