USA 7s Confirms Re-Broadcast on ABC Monday Feb 9, 2009 in Elite Level Rugby USA 7 February 9, 2009, San Diego, Calif. – USA Sevens LLC announced today that ABC will broadcast the USA Sevens Rugby Tournament presented by Bridgestone as a one-hour special, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. EST. “Having a chance to showcase the premier event of one of the country’s fastest-growing sports is an enormous opportunity,” said Ray Peterson, managing director of the USA Sevens LLC. “Rugby fans across America will now be able to watch their favorite teams compete and many new viewers will also be introduced to the dynamic game of rugby sevens.” The USA Sevens Rugby Tournament presented by Bridgestone will be held Feb. 14-15 at San Diego’s PETCO Park. The event will feature 16 international teams competing in 44 matches, and is the fourth round in the IRB Sevens World Series. About USA Sevens LLC USA Sevens LLC owns and operates the USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament and Fan Festival. Held annually in San Diego as part of the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series, the event brings together a unique combination of world-class athletes, entertainment and diverse international culture.
http://www.americanrugbynews.com/artman/publish/sevens/ABC_to_televise_Sevens.shtml Yes, it is on ABC(national tv). However it is tape delay on Sunday the 22nd, with the live match being played on the 14th. Pass it on.
It could be huge if the tv ratings are promising. Remember Sunday 22nd of Feb. at 5pm. I think they have condensed it into an hour long, so much be showing from the quaterfinals onward.
All of the press releases say 5pm EST, but it would be good to check your TV guide if you are in another time zone. Here is a response from Dan Lyle when I sent him an e-mail last week. "Robert, Thank you for you email, we are endeavoring to grow American Rugby, and we appreciate your support! Have a look at the 7’s on ABC television on Feb 22nd at 5pm Eastern! Pass the word! Dan"
Bridgestone signs on as USA Sevens sponsor http://www.americanrugbynews.com/ar...dgestone_signs_on_as_USA_Sevens_sponsor.shtml Bridgestone signs on as USA Sevens sponsor Posted in: Sevens By Feb 12, 2009 - 12:31:57 Bridgestone has signed on as the presenting sponsor for the USA Sevens in San Diego this weekend. As the presenting sponsor, Bridgestone will receive exclusive on-air designation, including commercial time, opening and closing billboards, and on-air mentions. The company will also receive on-the-ground field signage. “This USA Sevens tournament is an exciting opportunity to display rugby’s significant growth in America,” said Ray Peterson, managing director of USA Sevens. “We are pleased to welcome Bridgestone’s participation in the event.” The USA Sevens presented by Bridgestone will feature 16 international teams competing in the largest international rugby event in North America. The tournament is the fourth round in the annual IRB Sevens World Series and will be held at San Diego’s PETCO Park for the third straight year. A one-hour special of the USA Sevens Rugby Tournament presented by Bridgestone will air on ABC, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. EST. Live and world feed coverage will also be available on ESPN360.com and Setanta in the United States, and to over 120 broadcasters worldwide.
Considering I don't get Setanta that was awesome to see some rugby on something other than my computer screen. I haven't seen a live sevens match in years so that was really fun to see the pace and action. I hope the ratings were good, maybe get some more coverage domestically even if it's like ESPN Classic or something. Good showing by the US too!