ESPN International Presents the 'Champions of the World'
Motor racing -
22 May 2003
ESPN International, which has affiliated networks that reach more than 140 countries and territories on all seven continents, today announced an upcoming schedule of programming that will feature some of the most celebrated championship events in all of sports.
Beginning on Sunday, May 25 with the Indianapolis 500, the most prestigious auto race in the world, and culminating with the final round of the U.S. Open on June 15, ESPN International will present coverage of seven of the world's marquee sports championships. Programming highlights include:
The 87th Indianapolis 500: May 25. The 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing', the Indianapolis 500 will provide an opportunity for two-time defending champion Helio Castroneves to make Indy 500 history by winning the race three consecutive years.
Roland Garros: May 26 - June 9. Brazil's Gustavo Kuerten will try to capture his fourth Roland Garros title against a strong field that includes former champion and current number one-ranked men's player Andre Agassi. On the women's side, defending champion Serena Williams will attempt to win her fifth consecutive Grand Slam title.
UEFA Champions League Final: May 28. The premier football club championship in the world, the UEFA Champions League will feature the competition's first ever all-Italian final, as Juventus will battle AC Milan in Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, England.
NBA Conference Finals and Finals: Thru Mid-June. With the elimination of the three-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, four new teams will have an opportunity to win the NBA crown, including the San Antonio Spurs, featuring superstar Tim Duncan, and the Dallas Mavericks, featuring German sensation Dirk Nowitzki.
Stanley Cup Finals: Beginning May 27. The Stanley Cup may be the most recognized trophy in all of sports. This year, three teams remain with the hopes of skating a victory lap around the rink with the Stanley Cup raised high including the Ottawa Senators, the 2000 champion New Jersey Devils, and the surprising Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
Belmont Stakes: Saturday, June 7. The 135th edition of the Belmont Stakes, horse racing's third leg of the illustrious Triple Crown, may be history in the making. After winning the first two races in the series-the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness-- New York-bred gelding 'Funny Cide' tries to become the first horse since 1978 to complete the Triple Crown.
U.S. Open: June 12 - 15. The world's top-ranked golfers come together for the year's second Major, the 103rd U.S. Open, from Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois. Last year's champion Tiger Woods will defend his title against a field of other world-class players including Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson, and Vijay Singh.
'ESPN has always been committed to delivering marquee event programming to our viewers, and this run of championship events over the next few weeks is a testament of that commitment,' said Tim Bunnell, vice president of programming, ESPN International.
Please check local listings for precise telecast dates and times.
Media Contact: Chris Bellitti at 212.456.0265 or chris.bellitti@espn.com
Beginning on Sunday, May 25 with the Indianapolis 500, the most prestigious auto race in the world, and culminating with the final round of the U.S. Open on June 15, ESPN International will present coverage of seven of the world's marquee sports championships. Programming highlights include:
The 87th Indianapolis 500: May 25. The 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing', the Indianapolis 500 will provide an opportunity for two-time defending champion Helio Castroneves to make Indy 500 history by winning the race three consecutive years.
Roland Garros: May 26 - June 9. Brazil's Gustavo Kuerten will try to capture his fourth Roland Garros title against a strong field that includes former champion and current number one-ranked men's player Andre Agassi. On the women's side, defending champion Serena Williams will attempt to win her fifth consecutive Grand Slam title.
UEFA Champions League Final: May 28. The premier football club championship in the world, the UEFA Champions League will feature the competition's first ever all-Italian final, as Juventus will battle AC Milan in Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, England.
NBA Conference Finals and Finals: Thru Mid-June. With the elimination of the three-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, four new teams will have an opportunity to win the NBA crown, including the San Antonio Spurs, featuring superstar Tim Duncan, and the Dallas Mavericks, featuring German sensation Dirk Nowitzki.
Stanley Cup Finals: Beginning May 27. The Stanley Cup may be the most recognized trophy in all of sports. This year, three teams remain with the hopes of skating a victory lap around the rink with the Stanley Cup raised high including the Ottawa Senators, the 2000 champion New Jersey Devils, and the surprising Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
Belmont Stakes: Saturday, June 7. The 135th edition of the Belmont Stakes, horse racing's third leg of the illustrious Triple Crown, may be history in the making. After winning the first two races in the series-the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness-- New York-bred gelding 'Funny Cide' tries to become the first horse since 1978 to complete the Triple Crown.
U.S. Open: June 12 - 15. The world's top-ranked golfers come together for the year's second Major, the 103rd U.S. Open, from Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois. Last year's champion Tiger Woods will defend his title against a field of other world-class players including Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson, and Vijay Singh.
'ESPN has always been committed to delivering marquee event programming to our viewers, and this run of championship events over the next few weeks is a testament of that commitment,' said Tim Bunnell, vice president of programming, ESPN International.
Please check local listings for precise telecast dates and times.
Media Contact: Chris Bellitti at 212.456.0265 or chris.bellitti@espn.com