Deal Provides Xfinity TV Customers Broad Access to Top Sports, News and Entertainment Content Across Multiple Screens In and Out of the Home

PHILADELPHIA AND BURBANK –– JANUARY 4, 2012 –– Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) and The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) today announced a long-term, comprehensive distribution agreement that will deliver Disney’s top quality sports, news and entertainment content to Comcast’s Xfinity TV customers into the next decade on television, online, on tablets and handheld devices. The new agreement enhances the multichannel business model and supports the companies’ mutual goal to deliver the best video content to customers across multiple platforms using the latest technology and cloud innovation.  For the first time ever, Comcast’s Xfinity TV customers will be able to watch ESPN, ABC or Disney shows live or on demand and across multiple screens.  The companies also agreed to collaborate over the term of the deal to create new, innovative viewing experiences for Xfinity TV customers. 

The networks and services covered by the agreement include: ABC, ABC Family, Disney Channel, Disney XD, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, ESPNEWS, ESPN Classic, ESPN Goal Line, ESPN Buzzer Beater, ESPN 3D, ESPN GamePlan, ESPN FullCourt and ESPN3; retransmission consent for seven ABC-owned broadcast television stations (WABC-TV New York, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco, KTRK-TV Houston, KTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham, and KFSN-TV Fresno) as well as more than 10 high-definition networks.  Additionally, Comcast will launch Disney Junior, a new 24-hour basic channel for preschool-age children, parents and caregivers.  Comcast will also provide its Xfinity TV customers with broad access to a suite of live Disney networks on an authenticated basis and expanded Xfinity On Demand content through Disney’s comprehensive TV+ initiative.  In total, 70 services are covered by the broad scope of this new agreement.  License fee schedules for different services under the deal will be phased in over time.

“Comcast was the first video provider to create technology that enabled us to deliver content to customers where and when they want it across any viewing experience,” said Neil Smit, President and Chief Executive Officer, Comcast Cable. “We are very pleased to have reached this unprecedented and innovative, long-term agreement with Disney which embraces the future of entertainment and allows Comcast to continue to bring our vision of TV Everywhere to Xfinity customers whether at home or on the go.”

Anne Sweeney, Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks and President, Disney/ABC Television Group, added, “This landmark deal is a great example of what can be achieved when programmers and distributors collaborate and innovate together to meet the ever-evolving needs of consumers and enhance the viewing experience. By combining the best news, sports and entertainment content available today with cutting-edge technologies, we’re able to fully realize our comprehensive TV+ initiative, and introduce a brand new suite of authenticated services to Comcast subscribers.”

Added George Bodenheimer, Executive Chairman, ESPN, Inc., “Given the scope of assets Comcast and Disney/ABC/ESPN are making available to consumers, this agreement is unprecedented in our industry. It reinforces the value of the multichannel subscription and takes full advantage of new technologies, which serve all of our viewers.”

The extensive and expanded rights package for Comcast’s Xfinity TV customers includes rights across multiple platforms for:

• Comcast’s Xfinity TV customers will receive more ABC, ABC Family, Disney and ESPN content through their set-top-box and, at this time, Disney and ESPN content online, including:
  • ABC On Demand, ABC’s fast-forward-disabled On Demand service, which currently features a selection of top-rated primetime entertainment programming, including episodes of such popular current ABC shows as “Castle,” “Grey's Anatomy,” “Once Upon A Time,” “Private Practice” and “Revenge.”  Full current seasons will be made available on a number of shows.  Additionally, Xfinity TV customers will have access to a variety of ABC News programming as well as some local ABC owned-station content.
  • ABC Family On Demand, which features a variety of top-rated full episodes, refreshed monthly, from such popular millennial favorites as “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” “Switched at Birth,” and “Melissa & Joey.”  Full current seasons will be made available on a number of shows.  ABC Family original movies like “12 Dates of Christmas” will also be available.
  • Disney-branded On Demand offerings, including Disney Channel On Demand, Disney Junior On Demand, and Disney XD On Demand.  Refreshed each month, the Disney Channel On Demand offering will include episodes from such series as “Handy Manny,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” for preschoolers, as well as variety of episodes from “A.N.T. Farm,” “Good Luck Charlie,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” and other popular series for older kids.  Select episodes featured on Disney Channel On Demand will be available in innovative new offerings, such as playlists and monthly programming blocks, in addition to a number of episodes available in multiple languages.  Disney Channel Original Movies such as “Lemonade Mouth,” “Geek Charming” and “Phineas and Ferb:  Across the Second Dimension” will also be available. Disney XD On Demand features a variety of episodes from such series as the Emmy Award-winning animated hit “Phineas and Ferb.”
  • Disney Channel’s subscription Video On Demand service, which offers on demand access to select episodes before they air, will now be available to Xfinity TV customers who receive Disney Channel, a service that Comcast will offer to these customers for no additional fee.
  • Expanded on demand content from ESPN, including content from ESPN Deportes and ESPN’s award-winning original content from ESPN Films.
  • The subscription On Demand service “Disney Family Movies,” which features a selection of classic and contemporary feature films and animated shorts from The Walt Disney Studios.

• Xfinity TV customers will receive broad access to existing authenticated products like WatchESPN, as well as upcoming authenticated products, including WatchDisneyChannel, WatchDisneyXD and WatchDisneyJunior.  These services will give Comcast’s Xfinity TV customers more opportunities to access live and video on demand content, both in-home and out-of-home, on their computers, smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles. 
• Xfinity TV customers will also receive the recently announced Disney Junior, a new 24-hour basic channel for children ages 2-7, parents and caregivers.  Upon its debut in 2012, the new channel will feature animated and live action programming that blends Disney’s unparalleled storytelling and beloved characters with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills.
• Comcast also obtained rights to air certain content from ESPN3, ESPN FullCourt and ESPN GamePlan on Comcast’s Xfinity Sports Entertainment Package.

About Comcast Corporation:
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq:CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the world's leading media, entertainment and communications companies. Comcast is principally involved in the operation of cable systems through Comcast Cable Communications and in the development, production and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and other content for global audiences through NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable Communications is one of the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential and business customers. Comcast is the majority owner and manager of NBCUniversal, which owns and operates entertainment and news cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, local television station groups, television production operations, a major motion picture company and theme parks.

About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is the world’s largest diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. Disney Media Networks comprise a vast array of The Walt Disney Company’s broadcast, cable, radio and publishing businesses, including Disney/ABC Television Group and ESPN, Inc.  Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of $40.9 billion in its most recent fiscal year.

ESPN Announces Full Slate of Events for 2012 International CES

Central Hall location to feature live activities highlighting ESPN 3D, WatchESPN and ESPN Audio

ESPN has announced a robust schedule of events for the 2012 International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, this January at the Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center. Beginning on January 9, the company will host events throughout the entire week to demonstrate innovative products like ESPN 3D and WatchESPN.

Produced by the Consumer Electronics Association, the International CES offers a first look at new devices and technologies that improve the consumer experience throughout the world. As the leader in 3D sports, ESPN will offer show attendees opportunities to view live ESPN 3D telecasts produced in ESPN’s exhibit space in Central Hall (location 13632).

ESPN will kick off North America’s largest tradeshow with a special invitation-only private 3D showing of ESPN 3D’s production of the Allstate BCS National Championship on Monday, January 9, at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater. The event is co-sponsored by Christie Digital, Marchon EX3D Premium Eyewear and realD, which between them will provide the projection equipment and eyewear for the event.

Attendees can also learn more about WatchESPN by visiting the exhibit space throughout the week. WatchESPN gives fans the ability to watch six ESPN networks on their computer, smartphone or tablet, provided they receive their video subscriptions through an affiliated provider.

Below is a schedule of events:

 Monday, January 9

BCS National Championship Game in 3D – Invited guests will view the BCS National Championship game live on ESPN 3D at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater.

Wednesday, January 11

Live telecast – The Herd with Colin Cowherd – ESPN’s Colin Cowherd will host his daily radio show live from the exhibit floor.

 Live telecast – First Ever ESPN Studio Show in 3D – SportsNation with Colin Cowherd and Michelle Beadle will be produced live on ESPN2 HD and ESPN 3D from the ESPN 3D exhibit, marking the first ESPN studio show telecast in 3D.

 Thursday, January 12

Live Boxing Matches from the Show Floor – In conjunction with Top Rank Boxing, the ESPN ring at the Las Vegas Convention Center will host several live boxing matches, which will be televised on ESPN 3D. Specific details and fight card to be announced at a later date.

Schedule subject to change.  Additional details will be added prior to Jan. 9.

-30-

ESPN 3D’s College Basketball Schedule

More Games Slated in Second Year

Four College GameDay Telecasts Included

Extensive Men’s Schedule and First ESPN 3D Women’s College Basketball Game

ESPN 3D will present 43 college basketball games this year, increasing the network’s coverage in its second year.  The schedule includes ESPN 3D’s first-ever women’s basketball game – Kentucky at Tennessee on February 13 -- as well as the first 3D editions of College GameDay Driven by State Farm, televising four editions of the Saturday morning show during the season.

College basketball fans will see some of the best teams compete again this year when ESPN 3D televises several top matchups.  The action tips off Friday, Nov. 11, with the Quicken Loans Carrier Classic featuring Michigan State vs. North Carolina at 7 p.m. ET.  The game is the first men's college basketball game to be played on the deck of a United States military aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson. This unique Veterans’ Day event will honor the men and women in the armed forces and will take place in the San Diego harbor. 

From Nov. 24 – 27, ESPN 3D will once again televise all 12 games from the Old Spice Classic at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. Other upcoming basketball highlights include the return of the men’s Jimmy V Classic Presented by Corona Extra on Tuesday, Dec. 6 and the BIG EAST Championship Presented by American Eagle Outfitters in March.

The ESPN 3D college basketball schedule follows (schedule subject to change; additional games may be added).

 Quicken Loans Carrier Classic

Old Spice Classic Nov. 24, 25, & 27

The Old Spice Classic tournament, held at the HP Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla., will feature Arizona State, Dayton, DePaul, Fairfield, Indiana State, Minnesota, Texas Tech and Wake Forest.

Jimmy V Classic Presented by Corona Extra Dec. 6

The men’s doubleheader, held at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden for the ninth consecutive year, will feature Missouri vs. Villanova  at 7 p.m. and Washington vs. Marquette at 9:30 p.m.

Additional 2012 Games

2012 BIG EAST Championship Presented by American Eagle Outfitters

About ESPN 3D:

Now in its’ second year, ESPN 3D was the first to announce in the United States an exclusive 3D network in January 2010 which was the culmination of more than three years of testing 3D television.  ESPN has produced many 3D domestic telecasts in 2010 and 2011, including the BCS National Championship game, the Masters, X Games, multiple college football and basketball games, the State Farm Home Run Derby and more.  ESPN has developed best practices for utilizing the technology in live game applications which have provided the ability to streamline workflow operations, adjust 3D camera positioning, perform transmission tests and gauge fan reaction to a 3D telecast versus a traditional telecast.  In addition, ESPN utilizes cutting-edge technology located at the ESPN Innovation Lab in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World to continue to develop innovative production enhancements.  ESPN 3D is available in the United States to more than 60 million households and has carriage agreements with Comcast, DIRECTV, Time Warner Cable/Bright House and Verizon FiOS.

-30-

ESPN 3D to Televise 20 Regular Season College Football Games in 2011

Network Doubles the Amount of Coverage; Will Also Air Allstate BCS National Championship and Five Postseason Bowl Games

ESPN 3D will double the amount of college football telecasts this year as the network plans to air 20 regular-season games along with the Allstate BCS National Championship and five postseason bowl games.  The network will kick off its second year of extensive college football coverage with two games in five days over Labor Day weekend when UNLV travels to Wisconsin on Thurs., Sept. 1, at 8 p.m. ET with Miami at Maryland on Mon., Sept. 5, at 8 p.m.

 The 2011 season marks the return of Miami, Oregon, USC, UCLA, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin to the ESPN 3D schedule and the addition of multiple top programs highlighted by LSU, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, and Texas.  It will also be the second straight year the network will air the Dr Pepper ACC Championship game, slated for Sat., Dec. 3, at 8 p.m.

 The network will increase its post season coverage this year with the return of the Allstate BCS National Championship Game on Mon., Jan. 9, at 8:30 p.m.  as well as five additional bowl games.

 The complete 2011-2012 schedule:

 In addition to ESPN 3D, ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of the 2011 college football season features more than 400 regular- and postseason games across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3.com, ESPN Regional Television, ESPN Radio, ESPN Classic, ESPN Mobile TV and ESPN GamePlan. Full schedule details can be found here.

Additional dates will be announced as the season progresses; schedule subject to change.  Sony is an official sponsor of college football on ESPN 3D.

Additional programming for ESPN 3D will be announced throughout the year and will include college basketball and Winter X Games 17.

-30-

June 14, 2011

ESPN 3D Announces Return of State Farm Home Run Derby, College Football to Schedule

Also Adds Two World Football Challenge Games and Coverage of Little League World Series

 ESPN 3D will again air the State Farm Home Run Derby and increase the number of college football games presented on the network in its second year.  In addition, 17 games of the Little League World Series have been added to the schedule for August as well as two upcoming World Football Challenge games in mid-July. 

 “It’s an exciting time for ESPN 3D as it enters its second year of providing compelling action of some of the biggest sporting events,” said Bryan Burns, vice president, strategic business planning.  ”Our programming continues to evolve and grow.  Last year we presented 11 regular season college football games and this fall we will have 20 regular season games plus six bowl games, including The Allstate BCS National Championship. Information concerning games and dates will be available later this summer.”

 New programming added to the ESPN 3D schedule:

 Earlier this month ESPN 3D announced it will televise the Gentlemen’s semifinals and the Finals of both the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s draws from The Championships: Wimbledon tennis action from the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in London on Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4.  The four matches will be the first 3D tennis televised by the network which launched June 2010. 

 Also, ESPN 3D will telecast five nights of live boxing throughout the summer starting on June 24 when Friday Night Fights will be featured on the network at 9 p.m. with matches originating from the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif.   For additional information, click here.

 About ESPN 3D

ESPN was the first to announce in the United States an exclusive 3D network in January 2010 which was the culmination of more than three years of testing 3D television.  ESPN has produced many 3D domestic telecasts in 2010 and 2011, including the BCS National Championship game, the Masters, X Games, multiple college football and basketball games, the State Farm Home Run Derby and more . ESPN has developed best practices for utilizing the technology in live game applications which have provided the ability to streamline workflow operations, adjust 3D camera positioning, perform transmission tests and gauge fan reaction to a 3D telecast versus a traditional telecast.  In addition, ESPN utilizes cutting-edge technology located at the ESPN Innovation Lab in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World to continue to develop innovative production enhancements.  ESPN 3D is available in the United States to more than 65 million households and has carriage agreements with AT&T U-Verse, Comcast, DIRECTV, Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS. Sony was named the first official sponsor of the network in January 2010.

 -30-

ESPN 3D will televise the Gentlemen’s semifinals and the Finals of both the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s draws from The Championships: Wimbledon tennis action from the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in London on Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4.  The four matches will be the first 3D tennis televised by the network which launched June 2010. 

“ESPN 3D continues to provide fans the best in sports and adding coverage from Wimbledon is another example of a marquee event on our network,” said Bryan Burns, vice president, strategic business planning.  “ESPN 3D has shown several championships over the course of its’ first year and we are pleased to enter our second year of programming with this outstanding tennis event.”

The ESPN 3D coverage of Wimbledon complements ESPN2’s extensive two-week schedule with more than 100 live hours, beginning Monday, June 20.

The ESPN 3D Wimbledon tennis schedule:

ESPN 3D has presented several championships this year including the BCS National Championship, the Fiesta Bowl, the BIG EAST basketball tournament and the NBA playoffs and NBA Finals.

About ESPN 3D

ESPN was the first to announce in the United States an exclusive 3D network in January 2010 which was the culmination of more than three years of testing 3D television.  ESPN has produced many 3D domestic telecasts in 2010 and 2011, including the BCS National Championship game, the Masters, X Games, multiple college football and basketball games, the State Farm Home Run Derby and more . ESPN has developed best practices for utilizing the technology in live game applications which have provided the ability to streamline workflow operations, adjust 3D camera positioning, perform transmission tests and gauge fan reaction to a 3D telecast versus a traditional telecast.  In addition, ESPN utilizes cutting-edge technology located at the ESPN Innovation Lab in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World to continue to develop innovative production enhancements.  ESPN 3D is available in the United States to more than 65 million households and has carriage agreements with AT&T U-Verse, Comcast, DIRECTV, Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS. Sony was named the first official sponsor of the network in January 2010.

-30-

3D Content Will Include the Masters Golf Tournament and the NBA Playoffs

 Verizon FiOS TV will launch ESPN 3D on April 5, in time to bring sports fans outstanding 3D content including the Masters Golf Tournament and the NBA playoffs.  ESPN 3D, the industry’s first 3D network, will be viewable for FiOS TV customers who have a 3D television set, 3D glasses and a high-definition set-top box.  The channel will be included at no extra charge for FiOS TV customers who subscribe to the Ultimate HD package, or on its own for $9.99 per month.

“The launch of ESPN 3D on FiOS TV marks an exciting addition for our customers, giving them 24/7 access to 3D programming for the first time,” said Terry Denson, vice president of content strategy and acquisition for Verizon.  “We continue to enhance our FiOS TV offering, with interactive applications, online video programming, and more and more 3D programming.  And with the addition of ESPN 3D, our customers will get exciting sports programming that includes the Masters and NBA playoffs – all in 3D.”

With the addition of Verizon, ESPN 3D is now available in more than 65 million homes.  The network is on track to feature nearly 100 events in its first year. Upcoming programming highlights include:

Date                                         Time (ET)                     Event

Wednesday, April 6                   3 p.m.                           2011 Masters Par 3 contest

Thursday, April 7                       5:30 p.m.                      2011 Masters First Round

Friday, April 8                           5:30 p.m.                      2011 Masters Second Round

Saturday, April 9                       5 p.m.                           2011 Masters Third Round

Sunday, April 10                        5 p.m.                           2011 Masters Final Round

Saturday, April 16                      TBD                              NBA Playoffs (Game 1 – First Round)

Saturday, April 23                      TBD                              NBA Playoffs (Game 4 -- First Round)

Thursday, May 5                        TBD                              NBA Conference Semifinal (Game 2)

Tuesday, May 17                       TBD                              NBA Conference Finals (Game 1)

Thursday, May 19                      TBD                              NBA Conference Finals (Game 2)

Wednesday, May 25                  TBD                              NBA Conference Finals (Game 4)

ESPN 3D has featured two college championships crowned on the new network (Bowl Championship Series in January and the BIG EAST tournament) and will feature the upcoming NBA Finals in June. ESPN 3D has also highlighted college football, college basketball, Winter and Summer X Games and more during the first year.  It began showing 3D content 24 hours a day on February 14.

ESPN 3D joins FiOS TV’s broad collection of programming, which offers a growing number of 3D movies on Video on Demand as well as more than 520 all-digital channels including up to 145 HD channels.  ESPN programming is also available online to FiOS subscribers, with live streaming of ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN Buzzer Beater/Goal Line available at www.verizon.com/fiostvonline or www.ESPNnetworks.com.  FiOS also provides next-generation interactive services including an advanced interactive media guide; social networking, news and entertainment widgets; remote DVR management via broadband or cell phone; and more.

For the latest news, updates and information about FiOS TV, visit www.verizon.com/newscenter  and http://www.verizon.com/athomeblog.

-30-

About Verizon:

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 94.1 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

About ESPN 3D:

ESPN was the first to announce in the United States an exclusive 3D network in January 2010, which was the culmination of more than three years of testing 3D television.  ESPN produced many 3D domestic telecasts in 2010, including: college football and basketball, the State Farm Home Run Derby, the Masters, the Harlem Globetrotters and NBA games.  ESPN 3D first produced the USC vs. Ohio State college football game in September 2009, which became the starting point for the network. ESPN has developed best practices for utilizing and producing 3D technology in live game applications.  In addition, ESPN utilizes cutting-edge technology located at the ESPN Innovation Lab in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World to continue to develop innovative production enhancements.  ESPN 3D is available in the United States to approximately 62.5 million households and has carriage agreements with AT&T U-Verse, Comcast, DIRECTV, Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS TV.  Sony was named the first official sponsor of the network in January 2010.

February 24, 2011 

ESPN 3D to Televise the 2011 NBA Finals
NBA Finals Televised for First Time in 3D

ESPN 3D, in its first year of distribution, will expand its NBA offerings to include The Finals – the pinnacle of the NBA season – this June, marking the first time the championship-crowning event will be presented in 3D.  ESPN 3D televised the first NBA game in 3D when the Miami Heat visited the New York Knicks on December 17, 2010.  Since December, ESPN 3D has shown six NBA games in addition to other programming. 

ESPN 3D’s upcoming NBA schedule (schedule subject to change):

 Beginning Monday, Feb. 14, ESPN 3D began showing 3D content 24-hours a day. In its first year, ESPN 3D will telecast more than 100 live events.

About ESPN 3D

ESPN was the first to announce in the United States an exclusive 3D network in January 2010 which was the culmination of more than three years of testing 3D television.  ESPN produced many 3D domestic telecasts in 2010, including: college football and basketball, the State Farm Home Run Derby, the Masters, the Harlem Globetrotters and NBA games.  ESPN 3D first produced the USC vs. Ohio State college football game in September 2009 which became the starting point for the network. ESPN has developed best practices for utilizing and producing 3D technology in live game applications.  In addition, ESPN utilizes cutting-edge technology located at the ESPN Innovation Lab in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World to continue to develop innovative production enhancements.  ESPN 3D is available in the United States to approximately 62.5 million households and has carriage agreements with AT&T U-Verse, Comcast, DIRECTV and Time Warner Cable. It will launch in 2011 on Verizon FiOS TV.  Sony was named the first official sponsor of the network in January 2010.

-30-

Contacts: Colleen Stack Lynch at 860-766-4235 or colleen.s.lynch@espn.com

                Nate Smeltz at 860-766-4550 or nate.smeltz@espn.com

 
February 23, 2011

ESPN’s television coverage of the 2011 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club will expand with 10 hours of programming in 3D on the ESPN 3D network, including two hours from all four rounds of Tournament action.

ESPN 3D’s live Masters telecasts begin with the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, April 6, from 3-5 p.m. ET. Thursday and Friday’s Tournament action airs from 5:30-7:30 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday’s telecasts from 5-7 p.m.

Last April, the Masters became the first major sporting event produced and broadcast in 3D live internationally on television and the Internet.

ESPN 3D was launched in June of 2010 and expanded to a 24-hour network in January. ESPN has televised the Par 3 Contest and first and second rounds of The Masters since 2008.

In addition to coverage on ESPN 3D, ESPN’s multiplatform coverage of the Masters will include 4.5 hours per day of first and second-round play on ESPN, ESPN HD and ESPN Deportes on Thursday and Friday, SportsCenter at the Masters and live coverage of the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, extensive coverage on ESPN.com and a special 43-hour Masters tribute on ESPN Classic.

About ESPN 3D:

ESPN was the first to announce in the United States an exclusive 3D network in January 2010 which was the culmination of more than three years of testing 3D television.  ESPN produced many 3D domestic telecasts in 2010, including: college football and basketball, the State Farm Home Run Derby, the Masters, the Harlem Globetrotters and NBA games.  ESPN 3D first produced the USC vs. Ohio State college football game in September 2009 which became the starting point for the network. ESPN has developed best practices for utilizing and producing 3D technology in live game applications.  In addition, ESPN utilizes cutting-edge technology located at the ESPN Innovation Lab in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World to continue to develop innovative production enhancements.  ESPN 3D is available in the United States to approximately 62.5 million households and has carriage agreements with AT&T U-Verse, Comcast, DIRECTV and Time Warner Cable. It will launch in 2011 on Verizon FiOS TV.  Sony was named the first official sponsor of the network in January 2010.

-30-

Contact:           Andy Hall, andy.hall@espn.com, (386) 492-2246

                               Colleen S. Lynch, colleen.s.lynch@espn.com, (860) 766-4235

To Tweet this release: http://es.pn/hv2W6l

ESPN 3D will present boxing in 3D for the first time Feb. 18 with ESPN’s Friday Night Fights telecast at 9 p.m. ET from Salisbury, Md. The fight will also be televised on ESPN2. 

 “We anticipate delivering an extraordinary visual experience with our 3D coverage of boxing”, said Phil Orlins, Coordinating Producer, ESPN 3D.  “3D is most impactful when you have the opportunity to shoot from close proximity to the action making boxing one of the most ideal sports to cover in 3D.”

 Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside describing the action from the Wicomico Civic Center where two undefeated welterweights are featured in co-main events."Here's hoping we get a spectacular, head-snapping, sweat-spraying, one punch knockout just a few feet away from an ESPN 3D camera!” said Tessitore, who covered ESPN 3D college football games throughout the 2010-11 season, including coverage of the BCS National Championship game.

“The color and energy we captured for the BCS National Championship game on ESPN 3D was everything we thought it would be and more. Among those of us on that production team, Friday Night Fights is the telecast we've been waiting for. The one descriptive I'll often use for 3D is that it provides fans the best seat in the house and boxing tends to do that better than most sports as it is. 3D will only add to it."

Matt Sandulli, ESPN Sr. Coordinating Producer for ESPN’s Friday Night Fight’s said, “We are very excited to see the results of boxing in 3D because it may benefit the most of any sport from 3D because of the nature of the up close coverage.”   

 To speak about boxing’s first-ever 3D telecast with Phil, Joe, Matt and Chris Calcinari, Vice President, Event Operations:

                                                                       Media Conference Call

                                                                        ►Wednesday, Feb. 16

                                                                        ►3 p.m. ET

                                                                        ►Call-in: 913-312-0668

                                                                        ►Pass code: 913-312-0668

►RSVP: Colleen Stack Lynch (860) 766-4235; colleen.s.lynch@espn.com

Friday’s historic 3D event will feature undefeated southpaw knockout artist, and hometown favorite, Fernando Guerrero (20-0, 16 KO’s, WBA #9), and undefeated welterweight Shawn Porter (17-0, 13 KO’s) in 10-round co-main events. Guerrero, coming off an impressive fourth-round knockout win in his last fight, will meet Indiana’s Derrick Findley (17-4, 11 KO’s). After Guerrero’s last fight ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael wrote, “Guerrero was a standout amateur and has become one of the top prospects in boxing since turning pro in 2007. He’s exciting, has charisma and draws big crowds when he fights.”

Cleveland native Porter, who is coming off an impressive ninth-round October TKO win against Hector Munoz, will meet Buffalo’s Anges Adjaho (17-4, 9 KO’s). Porter, who gained fame for giving Manny Pacquiao a good work in sparring, used a versatile attack, and accurate combination punching to dominate in his last fight. Porter had a tremendous amateur career including a win over Fernando Guerrero.

About ESPN 3D

ESPN was the first to announce in the United States an exclusive 3D network in January 2010 which was the culmination of more than three years of testing 3D television.  ESPN produced many 3D domestic telecasts in 2010, including: college football and basketball, the State Farm Home Run Derby, the Masters, the Harlem Globetrotters and NBA games.  ESPN 3D first produced the USC vs. Ohio State college football game in September 2009 which became the starting point for the network. ESPN has developed best practices for utilizing and producing 3D technology in live game applications.  In addition, ESPN utilizes cutting-edge technology located at the ESPN Innovation Lab in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World to continue to develop innovative production enhancements.  ESPN 3D is available in the United States to approximately 62.5 million households and has carriage agreements with AT&T U-Verse, Comcast, DIRECTV and Time Warner Cable. It will launch in 2011 on Verizon FiOS TV.  Sony was named the first official sponsor of the network in January 2010.

-- 30 –