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2004 Championship Gets 4 Hours of Broadcast Time
ST. LOUIS, MO (June 18, 2004) -- Billiard Club network (BCn) is proud to announce an agreement with ESPN to produce and broadcast a minimum of 4 feature matches from the 2004 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship with options for more programming. ESPN's program director has given the green light to pool's most prestigious event for an October broadcast schedule.
In addition to the 87.1 million homes in the U.S. that get ESPN 2, ESPN will also provide the programming to its international partners worldwide. BCn will maintain co-distribution rights internationally, live Internet distribution, and videotape/DVD sales rights.
"This is great news for the U.S. Open and for pro pool," said Barry Behrman, the event's founder and promoter. "Many thanks to BCn for its vision and dedication to the TV production and distribution over the past two years. The Open was on ESPN in the early 90's, BCn put it on pay-per-view live in 2002 and increased the distribution in 2003 on regional cable networks. Now it's back where it rightfully belongs, on the worldwide leader in sports."
ESPN also has an option to broadcast the Ring Game of Champions, set for Sunday, September 5, 2004 as a kickoff to the Open. This event, similar to the Ring Game at the Derby City Classic taped in January, will consist of 6 players playing for a "winner-take-all" prize to be determined. This Ring Game will feature past U.S. Open Champions and will be broadcast live online at www.billiardclub.net along with BCn's entire production of the U.S. Open 9-Ball tournament.
"This is just another step in the overall plan to establish pool as a nationally recognized sport," said Rob Sykora, BCn president. "Having the most prestigious title in professional pool on ESPN benefits everyone involved, from the players, to the room operators, to the manufactures and retailers."
"One thing's for sure," added Sykora, "there'll be no shortage of opportunities to see this year's U.S. Open, The entire event will be broadcast live online through our web site. So, if you're a pool fan, you'll be hard-pressed to miss it. We will also continue with our weekly regional cable broadcasts featuring other major events including the Derby City Classic."
For more detailed information about the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship, visit the event home page at www.usopen9ballchampionships.com. For sponsorship and advertising opportunities, contact BCn at 1-866-774-8770 or visit www.billiardclub.net.
All player registration and ticket sales information is available at www.billiardhq.com.
