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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.”

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.

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.

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

ESPN RISE Games Broadcast Schedule on ESPNU & ESPN3.com

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:13:49 +0000

ESPNU and ESPN3.com will provide 38 hours of coverage of the third annual ESPN RISE Games beginning Sunday, July 17, through Wednesday, July 27.

The Games include elite and competitive level student-athlete sporting events from ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.

This year’s commentators will include Tom Luginbill and Justin Kutcher calling the action during the Champion Gridiron Kings telecast.

Garland Cooper, Mike Corey, Quint Kessenich and Paul Biancardi will work softball, lacrosse and basketball on ESPNU. On ESPN3.com, Kevin Corke, Mike Cain, Dan O’Brien and Mark Wise will provide the play-by-play and analysis.

Date	Time	Network	Event	Talent
Sun, July 17	9 a.m.	ESPN3.com	AAU Club Championships – Track & Field	Kevin Corke, Dan O’Brien
Tues, July 19	2 p.m.	ESPN3.com	Champion All-American Girls Showcase, a US Lacrosse event	Kevin Corke, TBD
Thurs, July 21	9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.	ESPN3.com	AAU 8^th Grade Boys Basketball Division 1	Mike Cain, Mark Wise
Thurs, July 21	3:30 p.m.	ESPN3.com	AAU Basketball 8^th Grade Boys Basketball Div. II	Mike Cain, Mark Wise
Sat, July 23	7 p.m.	ESPNU	Under Armour All-American Softball Game(tape delay)	Mike Corey, Garland Cooper
Sun, July 24	7 p.m.	ESPNU	Champion All American Boys Lacrosse Showcase (tape delay)	Mike Corey, Quint Kessenich
Mon, July 25	3 p.m.	ESPN3.com	AAU 10^th Grade Boys Basketball Super Showcase Presented by Champion	Mike Cain, Mark Wise
Mon, July 25	7 p.m.	ESPNU	Champion Gridiron Kings (tape delay)	Justin Kutcher, Tom Luginbill
Tues, July 26	7 p.m.	ESPNU, ESPN3.com	AAU High School Basketball Showcase	Justin Kutcher, Paul Biancardi
Wed, July 27	12:00 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.	ESPN3.com	AAU 11^th Grade Boys Basketball Super Showcase Presented by Champion	Mike Cain, Mark Wise
Wed, July 27	7 p.m.	ESPNU, ESPN3.com	AAU 11^th Grade Boys Basketball Super Showcase Presented by Champion	Justin Kutcher, Paul Biancardi

Gus Johnson Named The Voice Of College Football For Fox & Men’s Basketball On Big Ten Network

admin — Thu, 12 May 2011 16:55:36 +0000

FOX Sports Media Group has announced the addition of Gus Johnson as lead play-by-play announcer for its college football coverage and men’s basketball on the Big Ten Network.

Johnson on his new position with FOX Sports Media Group: “I think it’s a bigger stage for me right now having an opportunity to be a lead play-by-play guy at a network like FOX. My relationship with Eric Shanks, maybe more than anything, was something that made me feel very comfortable about making this leap after being at CBS for 16 years and being comfortable and being happy there. Also Mark Silverman and the relationship that we’ve developed over the last three years reassured me that I was in good hands.”

FOX Sports Media Group Co-President & COO Eric Shanks on Johnson’s fan following: “Here at FOX Sports, we’re a fan of Gus and how he calls a game with passion and a unique voice. It really can add a new dimension to not only, FOX’s college sports but to college sports in general like he has done with March Madness for so many years. It’s phenomenal when some tweets last week went out about Gus leaving CBS and you could take a look at the conversation happening in the social media world. First and foremost, it’s the product on television but then it’s really neat to have a personality who has such a following in the social media world.”

Johnson on criticism of his announcing style: “I have to go out there and do what I can do and be who I am. Changing my style is something I’d be comfortable with. I don’t think it’s something that would be successful for me. I’ve in New York for a long and one thing I understand is like the old Jack Kent Cooke line – ‘criticism is like walking in the rain, once you get wet, what’s another drop?’ I get it and that’s just how it is. You have to take the bitter with the sweet when you’re a public figure”

Lead college football analyst Charles Davis on partnering with Johnson: “I’m very excited about it. This is one of those things that you dream about, something that you work hard for. Now, to have the chance to work with Gus Johnson, are you kidding me? This is fantastic. I consider myself a very fortunate guy once again. I’m looking forward to forging that partnership.”

Vii Network Launches VidStructor.com

admin — Thu, 12 May 2011 16:53:22 +0000

Vii Network has launched ts software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution, VidStructor.com.

Vii Network’s SaaS solution enables businesses to quickly and easily launch a video-commerce driven website built for Interactive Training and Remote Visual Communication.

VidStructor’s capabilities create innovative revenue streams for businesses through video-based services for skill assessments, workflows, certification and training programs.

The SaaS solution delivers these capabilities through an integrated set of 100% web-based, interactive tools for providing video feedback and analysis, custom video libraries, step-by-step video workflows, video messaging, group content sharing, social networking, blogging and more.

E-commerce and e-marketing tools monetize the entire process for its business subscribers. Now small-to-medium sized service businesses (SMB’s) are able to differentiate their business by providing video-based programs and services, while corporate networks can use VidStructor, as a “Corporate VidTranet™,” to enhance productivity by disseminating video-based programs across their entire network.

VidStructor’s monthly subscription editions support sports training, fitness and wellness, executive coaching, music training and culinary arts business models, while annual editions strategically support franchises and large corporate networks, such as employee training, financial advisory services, medical device training, military device and process training and franchise quick-service industries.

As opposed to the traditional license-based software business model, Vii Network’s cloud-driven (scalable), multitenant architecture, and web-driven platform allows businesses to strip out serious IT expenses and effectively deliver video-commerce to their operations. Everything from online subscription registration to rapidly launching a branded website built for interactive training and remote visual communication can be done with VidStructor.

“VidStructor has basically enabled me to explode my basketball training business to all new levels,” said Coach Randy Brown, former Head Coach of Stetson University who subscribes to VidStructor.com to run his website, CoachRB.com.

Phil Newman, CEO of Vii Network, Inc. said “What makes our product special is how our customers choose to utilize our solution. Our customers are continuously educating our team with their different applications of our product, which is very exciting to see. I’ve seen our clients’ trying to be innovative and efficient in this Web 2.0 world, and VidStructor simply provides them an exciting and affordable solution to solve these issues.”