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iLinkSports.com to Stream Allen Iverson’s “Las Vegas Superstar Challenge” NBA Lockout Tournament

admin — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:21:33 +0000

iLinkSports.com has announced that it will provide the exclusive online web stream of NBA All-Star Allen Iverson’s “Las Vegas Superstar Challenge”, a two-day, four game professional basketball tournament on Nov. 12-13. iLinkSports.com, a web-based sports network connecting sports and athletes globally, will stream all of the tournament games live.

“We are excited to partner with Allen Iverson, one of the best players in the history of the NBA, to bring this important tournament to the masses and connect the entire global sports community,” said Donald Toatley, president of iLinkSports.com and sports enthusiast. “The games’ live web streams will put NBA’s top players in front of millions of fans who may not have the opportunity to see them play in the regular NBA season.”

The Challenge tournament is comprised of four teams that consists of professional players: Team A.I. (Allen Iverson, Amare Stoudemire, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeous Young, Zach Randolph, Jamal Crawford, Rudy Gay, Larry Hughes, Paul Pierce, and Steven Jackson), Team Harrington (Al Harrington, C.J. Watson, Stephen Jackson, Monte Ellis, Matt Barnes, Dahntay Jones, David Lee, James Harden), Team Philly (Hakim Warrick, Tyreke Evans, Kyle Lowry, Jason Thompson, Wayne Ellis, Ronald Murray and Marcus Morris) and Team Rookies (Derrick Williams, Kenneth Faried, Jordan Hamilton, Iman Shumpert, Darius Morris, Klay Thompson, Jimmer Ferdette, Kyrie Irving and Reggie Jackson).

NFL Players Partners With Playmark To Launch New Licensing Platform

admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:48:39 +0000

NFL Players, Inc and Playmark announced an exclusive partnership to bring businesses and entrepreneurs unprecedented access to the official licensing rights of NFL players.

“Our partnership with Playmark makes it possible for thousands of app and game developers, independent artists, agencies and businesses of all sizes to gain immediate access to the intellectual property rights of NFL players,” said Keith Gordon, president of NFL PLAYERS. “Our players can’t wait to see what today’s creative designers and developers can dream up.”

Playmark’s web-based access via www.Playmark.com and streamlined licensing process is the fastest way for product developers and designers to obtain the official rights of NFL players.

“We’re extremely proud to partner with the players of the NFL,” said George Aposporos, Playmark CEO. “By bringing the star power of NFL players to growth markets like mobile apps, casual and social games, and on-demand merchandise, we enable new businesses to be instantly recognizable to millions of NFL football fans.”

Playmark will provide prospective licensees with access to the official rights of more than 2,000 NFL players, including name, jersey number, likeness, photographs, illustrations and digital autographs of each player. Independent artists, designers and developers that join Playmark can earn royalties when the assets they contribute get licensed for use in new digital products, apparel or other licensed merchandise.

“Playmark will allow for companies to create and promote their products by leveraging our marketing power,” said Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen. “I hope to see my name and image on all sorts of cool products.”

NFL PLAYERS’ groundbreaking approach changes traditional licensing by democratizing access and eliminating upfront fees. The Playmark platform also simplifies the entire licensing process, from fast web-based approvals to automatic reporting.

“As an early-stage startup, we never expected to obtain license rights to more than 2,000 NFL players to be so fast and easy,” said Jeremy Levine, CEO of StarStreet.com. “Within days of applying for a license, we were using digital assets from NFL players within our product to increase user engagement and conversion.”

Green Lantern Now Available on Time Warner Cable in 3D on Movies On Demand

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:31:41 +0000

Time Warner Cable is now offering its digital customers Green Lantern in 3D on Movies On Demand 3 weeks before Netflix and Redbox. Actor Ryan Reynolds portrays the popular comic book hero in the film adaptation also starring Blake Lively. Protectors of peace and justice, the Green Lantern Corps must rely on their newest and only human recruit, Hal Jordan (Reynolds), to save the Earth from a new enemy called Parallax. So stay in, order Green Lantern and watch this comic classic come to life.

Customers can find the 3D version of this film in the 3D category located on the Movies On Demand channel. The HD and SD versions can also be found on Movies On Demand in the HD and All New categories. The SAP version is available in the By Genre category under the En Español option.

To enjoy 3D viewing, customers need a 3D TV with matching 3D glasses and a compatible Time Warner Cable HD or HD/DVR set-top box connected to their TV with an HDMI cable. For movie trailers and more information on Time Warner Cable 3D content, please visit www.twondemand.com/3DMovies.

Bud Light’s ‘Ultimate Fan Experience’ Provides Fans Access to the NFL

admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:24:57 +0000

Bud Light is celebrating its first season as the official and exclusive beer of the National Football League by offering fans access to the biggest NFL events and new ways to connect with the League.

Bud Light – the favorite beer of NFL fans – is providing fans the chance to attend the biggest events in 2012 through the Ultimate Fan Experience. Now through Jan. 15, 2012, NFL fans (21 years of age and older) can enter the Ultimate Fan Experience through NFL-themed Snap Tags on specially marked Bud Light 12-pack bottle cases and point-of-sale materials. Fans that enter are eligible to win one of five prizes:

Trip for four to 2012 Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii
Trip for four to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, Ind.
Trip for four to 2012 NFL Draft in New York City, NY
Four 2012 season tickets for the team of the winner’s choice
Trips for four to the 2012 Pro Bowl, Super Bowl XLVI and 2012 NFL Draft, and four 2012 season tickets for the team of the winner’s choice

Official rules for the Ultimate Fan Experience sweepstakes are available at www.BudLight.com/UltimateFan.

On Sept. 8, Bud Light will also launch “The Bud Light Huddle,” a new online community for adult NFL fans. Throughout the season, The Bud Light Huddle will provide fans with unique digital content and a platform to interact with fellow NFL fans across the country. Bud Light Huddle users will be represented online by a customizable avatar that superimposes their picture onto a 3D Bud Light bobble head. Fans can unlock achievements – including updates for their bobble head avatars – through continued participation in The Bud Light Huddle. Fans can also unlock achievements by creating three-person Huddle groups with their friends or by participating in Bud Light’s other NFL activations, Ultimate Fan Experience and Fan Camp. For more details and to register for The Bud Light Huddle, visit www.facebook.com/BudLight.

“We’re going to be the friend most NFL fans dream of – the one with tickets, connections and access to everything,” said Mike Sundet, senior director, Bud Light. “We’re going to bring fans up close and personal with the league’s marquee events, and we’re going to do it all year long. Unless you’re wearing a uniform, you won’t be able to get any closer to the NFL than Bud Light can take you.”

As part of the NFL Kickoff festivities, Bud Light will host two Bud Light Fan Camp exhibition events in high-profile settings. On Sept. 7, Fan Camp will be incorporated into “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” where Kimmel will challenge fans to test their football skills in a variety of different challenges, including precision passing and “cannon” catch drills. Bud Light Fan Camp will also be in Green Bay, Wis., from Sept. 7-8 as part of the “NFL Activation Zone” fan experience.

Both exhibition events will give way to the official launch of the Bud Light Fan Camp mobile experience, which will begin its 15-week, 60-city tour on Sept. 11 in Louisville, Ky., Milwaukee, Wis., and Toledo, Ohio. Bud Light Fan Camp – which originally debuted in August during the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Enshrinement Week (click here for details) – will challenge teams of four consisting of two males and two females (21 years of age and older at time of participation) to compete in a series of unique traditional and non-traditional NFL skills tests, each with a Bud Light twist. The teams that amass the most points will receive a trip to the 2012 Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii and the opportunity to represent their city at the Bud Light Fan Camp Finals at Aloha Stadium the day after the Pro Bowl. Visit www.facebook.com/BudLight for the official Bud Light Fan Camp schedule, contest rules and pre-event registration.

Bud Light’s sponsorship of the NFL will also include four new national TV commercials focused on the fan experiences Bud Light is providing. The spots will support Bud Light activation for retail and highlight the passion fans have for the NFL.

In addition to serving as the official beer sponsor of the NFL, Bud Light has local sponsorship agreements with 28 of the 32 NFL teams. To kick off the start of the 2011 season, the brand will introduce limited edition 24-pack, 12-ounce cans in these 28 markets featuring local team’s logos and colors. In the additional four NFL markets, Bud Light will roll out 2011 Kickoff packaging, the first beer package to commemorate the start of the season.

About Anheuser-Busch

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.3 percent share of U.S. beer sales to retailers. The company brews the world’s largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico’s leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and has been a leading aluminum recycler for more than 30 years. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

ESPN’s Baseball Tonight To Visit MLB Fan Cave on Tuesday, Sept. 6

admin — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:00:21 +0000

ESPN’s Baseball Tonight will originate live from the MLB Fan Cave in New York City on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 10 p.m.

Host Karl Ravech will be joined by analysts John Kruk and Curt Schilling to cover all of the news and highlights from the day in baseball.

In addition, the crew will take a special inside look at the Fan Cave.

Verizon Wireless ‘COW’ Offers Enhanced 3G Coverage, Capacity for Penn State Football Fans

admin — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 16:28:05 +0000

Verizon Wireless has installed a temporary cell site—called a COW, or Cell On Wheels—near Penn State University’s Beaver Stadium to provide additional 3G network coverage and calling capacity just in time for football season. The site will enhance coverage in the north and east area outside Beaver Stadium including the RV parking lot.

This service enhancement means more customers attending home football games can use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

“Ensuring our customers can count on their wireless devices for communication, news and more at major events is part of our ongoing commitment to network reliability,” said Mark Frazier–president, Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless. “We look at how our customers’ usage patterns are changing at events like these and utilize this information to make sure we stay well ahead of their demand.”

The COW is a fully functional, generator-powered cell site, which has the same call capacity as a freestanding cell site. This network improvement is part of Verizon Wireless’ continual effort to expand coverage, improve capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Pennsylvania and throughout the country.

In addition to enhancing its 3G network, Verizon Wireless has deployed its 4G LTE Network in 117 metropolitan areas coast to coast, including State College, covering more than half of all Americans. During 2011, the company will continue to expand its 4G footprint, bringing its 4G LTE network to more than 185 million Americans by year-end. Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE wireless network is the fastest and most advanced 4G network in America and offers speeds up to 10 times faster than the current 3G network.

The company’s ongoing network investment in Pennsylvania now totals nearly $1.8 billion. Nationally, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $65 billion since it was formed—$6 billion on average every year—to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services.

WADL Detroit To Launch Antenna TV on Saturday, October 1

admin — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:29:06 +0000

WADL Detroit is preparing to launch Antenna TV on its dot .2 beginning October 1, 2011.

Kevin Adell, CEO and owner of WADL Detroit, who also owns “The Word Network” – the largest African-American religious network in the U.S. and the world, explains, “We have looked at many programming options for our dot .2, but ‘Antenna TV’ was by far the best fit with its quality classic programming lineup, expansive national distribution with Tribune stations and will have the longevity over fledgling networks.”

As WADL grows and transitions to newer programs, such as “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” “Dog The Bounty Hunter,” “Cash Cab,” and many more, it will continue to provide its loyal viewers in Metro Detroit with the quality classic TV programming through “Antenna TV”.

Antenna TV will bring additional quality classic TV programs, including “The Flying Nun,” “The Monkees,” “The Partridge Family,” “All In The Family” and mix these classic oldies with more contemporary programs including “Maude” and “Soap,” In addition, “Antenna TV” offers a variety of HIT movies to complement its classic TV lineup.

“Detroit viewers will love the Antenna TV mix of vintage movies and classic television. We are thrilled to partner with WADL,” said Sean Compton, President/Programming for Tribune Broadcasting Company, which launched Antenna TV on January 1, 2011.

“Antenna TV” will be available on channel 38.2 on your digital tuner, and channel 295 on Comcast Cable. Check your cable or satellite provider in the Metro Detroit market.

Cheapflights.co.uk Predicts Argentina for Rugby World Cup Host

admin — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:27:02 +0000

With the first game set to kick off on 9th September in New Zealand, the UK’s leading website for travel deals comparison guides travellers to the world’s top destinations for celebrating the Rugby World Cup. Show your colours at any of these rugby loving spots, all past, future or, in our opinion, most likely hosts of the World Cup.

Having decided on England as the host for 2015 and Japan as the host for 2019, the bidding war is currently under way for 2023. Cheapflights.co.uk predicts Argentina will beat out the other contenders to be named host of Rugby World Cup 2023. Having played in every single tournament so far and been the only country in the top eight that has yet to host the games, it may well win the bid over Italy and Africa to become the first host country outside of Europe and Australasia.

“The World Cup, which kicks off on 9th September, will no doubt be hot on the calendars of British sports fans. Those heading out to New Zealand can enjoy the start of spring as well as the New Zealand Festival,” says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk.

“However, as the Rugby Cup selection committee can tell you, there are a host of other great travel destinations where you can celebrate rugby and much more,” adds Hallak.

Here we explore five of the Top 10 Rugby Destinations, starting with Argentina.

Argentina

Where better to start than Buenos Aires? One of the world’s most spectacular cities is also known for being the most European city in South America. Characterised by cobbled streets, hip neighbourhoods and stunning architecture, its sights are best explored by foot. Take a stroll over to the Plaza de Mayo and witness the balcony at Casa Rosada from which Evita famously greeted her crowds. For a touch of nature, head just 30 minutes outside the city for horseback riding and Polo matches. The Iguazu Falls are also a must see; taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, this is the world’s most impressive cascade of water. Sun seekers can hit the beach at Mar del Plata, the country’s most famous beach resort that also boasts its own impressive metropolis.

Compare flights to Argentina.

New Zealand

Kick off with the games in Auckland, the City of Sails, which derives its nickname for being home to the famous yacht-filled Waitemata. It’s also known for its scattering of 50 plus dormant volcanoes, which, combined with the metropolis, make for stunning views. Visitors can marvel at Auckland’s Sky Tower, the 12th highest in the world and the 90 kilometre views that it offers. Strong-hearted adventure seekers can also bungee jump off the tower as well as the famous Auckland Harbour Bridge. For the more ‘tame’ of heart, Rotorua offers authentic Maori culture and historic sites (as well as therapeutic thermal attractions including geysers, mud and hot pools.)

Compare flights to New Zealand.

England

For those who’d rather keep things ‘staycation’ for the remainder of the year, why not celebrate by exploring England? Take a weekend break in Bath, the historic city of Roman baths and Georgian architecture, and the basis of many a Jane Austen novel. Or, for pampering of a different kind, indulge in the tranquillity of the trendy Cotswolds and watch the games from a countryside gastro pub. For a rowdy experience of the intellectual variety, hit the university towns of Oxford or Cambridge. The former is known as the City of Dreaming Spires, boasting a famous Art Gallery among its lively pubs and restaurants, while the latter hosts some of Europe’s finest medieval structures.

France

From urban sophistication to quaint rural villages, France has something for every travel taste. However but for the purposes of a World Cup celebration, look no further than the capital city, Paris. The stunning City of Lights delivers culture, history and people watching by day in the form of world famous museums like the Louvre, fairy tale-like structures such as Notre Dame, and street side cafes from which to watch the ‘chic’ go by. By night it dazzles with romantically lit avenues like the Champs Elysees and Boulevard Saint-Germain. Visitors can celebrity watch at venues such as Hotel Costes and Buddha Bar, or keep it casual in one of the city’s many bars or bistros where you can order a ‘steak frites’ while watching le Rugby and yelling ‘goal’ in a French accent along with the locals.

Compare flights to Paris.

South Africa

After hosting last year’s football World Cup, South Africa is on a roll in the popularity stakes as a holiday destination. Head to the progressive and trendy Cape Town, southern Africa’s oldest city where visitors are spoilt for choice for things to do. Feast your eyes on the fascination of whale watching, head to the beach, visit the Winelands or simply take your pick of hip bars, restaurants and clubs. Alternatively, stop off at the more brash city of Johannesburg, which is close to Kruger National Park, the most famous wildlife reserve in the world where visitors can indulge in a cycling safari then rest their feet at a luxury game lodge.

Comcast Expands Carriage of Hispanic Networks

admin — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:40:42 +0000

Comcast Corporation has announced that it is expanding the carriage of eight Hispanic networks by approximately 14 million total subscribers.

Among the public commitments made as part of Comcast’s acquisition of NBCUniversal was an agreement to increase the distribution of at least three networks that are American Latino-owned or -controlled or target the Latino community by at least 10 million digital basic subscribers within six months after the deal closed on January 28. Comcast will surpass that goal by 40 percent by adding approximately 14 million subscribers to eight Hispanic networks.

“We are pleased to be bringing more Hispanic programming to millions of consumers across the U.S.,” said David Jensen, Vice President of Content Acquisition for Comcast Cable. “Comcast strives to deliver programming that brings the world to our customers, and I’m proud that we were able to go far beyond our commitment by delivering this great new programming.”

The eight Hispanic or Spanish-language networks that have expanded carriage on Comcast systems are Azteca America, Galavision, HITN, LATV, -mun2, Telefutura, Telemundo and Univision.

The increased carriage for these networks will be achieved primarily by adding the channels to new cable systems and markets. For example, the Hispanic Information & Telecommunications Network (HITN) will be added to the Comcast cable line-ups in Boston, Atlanta, Nashville, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Miami, Western New England, Michigan and Indiana. Azteca America will launch in New York and Philadelphia. Comcast, which serves more than 23 million subscribers across the United States, provides more than 60 Hispanic or Spanish-language networks on most of its major cable systems.

Enhancing the reach of these networks is the latest in a series of steps Comcast is taking to increase the availability of minority-focused programming on its cable systems. Since April, the entertainment provider has announced plans to boost the reach of Mnet, the English-language Asian pop culture channel, by more than 2 million subscribers; while two African-American-focused networks, The Africa Channel and TV One, will be added to a combined 2.3 million new homes.

“This partnership with Comcast is a step in our expansion strategy to meet the demand of the increasing Latino community,” said Jose Luis Rodriguez, President and CEO of HITN. “Our programming will now reach millions of new households, providing our viewers the tools they need to navigate life in the U.S.”

2011 Sunday Night Football Schedule Announced

admin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:10:21 +0000

NBC has announced the Sunday Night Football schedule for the 2011.

Thursday, September 8, – NFL Kickoff New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers

Sunday, September 11, Week 1 – Dallas Cowboys at New York Jets

Sunday, September 18, Week 2 – Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons

Sunday, September 25, Week 3 – Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts

Sunday, October 2, Week 4 – New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens

Sunday, October 9, Week 5 – Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons

Sunday, October 16, Week 6 – Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

Sunday, October 23, Week 7 – Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints

Sunday, October 30, Week 8 – Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

Sunday, November 6, Week 9 – Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

Sunday, November 13, Week 10 – New England Patriots at New York Jets

Sunday, November 20, *Week 11 – Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants

Sunday, November 27, *Week 12 – Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs

Sunday, December 4, *Week 13 – Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots

Sunday, December 11, *Week 14 – New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

Sunday, December 18, *Week 15 – Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers

Sunday, December 25, *Week 16 – Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

Sunday, January 1, *Week 17 – TBA

*Flex Week