Archives for July 2015

SiriusXM Announces 2015 NFL Training Camp Tour Schedule

July 29, 2015 By admin

SiriusXM NFL Radio’s annual radio series kicks off July 31;

Will feature live shows from all 32 NFL team camps

NEW YORK – July 29, 2015 – SiriusXM announced the schedule for its annual SiriusXM NFL Radio Training Camp Tour, which will begin July 31 and feature live shows from all 32 NFL teams’ training camps to prepare fans for the 2015 NFL season.

SiriusXM NFL Radio hosts will broadcast live on location from each training camp site, giving listeners around the country an in-depth look at their favorite teams and players as they prepare for the coming season. The series will present an expert breakdown of every roster, one-on-one interviews with players, coaches and franchise executives, and reports on rookies and veterans. A schedule detailing show times, hosts and locations appears below and at SiriusXM.com/NFL.

SiriusXM NFL Radio is available on channel 88 on satellite radios. Subscribers to the SiriusXM All Access package – which includes satellite radio and internet listening – also get access to the channel via the SiriusXM app and at SiriusXM.com.

Hosts on the SiriusXM NFL Radio Training Camp Tour include former NFL team executives Bill Polian, Gil Brandt, Pat Kirwan, Mark Dominik and Phil Savage, former players Rich Gannon, Jim Miller,Anthony “Booger” McFarland, Kirk Morrison and Takeo Spikes, plus Alex Marvez, Bob Papa, Bruce Murray, Vic Carucci, Marc Vandermeer, Jeff Rickard, Howard Balzer and Zig Fracassi.

On Saturday, August 8, SiriusXM NFL Radio will broadcast live from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH, for the induction of the Class of 2015. Listeners will hear coverage as eight more of the game’s greats are enshrined, including Bill Polian and Tim Brown, who are now SiriusXM analysts, Jerome Bettis, Charles Haley, Junior Seau, Will Shields, Mick Tinglehoff and Ron Wolf.

2015 SiriusXM NFL Radio Training Tour Schedule: (All times ET)

Fri, Jul. 31: Pittsburgh Steelers, Latrobe, PA

7-10pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

Sat, Aug. 1: Cleveland Browns, Berea, OH

12-3pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

San Diego Chargers, San Diego, CA

3-6pm, Hosts: Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt

Mon, Aug. 3: New England Patriots, Foxborough, MA

3-6 pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

Oakland Raiders, Napa, CA

7-10 pm, Hosts: Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt

Tue, Aug. 4: Green Bay Packers, Green Bay, WI

1 – 4pm, Hosts: Bruce Murray and Rich Gannon

Indianapolis Colts, Anderson, IN

8-11 pm, Hosts: Jeff Rickard and Phil Savage

New York Jets, Florham Park, NJ

4-7pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

Wed, Aug. 5: Dallas Cowboys, Oxnard, CA

7-10 pm, Hosts: Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt

Thu, Aug. 6: New York Giants, East Rutherford, NJ

7-11am, Host: Bob Papa

Chicago Bears, Bourbonnais, IL

3-6 pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati, OH

7-10pm, Hosts: Jeff Rickard and Takeo Spikes

Fri, Aug. 7: Buffalo Bills, Pittsford, NY

3-6 pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

Sat, Aug. 8: Pro Hall of Fame, Canton, OH

11am-7pm, Hosts: Gil Brandt, Howard Balzer, Alex Marvez, Vic Carucci

Sun, Aug. 9: New Orleans Saints, White Sulphur Springs, WV

4-7:30 pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

Mon, Aug. 10: Atlanta Falcons, Flowery Branch, GA

12-3pm, Hosts: Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt

Washington Redskins, Richmond, VA

3-6 pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

Tue, Aug. 11: Minnesota Vikings, Mankato, MN

1-3pm, Hosts: Bruce Murray and Rich Gannon

Baltimore Ravens, Owings Mills, MD

3-6pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

St. Louis Rams, Earth City, MO

7-10pm, Hosts: Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt

Wed, Aug. 12: Kansas City Chiefs, St. Joseph, MO

1-4pm, Hosts: Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt

Tennessee Titans, Nashville, TN

4-7pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

Thu, Aug. 13: Houston Texans, Houston, TX

3-7pm, Hosts: Marc Vandermeer and Pat Kirwan

Sat, Aug. 15: Detroit Lions, Allen Park, MI

5-8pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

Sun, Aug. 16: Miami Dolphins, Davie, FL

12-3 pm, Hosts: Alex Marvez and Marc Dominik

Mon, Aug. 17: Jacksonville Jaguars, Jacksonville, FL

12-3pm, Hosts: Alex Marvez and Mark Dominik

Seattle Seahawks, Renton, WA

3-7pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

Tue, Aug. 18: Denver Broncos, Englewood, CO

3-6 pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

Carolina Panthers, Spartanburg, SC

7-10pm, Hosts: Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt

Wed, Aug. 19: Arizona Cardinals, Glendale, AZ

7-10 pm, Hosts: Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan

Thu, Aug. 20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa, FL

12-3pm, Hosts: Zig Fracassi and Anthony “Booger” McFarland

San Francisco 49ers, Santa Clara, CA

7-10 pm, Host: Jim Miller and Kirk Morrison

Tue, Aug. 25: Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia, PA

1-4pm, Host: Bill Polian

** Times and dates are subject to change

For more info visit www.SiriusXM.com/NFL.

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One of the NHL’s Most-Historic Rivalries Takes Centerstage at the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Gillette Stadium

July 29, 2015 By admin

Information on Exclusive Ticket Pre-Sale to Be Released in the Coming Days

A Special Alumni Game Featuring Legends from the Bruins and Canadiens to be Played at Gillette Stadium Dec. 31

NEW YORK (July 29, 2015) – Representatives from the National Hockey League, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, New England Patriots, National Hockey League Players’ Association and Bridgestone gathered today at Gillette Stadium to detail plans for the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®. In January, the NHL announced that the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® will feature the Bruins and Canadiens at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., on New Year’s Day, 2016. The event will be televised live on NBC, Sportsnet and TVA Sports at 1 p.m. ET.

When these long-time rivals meet, Boston will become the first Club to host the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® for a second time, after defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 in overtime of the 2010 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® at Fenway Park. It will mark the first time the Canadiens will play in the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®, and just the second time a Canadian-based NHL team will play in the game, following the Toronto Maple Leafs’ appearance in 2014.

“After more than nine decades and more than 900 regular-season or playoff games between these great rivals, the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens will add to the legend of their competition in a unique way,” National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “We couldn’t be happier that our third Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® between ‘Original Six’ teams will take place at Gillette Stadium, home of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.”

Information on an exclusive ticket pre-sale for Bruins season-ticket holders, Canadiens season-ticket holders and Patriots season-ticket holders will be sent to those groups by each club in the coming days. This opportunity is for a limited number of tickets to the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Information regarding ticket availability for the general public will be released at a later date.

Additionally it was announced today that legendary players from both the Bruins and Canadiens will participate in a special alumni game at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, Dec. 31, a day prior to the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®. Fan-favorites will return to the ice to represent these historic organizations one more time and revive the history this great NHL rivalry.

The special pre-sale package offering is a ticket to the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® and a ticket to the Dec. 31 alumni game.

“The Boston Bruins are honored to once again host the Winter Classic,” Delaware North Chairman and Boston Bruins Owner Jeremy Jacobs said. “Gillette Stadium is a magnificent setting for this storied rivalry between the Bruins and Canadiens, and the NHL could not have delivered a better matchup for our fans. We look forward to a great game.”

“The Boston Bruins are one of our oldest rivals and the history between our two clubs is unparalleled,” said Canadiens Owner, President, and CEO, Geoff Molson. “They were our logical opponent for our Centennial game in December 2009, and to make history together once more by returning to hockey’s roots in an outdoor setting is something everyone throughout our organization is greatly anticipating. That the setting for the game will be Gillette Stadium, home to an iconic franchise like the New England Patriots, only adds to what we’re certain will be an incredible and memorable atmosphere for players and fans alike.”

The Bruins and Canadiens have faced off 729 times during the regular season, tied for the most head-to-head meetings by any two teams in NHL history (Chicago-Detroit). Their 177 head-to-head playoff games and 34 postseason series also are the most in League history, while their nine head-to-head Game 7s lead all teams in North American major professional sports (includes MLB, NBA and NHL).

The 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® will showcase a number of the top players in the NHL.

Four Bruins players remain from the team that faced off against the Flyers at Fenway Park in 2010: captain Zdeno Chara forward David Krejci, goaltender Tuukka Rask and forward Patrice Bergeron, who at the 2015 NHL Awards won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the League’s top defensive forward for the third time in four years. Canadiens goaltender Carey Price One of the NHL’s Most-Historic Rivalries Takes Centerstage at the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Gillette Stadium was an historic four-time winner at the 2015 NHL Awards, capturing the Hart Memorial Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, Vezina Trophy and a share of the William M. Jennings Trophy. Price, who became the first goaltender ever to sweep these four awards in the same season, will be joined by teammates P.K. Subban, and Max Pacioretty as well as Lynnfield, Mass.,-native Brian Flynn.

“Showcasing this great rivalry between two Original Six clubs with the Bridgestone Winter Classic® on New Year’s Day, will make for a very memorable game for the players as well as the many sports fans in attendance at Gillette Stadium and those watching on TV,” said Steve Webb, NHLPA Divisional Player Representative.

Gillette Stadium, home of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, is New England’s premier sports, entertainment and event venue. Since it opened in 2002, the 68,756-seat stadium has regularly hosted marquee sporting events, including three of the last four AFC Championship games, as well as the largest concert tours in the U.S.

“It is a true honor and privilege to host the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®,” New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said. “Since Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, we have been fortunate to host many special and memorable events. We are thrilled that the NHL and the Bruins wanted to bring a Bruins-Canadiens NHL Winter Classic to our stadium.”

The Bridgestone brand, the Official Tire of the NHL and NHLPA, returns as title sponsor for the seventh consecutive event. In less than a decade, the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® has become a major event on the North American sporting calendar, with a tradition of excellence, passion, excitement and fun for those in attendance and watching from home. Five of the six most-watched NHL regular-season games in the U.S. since 1975 are Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® games. The 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® remains the largest audience ever for an NHL regular-season game in Canadian broadcast history.

“The 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® at Gillette Stadium marks the seventh year the Bridgestone brand will serve as title sponsor of this great event, and with each passing year it continues to excite and impress all of us at Bridgestone,” said Phil Pacsi, Vice President of Sports/Events Marketing and Training at Bridgestone Americas. “This game is something every hockey fan looks forward to, and Bridgestone is proud to be involved with this year’s Original Six match up.”

The NHL today also released the official event logo and special team logos for the 2016 Bridgestone Winter Classic®.

NHL Network™ and NHL.com will provide extensive coverage live from the event leading up to and after the game. NHL Social™ will have exclusive coverage on all social platforms, including the use of the hashtag #WinterClassic.

Additionally, the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® will be available live via NBC Sports Live Extra and Rogers NHL GameCentre LIVE.
### (7/29/15)

Special Olympics World Games LA 2015 on ESPN – Wednesday, July 29

July 29, 2015 By admin

July 29, 2015

Special Olympics World Games LA 2015 on ESPN – Wednesday, July 29

Lindsay Czarniak and Kevin Neghandhi host coverage at 7 p.m. ET
com coverage continues with powerful features
ESPN Images capturing the action of the World Games

ESPN’s global coverage of 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, the largest sporting and humanitarian event in 2015, began with live coverage of the Games’ star-studded Opening Ceremony on Saturday, July 24.

Each night throughout the Games, ESPN’s Lindsay Czarniak and Kevin Neghandhi will host, Special Olympics World Games LA 2015, being produced from ESPN’s downtown Los Angeles Production Center. The show includes interviews with athletes and special guests, as well as a daily “competition showcase” segment that will feature play-by-play calls from the day’s action by ESPN’s Jason Benetti and reporting from Paralympic gold medal swimmer Victoria Arlen. In addition, ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap and Marty Smith, as well as Special Olympics Global Messenger Dustin Plunkett will contribute to ESPN’s coverage.

On tonight’s show:

THE GIFT OF HEALTH: Special Olympics World Games is not just a sporting competition. It is also a chance for athletes from all parts of the world to get a complete, often rare and sometimes life-saving, medical exam. ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap introduces viewers to the Healthy Athletes Program.
HOOP LIFE: Abel Mehari has found joy, health and friendship through basketball, as he explains to ESPN’s Marty Smith who introduces viewers to the Minnesota athlete.

ICYMI: For those that missed yesterday’s Special Olympics World Games LA 2015, highlights included:

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL– ESPN’s Marty Smith shared the story of a New Jersey Triathlon team and coach, as the sport makes its Special Olympics World Games debut in 2015. HERE
DAY 2 COMPETITION: Kevin Negandhi recaps Day 2 of the Special Olympics World Games, including Jeannie Garriss’ gold-medal performance in rhythmic gymnastics and Fernando Rios Duran’s rally for a silver medal in the 100-meter freestyle. HERE
JULIE FOUDY: ESPN analyst and World Cup Champion Julie Foudy shares stories from the soccer fields. HERE

ESPN DIGITAL FEATURES & COVERAGE

ESPN.com’s extensive coverage of Special Olympics World Games continues with news and feature stories examining the people and topics of the Special Olympics World Games, the wider movement, exclusive athlete blogs, photo galleries and an extensive lineup of video features.

Among the highlighted coverage, is:

UNCOMMON BOND: Dikembe Mutombo and Scott Hamilton couldn’t come from more different backgrounds, but they share a deep dedication in helping others through Special Olympics. ESPN’s Missy Isaacson reports HERE
SIMPLY HERSELF: She might be the Special Olympics’ best-known athlete, an Arthur Ashe award-winner and a friend to Bill Clinton, but Loretta Claiborne remains simply herself. ESPN’s Devin O’Neil reports HERE
THE KINDNESS OF FANS: After seeing the Haitian Special Olympics soccer team show up to UCLA without proper equipment, some fans made sure the team had fresh new kits. ESPN’s Devon O’Neil reports HERE

PHOTOGRAPHIC COVERAGE

ESPN Images and ESPN Digital Media photographers are capturing photos from around the Special Olympics World Games throughout the week, including these:

Los Angeles, CA – July 28, 2015 – Griffith Park: Jason Kin Chun of Great Britain participating in Equestrian during the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games
(Photo by Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images)

Los Angeles, CA – July 28, 2015 – Griffith Park: Athlete from Great Britain participating in golf during the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games
(Photo by Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images)

Los Angeles, CA – July 28, 2015 – Long Beach: Beach Volleyball during the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games
(Photo by Kohjiro Kinno / ESPN Images)

The full collection of ESPN Images photos from the event, available for use in editorial coverage, can be found here: http://bit.ly/1TZgIuh

PHOTO ESSAY: CHEVI PETERS LIFTS TO GOLD AT WORLD GAMES

A behind-the-scenes look at U.S. powerlifter Chevi Peters’ three gold medal-winning performance at the Special Olympics World Games. HERE

COVERAGE SCHEDULE

Day/Date	Program	Time (ET)	Network
Sun, July 26	Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN2
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	12 midnight	ESPN2
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	2 a.m.	ESPN
Mon, July 27	Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	11:30 p.m.	ESPN2
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	2 a.m.	ESPN2
Tue, July 28	Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	11:30 p.m.	ESPN2
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	2 a.m.	ESPN2
Wed, July 29	Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	11:30 p.m.	ESPN2
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	2 a.m.	ESPN2
Thur, July 30	Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	11:30 p.m.	ESPN2
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	2 a.m.	ESPN2
Fri, July 31	Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	2 a.m.	ESPN2
Sat, Aug 1	ESPN on ABC Sports Saturday (reair)	4 p.m. **	ABC
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	11:30 p.m.	ESPN2
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	2 a.m.	ESPN2
Fri, Aug 7	Best of Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN
Sat, Aug 8	Best of Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	4 p.m.	ABC

** NOTE: the Aug. 1 program on ABC will air at 4 p.m. ET except on the west coast, where it will begin at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT)

ESPN and The Special Olympics
Disney and ESPN have long supported Special Olympics.

ESPN is proud of its relationship with the Special Olympics, which spans more than 30 years. It is the official media partner of the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015, and along with ABC, the Unified Relay Across America presented by Bank of America – which carried the Flame of Hope to Los Angeles. Additionally, since 2013 ESPN has been the Global Presenting Sponsor and Official Media Sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports, which bring athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together as teammates.

ESPN’s support of the Special Olympics is part of The Walt Disney Company’s company-wide support, which includes Disney’s role as a Founding Champion of the LA2015 World Games.

Being a good corporate citizen is a time-honored tradition at ESPN. The company believes that, at its very best, sports uplifts the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use power of sport to positively address society’s most pressing needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.

The Walt Disney Company, through contributions, collaborations with local organizations, in-kind gifts and volunteering, helps to brighten the lives of kids and families in need and strengthen communities around the world. For more information visit, thewaltdisneycompany.com/citizenship or twitter.com/disneycitizenship.

Contact: Paul Melvin (860-766-5069 or paul.melvin@espn.com )

“THE MEN IN BLAZERS SHOW” SEASON PREMIERE THIS MON., AUG. 3 AT 11 P.M. ET NBCSN

July 29, 2015 By admin

10 Days Until the New Premier League Season Kicks Off on the Networks of NBCUniversal

Michael Davies and Roger Bennett Return to Host “Sub-Optimal” Weekly Show Mondays During Premier League Season on NBCSN

NBC Sports Group Premier League Analysts Robbie Earle & Robbie Mustoe Guest on Season Two Premiere

NBCSports.com & NBC Sports Live Extra to Stream the Show Live

STAMFORD, Conn. – July 29, 2015 – THE MEN IN BLAZERS SHOW presented by Mini, featuring popular soccer personalities Michael Davies and Roger Bennett, returns this Monday, August 3 at 11 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

The season premiere of the 30-minute show — set at the Men in Blazers “’Panic Room’ studio” in SoHo, New York City — will feature NBC Sports Group’s Premier League analysts Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe, hosts of The 2 Robbies ‘Football’ Show on NBC Sports Radio, as they preview the 2015-16 season.

THE MEN IN BLAZERS SHOW debuts each Monday night at 11 p.m. ET during the Premier League season, with an encore at midnight ET. The program also streams live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports Live Extra app.

“We are honored to have the 2 Robbies guest,” Bennett said. “They are a duo like us. Apart from they actually know what they are talking about.”

“No one is more surprised than Rog and me that we have been allowed back on NBCSN for another season,” Davies added. “But then again the 2 Robbies may be coming on to replace us.”

THE MEN IN BLAZERS SHOW on NBCSN follows NBC Sports Group’s weekend Premier League coverage, allowing Davies and Bennett to break down all of the action for American soccer fans. Their show, which has featured guests including Lewis Hamilton, Adam Richman and Noel Gallagher, is a passionate, wide-ranging conversation about football and life, focusing on the Premier League.

The show complements Men in Blazers’ special, digital-only weekly podcast on NBCSports.com each Tuesday. Weekly digital-only Men in Blazers’ previews of the upcoming Premier League matches are released each Friday.

All Men in Blazers content will be produced at Embassy Row, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, where Davies serves as president.

NBC Sports Group’s coverage of the 2015-16 Premier League season kicks off 10 days from today, on Saturday, August 8. Coverage begins at 7 a.m. ET with Premier League Live on NBCSN followed by Manchester United v. Tottenham, and continues throughout the season on the networks of NBCUniversal, on the Premier League Extra Time bonus TV package, and streamed live on NBC Sports Live Extra.

NBC Sports Group will once again make all 380 games from the Premier League available in the United States. All games will be preceded and followed by Premier League Live pre- and post-match shows from the NBC Sports Group International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn.

– NBC SPORTS GROUP –

Golf Channel Airtimes & Notes (July 30-Aug. 2): Quicken Loans National; 3M Championship; Utah Championship; Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play

July 28, 2015 By admin

Fowler, Woods Headline Field at the Quicken Loans National

Palmer, Nicklaus, Player Lead “Greats of Golf Challenge”

on Saturday During 3M Championship in Minnesota

Utah Championship Airing in Primetime on the Web.com Tour

European Tour Stages Inaugural Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 28, 2015) – The PGA TOUR is in Northern Virginia for the Quicken Loans National, headlined by Rickie Fowler and Tiger Woods. Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville hosts the event for the first time, after previously staging four Presidents Cups between 1994 and 2005. The Champions Tour is in Minnesota for the 3M Championship, which will include the annual “Greats of Golf Challenge” on Saturday featuring Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez, among others. The Utah Championship will air in primetime on the Web.com Tour, which also will be staged at a new venue – Thanksgiving Point – designed by Johnny Miller. And the European Tour is in Scotland for the inaugural Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play, with a 64-man field competing in a single-elimination match play format.

PGA TOUR

Quicken Loans National

Dates: July 30-Aug. 2

Venue: Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, Gainesville, Va.

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday 2:30-6:30 p.m. (Live) / 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. (Replay)

Friday 2:30-6:30 p.m. (Live) / 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. (Replay)

Saturday 1-2:30 p.m. (Live) / 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. (Replay)

Sunday 1-2:30 p.m. (Live) / 10 p.m.-3 a.m. (Replay)

Broadcast Notes:

New venue: This is the ninth playing of the Quicken Loans National, but the first time that it is being contested at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, which previously hosted four editions of the Presidents Cup in 1994, ’96, ‘00 and ’05. This also will be the first time that the event appears on the PGA TOUR schedule after the Open Championship.

Rose defends: Justin Rose defeated Shawn Stefani with a par on the first playoff hole at Congressional Country Club for his sixth PGA TOUR win.

Headlining the field: Rickie Fowler, Justin Rose, Jimmy Walker, Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, Ernie Els, Bill Haas, Tony Finau, Ollie Schniederjans, Sangmoon Bae and Gary Woodland.

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:

Play by Play: Terry Gannon

Analyst: Nick Faldo

Tower: Matt Gogel

On-Course: Jim Gallagher Jr. / Jerry Foltz

Interviews: Todd Lewis

CHAMPIONS TOUR

3M Championship

Dates: July 31-Aug. 2

Venue: TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minn.

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Friday Noon-2 p.m. (Live) / 2-4 a.m. (Saturday replay)

Saturday 3-6 p.m. (Live) / 2:30-5:30 a.m. (Sunday replay)

Sunday 3-6 p.m. (Live) / 3-5 a.m. (Monday replay)

Broadcast Notes:

Greats of Golf Challenge during Saturday’s coverage: On Saturday, Golf Channel will feature the tournament’s “Greats of Golf Challenge” – which has been held since 2004 – which will include LPGA icons Annika Sorenstam, Nancy Lopez, Pat Bradley along with PGA TOUR greats Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller, Tony Jacklin and Tom Weiskopf, among others. Those competing in Saturday’s “Greats of Golf Challenge” will tee off immediately following the final scheduled tee time for Champions Tour players in the field.

Perry defends: Kenny Perry finished one stroke ahead of Bernhard Langer for his seventh Champions Tour victory.

Headlining the field: Bernhard Langer, Tom Watson, Kenny Perry, Tom Lehman, Jay Haas, John Cook, Ian Woosnam, Lee Janzen, Rocco Mediate, Corey Pavin and Kirk Triplett

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:

Play by Play: Bob Papa

Analyst: Lanny Wadkins

Tower: John Mahaffey / Dave Marr

On-Course: Billy Ray Brown

WEB.COM TOUR

Utah Championship

Dates: July 30-Aug. 2

Venue: Golf Club at Thanksgiving Point, Lehi, Utah

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday 6:30-9 p.m. (Live)

Friday 6:30-9 p.m. (Live)

Saturday 6-9 p.m. (Live)

Sunday 6-9 p.m. (Live) / 5-6 a.m. (Monday replay)

Broadcast Notes:

New venue: The event moves to Thanksgiving Point – designed by Johnny Miller – after having been contested at Willow Creek Country Club for the last 16 years.

Headlining the field: Oliver Goss, Trevor Immelman, Patton Kizzire, Matthew Goggin, Steve Marino, Jamie Lovemark, Trey Mullinax, Abraham Ancer, Si Woo Kim and Cody Gribble.

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:

Play by Play: Whit Watson

Analyst: Craig Perks

Tower: Steve Burkowski

On-Course: Phil Blackmar / Kay Cockerill

EUROPEAN TOUR

Satire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play

Dates: July 30-Aug. 2

Venue: Murcar Links Golf Club, Aberdeen, Scotland

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday 7:30-9:30 a.m. / 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Live)

Friday 9 a.m.-Noon (Live)

Saturday 6-8 a.m. / 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Live)

Sunday 5:30-7:30 a.m. / 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Live)

Broadcast Notes:

New event: This is the inaugural edition of the event which will feature a 64-man field competing in a single-elimination match play format, with Scotsman Paul Lawrie serving as tournament host.

Headlining the field: Paul Lawrie, Thorbjorn Olesen, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Alexander Levy, Peter Uihlein, Richie Ramsay, Marc Warren, Alvaro Quiros, Robert Karlsson and John Daly.

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:

Studio Host: Mike Ritz

Play by Play: Dougie Donnelly

Analyst: Sam Torrance / Denis Hutchinson

On-Course: Jay Townsend

-NBC Sports Group-

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE JOHN BOEHNER TALKS GOLF, POLITICS AND PRESIDENTS ON NEXT EPISODE OF FEHERTY, MON., AUG. 3 AT 10 P.M. ET ON GOLF CHANNEL

July 28, 2015 By admin

“John Boehner really is an American success story. Iron your shirt, shine your shoes, pull your damn pants up and show up on time. If you can count in your head and think on your feet, the sky is the limit.” – David Feherty

Video Previews: Feherty – Speaker John Boehner 15 second Preview

Feherty – Speaker John Boehner 30 second Preview

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 28, 2015) – Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and avid golfer John Boehner sits down with David Feherty – one of the most recognizable and unique personalities in sports – for a wide-ranging interview about his life, career and love for golf on the next episode of Feherty, Golf Channel’s primetime interview series, Monday, Aug. 3 at 10 p.m. ET.

Shot at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio, and from his office at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, Boehner – a five-handicap prior to being named Speaker of the House – reflects on his passion for golf and life lessons learned from the game; his political career and future aspirations; and reveals his emotional side – “Boehner moments” as he calls them – when discussing children, the military and veterans. Feherty also spends time with Boehner walking the halls of Congress and visiting the office of the highest ranking official in the Legislative branch of government.

A native of Southwest Ohio, Boehner also discusses the honor in early 2015 of presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to his golf hero, Jack Nicklaus. He opens up to Feherty about future political aspirations – including the possibility of running for President – as well as his work to advocate for the American military both at home and abroad. He also recounts playing golf with the commanders-in-chief, including Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford and Barack Obama.

Select Boehner Quotes from the Interview:

On his golf match with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Ohio Governor John Kasich:

“It was Father’s Day weekend. The President and I had talked about playing golf but I never got the invitation. So after I became Speaker, the President finally gave me a formal invitation, and he told me, ‘It is going to be the Vice President and myself, and you bring a partner. So I bring my longtime friend, John Kasich, the Governor of Ohio.”

“President Obama shows up, we are getting ready to putt a few, and he says, ‘Boehner, you and I are partners. We are going to take these guys [Gov. John Kasich and Vice President Joe Biden] on. I thought John Kasich was going to cry. So the President and I whipped up on them pretty good and they paid up.”

“As soon as we got in the cart I said, Mr. President, just remember something, this is just golf.”

On Playing Golf in the Future with President Obama

“The President has suggested, ‘Hey, do you think it is too much trouble to play golf again?’ I have to look at him and say, ‘Yes, because everybody gets bent out of shape worried about what we are up to, when all we are really going to do is just play golf.’”

On Presenting Hall-of-Famer Jack Nicklaus with the Congressional Gold Medal

“I was proud of it. Difficult. The day we gave Jack the gold medal was an emotional day for all of us.”

“He was my hero. I have watched virtually every golf tournament on TV for the last 40 years. I don’t watch much TV but I watch a lot of golf. He was my hero, but he also is a big hero in Ohio and one of the greatest heroes golf has ever had.”

On Life Lessons Learned on the Golf Course

“Perseverance and Patience. Probably one of the secrets to my tenure as Speaker is just to be patient. Listen to everyone and try to understand. It takes an awful lot of patience.”

On how Boehner Wants to be Remembered

“Fair, decent and honest. I treat my colleagues – Democrat and Republican – the same. Nobody more open and transparent in Washington, D.C. than I am. At the end of the day, that is the way I ran my business and the way I run my political life. Just tell people upfront the facts and the truth.”

On why he Loves the Game of Golf

“Golf for me is more of an escape. It is an escape from all of the other things going on because when you are trying to hit that little white ball, you don’t have time to think about anything else.”

On if he Would Run for President

“You’ve got to either have a very special calling or be an ego maniac to want to do this [President of the United States]. On top of that, I smoke cigarettes, I drink red wine, I play golf, I cut my own grass and I wash and iron my own shirts. I’m not giving that up to be President of the United States.”

Emmy-nominated David Feherty, described as “a cross between Oprah Winfrey and Johnny Carson” by The New York Times as host of Golf Channel’s hit, original series, Feherty, conducts interviews both heartfelt and irreverent – a trademark of one of television’s most irrepressible personalities. Earning critical acclaim for his refreshing interviewing style, the self-deprecating Feherty employs his laid back approach when sitting down with the most recognized names in entertainment, politics and sports to bring out laughs and an often seldom seen emotional side from his guests. He also makes a habit of engaging in his guests’ favorite places and activities to help capture the location of each episode.

Season five of Feherty will continue on Monday, Aug. 17, when Feherty visits two-time major champion and renowned golf instructor Dave Stockton. Additional upcoming guests include World Golf Hall-of-Famer Judy Rankin (Monday, Aug. 24); college football national championship-winning coaching icons, South Carolina’s Steve Spurrier (Wednesday, Sept. 23) and Alabama’s Nick Saban (Wednesday, Sept. 30); and Paul McGinley (Wednesday, Oct. 14), golfer and captain of the winning European Ryder Cup team in 2014.

Feherty originally debuted in June 2011 as the most-watched original series in Golf Channel history. Emmy nominated in 2014 for Outstanding Sports Personality, Feherty has gone one-on-one with celebrities across golf, sports and entertainment, including former President Bill Clinton, basketball Hall-of-Famers Bill Russell and Charles Barkley, sportscasters Al Michaels and Dan Patrick, actors Don Cheadle and Samuel L. Jackson, and golfers Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and Michelle Wie.

ABOUT GOLF CHANNEL

Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. Serving the most-affluent audience in all of television, Golf Channel – co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 and now part of NBC Sports Group – is available in more than 200 million homes in 84 countries and 13 languages around the world. Exclusive partnerships with the world’s top tours allow Golf Channel to feature more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, as well as a programming schedule distinguished by golf’s highest-quality news, instruction and original content. Golf Channel’s digital platforms, headed by GolfChannel.com, are the leading golf destinations on the Internet, delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf. Fans are able to enjoy 24/7 live streaming of Golf Channel content through Golf Live Extra and select programming is simulcast via SiriusXM’s PGA TOUR Radio. In addition, Golf Channel connects the world to golf through a wide array of digital and lifestyle services including Golf Channel Mobile, a comprehensive app covering golf’s latest headlines, scores and analysis; GolfNow, the world’s largest online tee time booking platform and golf course technology partner, which includes the GolfNow Mobile App, featuring on-course GPS tracking, in-round scoring and game tracking; GolfAdvisor.com, a golf course ratings and review portal for golfers, by golfers; a North American network of Golf Channel Academy instructional facilities; and Golf Channel Am Tour, the world’s largest amateur golf tour.

-NBC Sports Group-

DEW TOUR ANNOUNCES LOS ANGELES EVENT SCHEDULE AND ALL-STAR ATHLETE ROSTER

July 28, 2015 By admin

First All-Skateboarding Event Descends on Downtown Los Angeles, August 14-16

Street and Vert Skateboarding Competitions to Take Place at Ace Hotel

Broadway Street to Close Between Temple-and-1st for Dew Tour Streetstyle Competition

Burr Ridge, Ill. – July 28, 2015 – The Dew Tour hits the streets of Los Angeles, Calif., for three days of skateboarding-only competition Friday, August 14 – Sunday, August 16. For the first time ever, the Dew Tour will focus exclusively on the sport, lifestyle, art, music and culture of skateboarding. Centered around the Ace Hotel, Dew Tour Los Angeles will feature competitions in street, vert and the popular streetstyle discipline created by the Dew Tour three years ago. In addition to the skate competitions, Dew Tour Los Angeles will also feature sponsor activations, art exhibits, autograph signings and concerts. A complete telecast schedule and concert schedule will be announced in the coming days.

Competitions begin on Friday, August 14, at 4 p.m. PT with skateboard vert returning for a record 11th consecutive year at the Dew Tour. Five-time Dew Tour Skateboard Vert Champion Pierre-Luc Gagnon will look to defend his 2014 title against all-star veterans Bob Burnquist and Andy McDonald, as well as a strong collection of young talent including Tom Schaar and Alex Perelson.

The action continues on Saturday at 4 p.m. PT with Dew Tour Los Angeles’ skateboard street competition. Mountain Dew athletes Paul Rodriguez, Trevor Colden and Sean Malto lead an impressive roster of athletes that also includes 2014 Dew Tour Champion Louie Lopez.

The epic weekend will culminate with the Dew Tour’s skateboard streetstyle competition at 1 p.m. PT. Dew Tour Chicago winner Curren Caples looks to cap off an incredible summer with a second streetstyle victory of the season, but will be challenged by two-time streetstyle champion Ryan Sheckler, as well as 2014 Dew Tour Brooklyn winner Trevor Colden. The 2015 streetstyle competition will take place in downtown Los Angeles on Broadway street between Temple street and 1st street.

For a full list of athletes scheduled to compete visit DewTour.com.

The Dew Tour Los Angeles is a free event and is open to the public. Event gates will open at Noon PT on Friday, August 14, Noon PT on Saturday, August 15, and 10 a.m. PT on Sunday, August 15.

The complete schedule of events for Dew Tour Los Angeles is listed below:

DEW TOUR LOS ANGELES EVENT SCHEDULE

DATE	EVENT	TIME
Friday, August 14	SKB Street Practice	1 p.m.
Friday, August 14	SKB Vert Practice	2 p.m.
Friday, August 14	SKB Vert Final	4 p.m.
Saturday, August 15	SKB Streetstyle Practice	11 a.m.
Saturday, August 15	Shop Open Skate (TransWorld)	Noon
Saturday, August 15	SKB Street Practice	2 p.m.
Saturday, August 15	SKB Street Final	4 p.m.
Sunday, August 16	Zumiez Crash the Course Session #1	10 a.m.
Sunday, August 16	SKB Streetstyle Practice	11 a.m.
Sunday, August 16	Zumiez Crash the Course Session #2	11:45 a.m.
Sunday, August 16	SKB Streetstyle Final	1 p.m.

*All times listed are local / PT

2015 DEW TOUR EVENT SCHEDULE

DATE	EVENT	LOCATION
June 20-21	Dew Tour Chicago	Grant Park Skate Plaza
Aug. 14-16	Dew Tour Los Angeles	ACE Hotel
Dec. 10-13	Dew Tour Breckenridge	Breckenridge, Colo.

For additional Dew Tour event information, visit www.DewTour.com and the Dew Tour Facebook page.

ABOUT DEW TOUR

The Dew Tour consists of three marquee events, featuring disciplines across BMX, skateboard, freeski and snowboard (superpipe and slopestyle), with additional competitions integrated throughout the year. Dew Tour events are premium action sports and lifestyle festivals combining the best in competitions along with the Dew Tour Experience, live music performances and lifestyle showcases. The Dew Tour is broadcast on NBC, and streamed live on DewTour.com and NBC Sports Live Extra. The Dew Tour is also distributed domestically on Universal HD and Comcast SportsNet, and internationally on TVA, Fox Sports Australia, Extreme Sports Channel, ProSieben, DR and Sky TV. Dew Tour partners include Mountain Dew (tour title sponsor), Paul Mitchell, Bud Light, SQUATCH Snack Sticks, Sony Mobile Communications, Verizon Wireless, Airwalk, MIKE AND IKE® Candy and U.S. Army. More information can be found at www.DewTour.com.

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Special Olympics World Games LA 2015 on ESPN – Tuesday, July 28

July 28, 2015 By admin

Lindsay Czarniak and Kevin Neghandhi host coverage at 7 p.m. ET
ESPN.com coverage continues with powerful features
ESPN Images capturing the action of the World Games

ESPN’s global coverage of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, the largest sporting and humanitarian event in 2015, began with live coverage of the Games’ star-studded Opening Ceremony on Saturday, July 25.

Each night throughout the Games, ESPN’s Lindsay Czarniak and Kevin Neghandhi will host, Special Olympics World Games LA 2015, being produced from ESPN’s downtown Los Angeles Production Center. The show includes interviews with athletes and special guests, as well as a daily “competition showcase” segment that will feature play-by-play calls from the day’s action by ESPN’s Jason Benetti and reporting from Paralympic gold medal swimmer Victoria Arlen. In addition, reports from ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap and Marty Smith, as well as Special Olympics Global Messenger Dustin Plunkett will contribute to ESPN’s coverage.

On tonight’s show:

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: Marty Smith tells the story of Daava Magvansuren, a track and field athlete from Mongolia.
JULIE FOUDY: ESPN analyst and World Cup Champion Julie Foudy shares stories from the soccer fields.
COMPETITION SHOWCASE: Jason Benetti and Victoria Arlen provide coverage from the swimming competitions at USC’s Uytengsu Aquatic Center.

ICYMI: For those that missed yesterday’s Special Olympics World Games LA 2015, highlights included:

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL– ESPN’s Marty Smith shared the story of a New Jersey Triathlon team and coach, as the sport makes its Special Olympics World Games debut in 2015. HERE

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY: ESPN reporter and Special Olympics Global Messenger Dustin Plunkett talks about being bullied growing up and how he was able to overcome the adversity. HERE

ESPN DIGITAL FEATURES & COVERAGE
ESPN.com’s extensive coverage of the Special Olympics World Games continues with news and feature stories examining the people and topics of the Special Olympics World Games, the wider movement, exclusive athlete blogs, photo galleries and an extensive lineup of video features.

Among the highlighted coverage, is:

MUTOMBO / HAMILTON SHARE OLYMPIC MISSION: Dikembe Mutombo and Scott Hamilton couldn’t come from more different backgrounds, but they share a deep dedication in helping others through Special Olympics. HERE
CLAIBORNE REMAINS HEART OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS: She might be the Special Olympics’ best-known athlete, an Arthur Ashe award-winner and a friend to Bill Clinton, but Loretta Claiborne remains simply herself. HERE

PHOTOGRAPHIC COVERAGE
ESPN Images and ESPN Digital Media photographers are capturing photos from around the Special Olympics World Games throughout the week, including these:

Los Angeles, CA – July 27, 2015 – Los Angeles Convention Center: Germany competing in Handball during the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games
(Photo by Scott Clarke / ESPN Images)

Los Angeles, CA – July 27, 2015 – Los Angeles Convention Center: Powerlifting during the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games
(Photo by Scott Clarke / ESPN Images)

Los Angeles, CA – July 25, 2015 – Galen Center: The women’s basketball teams of Costa Rica and Egypt competing in basketball during the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games
(Photo by Kohjiro Kinno / ESPN Images)

The full collection of ESPN Images photos from the event, available for use in editorial coverage, can be found HERE.

COVERAGE SCHEDULE

Day/Date	Program	Time (ET)	Network
Tue, July 28	Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	11:30 p.m.	ESPN2
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	2 a.m.	ESPN2
Wed, July 29	Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	11:30 p.m.	ESPN2
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	2 a.m.	ESPN2
Thur, July 30	Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	11:30 p.m.	ESPN2
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	2 a.m.	ESPN2
Fri, July 31	Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	2 a.m.	ESPN2
Sat, Aug 1	ESPN on ABC Sports Saturday (reair)	4 p.m.	ABC
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	11:30 p.m.	ESPN2
	Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	2 a.m.	ESPN2
Fri, Aug 7	Best of Special Olympics World Games LA2015	7 p.m.	ESPN
Sat, Aug 8	Best of Special Olympics World Games LA2015 (reair)	4 p.m.	ABC

ESPN and The Special Olympics
ESPN is proud of its relationship with the Special Olympics, which spans more than 30 years. It is the official media partner of the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015, and along with ABC, the Unified Relay Across America presented by Bank of America – which carried the Flame of Hope to Los Angeles. Additionally, since 2013 ESPN has been the Global Presenting Sponsor and Official Media Sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports, which bring athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together as teammates.

ESPN’s support of the Special Olympics is part of The Walt Disney Company’s company-wide support, which includes Disney’s role as a Founding Champion of the LA2015 World Games.

Being a good corporate citizen is a time-honored tradition at both ESPN and the wider Walt Disney Company.

ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplifts the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use power of sport to positively address society’s most pressing needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.

The Walt Disney Company, through contributions, collaborations with local organizations, in-kind gifts and volunteering, helps to brighten the lives of kids and families in need and strengthen communities around the world. In 2013, the Company donated nearly $370 million in cash, in-kind support and products, and Disney VoluntEARS gave over 667,000 hours of service. For more information visit, thewaltdisneycompany.com/citizenship or twitter.com/disneycitizenship.
###

Contact: Paul Melvin (860-766-5069 or paul.melvin@espn.com )

DEBUT OF NASCAR DRIVES NBCSN TO MOST-WATCHED JULY IN THE NETWORK’S HISTORY

July 28, 2015 By admin

NBCSN Sets Total Day & Primetime Viewership Records for the Month

NASCAR Sprint Cup Race from Brickyard Is Most-Watched Telecast in Network’s History

NBCSN Posts Best Tour de France Viewership Since 2010

Consecutive IndyCar Races Are Most-Watched on NBCSN in Four Years

STAMFORD, Conn. — July 28, 2015 – NASCAR and NBC Sports Group kicked off their 10-year partnership in July with more than 100 hours of trackside coverage, which fueled the best July Total Day and Primetime viewership in NBCSN history.

With the full NASCAR slate plus milestone-setting IndyCar and Tour de France race coverage, NBCSN posted its most-watched July ever in Total Day (218,000 average viewers) and Primetime (368,000) viewership, according to live plus same day data released by The Nielsen Company.

Highlighting the month, this past Sunday’s live telecast of NASCAR Sprint Cup racing from historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway was the network’s most-watched telecast ever, averaging 4.7 million viewers. Viewership peaked at 5.6 million from 6:30-6:45 p.m. ET as Kyle Busch raced to his third consecutive victory.

“We are pleased to finish off a great month highlighted by an excellent start with our NASCAR partners, as well as compelling IndyCar and Tour de France racing,” said NBC Sports Group Chairman Mark Lazarus. “NBCSN’s most-watched telecast ever and best July ever are just the start of things to come as the NASCAR competition heats up for the rest of the summer and into the postseason Chase.”

In the key demographic for the month (June 29-July 26), NBCSN averaged 57,000 Total Day viewers among Adults 18-49 (up 68% from 2014) and 93,000 Primetime A18-49 viewers (up 60%).

JULY HIGHLIGHTS:

NBCSN averaged 218,000 Total Day (6 a.m-6 a.m.) viewers – marking the best July in NBCSN history. The July 2015 record viewership jumped 91% from the network’s Total Day viewership last July (114,000) and is up 25% from the prior record for the month (175,000) set in July 2012, which included coverage of the opening days of the 2012 London Olympics.

NBCSN also posted its best July ever in primetime viewership with an average of 368,000 viewers – up 95% from last year (189,000) and a 7% increase from the prior best (345,000) set in July 2003.

Viewership grew each week for NASCAR Sprint Cup on NBCSN, as the July 26 Brickyard 400 viewership was up 27% from New Hampshire (3.7 million) and up 47% from Kentucky (3.2 million).

NASCAR America posted its most-watched month ever, averaging 106,000 viewers. The show’s average topped July 2014 viewership by 43%.
NBCSN posted the best viewership for its live morning Tour de France telecasts since 2010 (the last year Lance Armstrong rode in the race), averaging 365,000 viewers – up 27% from last year (288,000).
NBCSN’s coverage of the Verizon IndyCar Series posted viewership milestones in succeeding weeks. The July 18 primetime telecast of the Iowa Corn 300 averaged 541,000 viewers, making it the network’s most-watched IndyCar race in four years (Sept. 4, 2011, 591,000 viewers, Baltimore), and eclipsing the milestone hit just six days earlier for the network’s IndyCar presentation from Milwaukee (532,000 viewers). Dating back to the Fontana race on June 27, three consecutive IndyCar races on NBCSN have topped 500,000 viewers – a first since NBC Sports Group acquired IndyCar cable exclusivity in 2008.

NBCSN’s August programming schedule is highlighted by a full slate of NASCAR Sprint Cup and XFINITY series competition, IndyCar and Formula One racing, and the eagerly-anticipated kickoff of the 2015-16 Premier League season next Saturday, August 8.

ABOUT NBCSN

NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is a 24/7/365 sports network dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL), Premier League, NASCAR, Formula One, IndyCar, Mecum Auctions, Tour de France, and the America’s Cup. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Premier Boxing Champions, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk, The Dan Patrick Show, Men in Blazers, and NHL Rivals, as well as original motorsports programming, including NASCAR America, Mecum Dealmakers, /DRIVE on NBCSN and Off the Grid. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

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

–NBC SPORTS GROUP—

Michigan State’s Comeback Victory in Cotton Bowl Classic is No. 1 College Football Game of 2014

July 28, 2015 By admin

Top 25 Games of 2014 Concludes with Top 5 Games July 31 – Aug 2 on ESPNU
Ohio State-Alabama, TCU-Baylor, Auburn-Ole Miss, and Notre Dame-Florida State Round Out Top 5
Fans Determined Order of Top 5 Games

Fans have voted Michigan State’s thrilling, come-from-behind, 42-41 victory over Baylor in the Cotton Bowl Classic as the No. 1 college football game of 2014 and, as a result, it will conclude The Top 25 College Football Games of 2014 on Sunday, Aug. 2 at 10 p.m. on ESPNU. The remaining top 5 games, which will all air between Friday, July 31 and Aug. 2 on ESPNU, are as follows:

2: College Football Playoff Semifinal/Sugar Bowl: Ohio State’s 42-35 victory over Alabama
3: Baylor’s 61-58 victory over TCU
4: Auburn’s 35-31 over Ole Miss
5: Florida State’s 31-24 victory over Notre Dame.

The Top 5 games will bring to an end the two-week Top 25 College Football Games of 2014 series which began on Monday, July 20. The remaining programming schedule is as follows:

ESPNU Top 25 College Football Games of 2014 Programming Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Ranking	Matchup
Tue, July 28	7 p.m.	No. 14	Clemson (17) at Florida State (23) (overtime)
	10 p.m.	No. 13	Central Michigan (48) vs. Western Kentucky (49)
Wed, July 29	7 p.m.	No. 12	Auburn (44) vs. Alabama (55)
	10 p.m.	No. 10	Arizona (31) at Oregon (24)
Thu, July 30	7 p.m.	No. 9	Texas A&M (41) at Auburn (38)
	10 p.m.	No. 8	Georgia Tech (30) at Georgia (24)
Fri, July 31	7 p.m.	No. 6	Alabama (17) at Ole Miss (23)
	10 p.m.	No. 5	Notre Dame (27) at Florida State (31)
Sat, Aug 1	7 p.m.	No. 4	Auburn (35) at Ole Miss (31)
	10 p.m.	No. 3	TCU (58) at Baylor (61)
Sun, Aug 2	7 p.m.	No. 2	CFP Semifinal/Sugar Bowl: Alabama (35) vs. Ohio State (42)
	10 p.m.	No. 1	Cotton Bowl Classic: Michigan State (42) vs. Baylor (41)

No. 11 and No. 7 will not be televised due to rights restrictions

After ESPN’s Stats & Info determined games No. 25 through No. 6, fan voting was utilized to determine the order of the top 5 games.

-30-

Media contact: Derek Volner at 860-384-9986; Derek.Volner@ESPN.com and @DerekVolner

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