MLS on HDNet

Note from HiDefSooner: I received a message from KSBI that they will not be allowed to televise MLS games OTA. You can only see the games on DirecTV’s HDNet channel.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER AND HDNET ENTER THREE-YEAR EXCLUSIVE HDTV AGREEMENT

NEW YORK and DALLAS – April 3, 2003 – Major League Soccer and HDNet announced a three-year agreement to broadcast live HDTV coverage of MLS games. The exclusive nationally televised high-definition coverage of “MLS on HDNet” begins April 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET as the Colorado Rapids host the San Jose Earthquakes. The match will be the first MLS contest broadcast in high-definition television.

The full 2003 regular-season package features at least 28 consecutive Saturday contests, including the annual Fourth of July match at Invesco Field in Denver, followed by a spectacular fireworks show. All “MLS on HDNet” games will be exclusively produced and broadcast by HDNet with HDNet announcers, graphics and crews. HDNet will also air background features on MLS teams and players, all in the highest quality 1080i HDTV format, which provides an enhanced resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio.

“HDNet is thrilled to provide our viewers with the first ever high definition broadcasts of Major League Soccer,” said Mark Cuban, co-founder and president of HDNet. “The exciting, fast-paced action of soccer provides a great showcase for HDTV and a great addition to our selection of the best sports, news and entertainment programming.”

“We are excited to be partnering with HDNet to deliver the incredible HDTV viewing experience to MLS fans across the country,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “In addition to the enhanced picture quality of high-definition,
the wide screen format gives our fans at home the ability to watch plays as they develop. It’s the next best thing to being in the stadium.”

Calling the play-by-play action for HDNet is Glenn Davis, who enters his eighth season of Major League Soccer television coverage. Davis joins HDNet after serving as a television color analyst for the Dallas Burn since 1996. An NAIA All-American at Davis & Elkins College, Davis has provided both color commentary and play-by-play for some of the world’s most prestigious matches and leagues, including the 2002 World Cup for ESPN, the Italian Serie A, Copa America, UEFA Cup, German Bundesliga and the Gold Cup. A former professional player in the ASL, USL and AISA during the 1980’s, Davis holds a USSF “A” Coaching License and currently writes a weekly soccer column for the Houston Chronicle. Joining Davis in the booth is Marcelo Balboa, one of the most tenacious and accomplished players in MLS and U. S. history. Making his television debut this season on HDNet, the former Colorado Rapids and MetroStars defender was one of the first three Americans to play in three World Cups (‘90, ‘94 and ’98). By 2002, the San Diego State product amassed 151 games played (146 starts) with 24 goals and 23 assists in MLS, making him the only defender in League history to notch 20 goals and 20 assists in a career. Career awards include U.S. Soccer’s ‘92 and ‘94 Male Athlete of the Year, 1994 USA World Cup MVP, ‘94 Honda Player of the Year and participant in the 1995 FIFA World All-Star Game in Tokyo.

The attached schedule lists the live 2003 MLS game broadcasts on HDNet (all times are Eastern and are subject to change). All games are on Saturday, with the exception of July 4th. A complete schedule of programming, including rebroadcasts of these games, is available at www.hd.net or at www.mlsnet.com.

2003 BROADCAST SCHEDULE (subject to change)

Date Game Time (ET)
April 12 San Jose Earthquakes @ Colorado Rapids 9:00 p.m.
April 19 Kansas City Wizards @ San Jose Earthquakes10:00 p.m.
April 26 D.C. United @ Colorado Rapids 9:00 p.m.
May 3 Columbus Crew @ Kansas City Wizards 8:00 p.m.
May 10 Kansas City Wizards @ Dallas Burn 8:30 p.m.
May 17 Columbus Crew @ San Jose Earthquakes 10:00 p.m.
May 24 New England Revolution @ Columbus Crew 7:30 p.m.
May 31 Los Angeles Galaxy @ Colorado Rapids 9:00 p.m.
June 7 MetroStars @ Kansas City Wizards 8:00 p.m.
June 14 New England Revolution @ Colorado Rapids 9:00 p.m.
June 21 Columbus Crew @ San Jose Earthquakes 10:00 p.m.
June 28 D.C. United @ Columbus Crew 7:30 p.m.
July 4 Kansas City Wizards @ Colorado Rapids 9:30 p.m.
July 12 Dallas Burn @ Kansas City Wizards 8:00 p.m.
July 19 Kansas City Wizards @ Columbus Crew 7:30 p.m.
July 26 Kansas City Wizards @ Chicago Fire 8:30 p.m.
August 9 Columbus Crew @ Los Angeles Galaxy 10:00 p.m.
August 16 D.C. United @ Chicago Fire 8:30 p.m.
August 23 Columbus Crew @ Dallas Burn 9:00 p.m.
August 30 Kansas City Wizards @ Columbus Crew 7:30 p.m.
September 6 Columbus Crew @ Chicago Fire 9:00 p.m.
September 13Kansas City Wizards @ Colorado Rapids 9:00 p.m.
September 20D.C. United @ Los Angeles Galaxy 10:00 p.m.
September 27Chicago Fire @ Colorado Rapids 9:00 p.m.
October 4 D.C. United @ Columbus Crew 7:30 p.m.
October 11 Columbus Crew @ Chicago Fire 8:30 p.m.
October 18 San Jose Earthquakes @ Los Angeles Galaxy 10:00 p.m.
October 25 Los Angeles Galaxy @ San Jose Earthquakes 10:00 p.m.