Marketing to Latinos Sports Conference

Copa Santander Libertadores returns to FOX Deportes

2012-01-24T13:22:00.004-05:00

Los Angeles, CA – January 24, 2010 – FOX Deportes announced today the return of the Copa Santander Libertadores, the most prestigious soccer championship in Latin America. Live and exclusive game coverage begins on Tuesday, January 24 at 6:15 PM ET with the first preliminary round match, featuring Arsenal FC (ARG) versus U. Sport Huancayo (PER). The tournament encompasses over 100 matches, culminating with the two-part final in late June and early July.

The Copa Santander Libertadores, a fixture in the FOX Deportes lineup since 2002, features 38 clubs from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Venezuela, Uruguay, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Bolivia. Headlining the roster are some of Mexico’s most storied teams, including Chivas of Guadalajara, Cruz Azul, and Tigres. The tournament will also feature 2011 champions, Santos FC (BRA), and 2011 finalists, Flamengo (BRA). Matches will be broadcast live in Spanish on FOX Deportes and will include a pre-game for those matches involving a Mexican team.

“FOX Deportes is honored to bring its loyal audience exclusive and live coverage of the most coveted club soccer tournament of the Americas,” said Vincent Cordero, EVP and General Manager for FOX Deportes. “We take pride in our network’s commitment to consistently bring fans the soccer action they love.”

Acclaimed commentator Bruno Vain and Martin Zuñiga will perform play-by-play duties and will call all matches.

Copa Santander Libertadores 2012 Preliminary Stage Schedule*

Date        Kickoff ET     Match
1/24/12    6:15         Arsenal FC (ARG) v Sport Huancayo (PER)
1/24/12    8:30   El Nacional (ECU) v Libertad (PAR)
1/25/12    4:50           Union Española (CHI) v Tigres UANL (MEX)
1/25/12    7:00           Real Potosí (BOL) v Flamengo (BRA)
1/25/12    7:00           Internacional (BRA) v Once Caldas (COL)
1/26/12    5:45           Peñarol (URU) v Caracas FC (VEN)

Date        Kickoff ET      Match
1/31/12    6:00            Libertad (PAR) v El Nacional (ECU)
1/31/12    8:30 Sport Huancayo (PER) v Arsenal FC (ARG)
2/1/12     7:00            Flamengo (BRA) v Real Potosí (BOL)
2/1/12     7:00            Once Caldas (COL) v Internacional (BRA)
2/2/12      6:30           Caracas FC (VEN) v Peñarol (URU)
2/2/12    9:00           Tigres UANL (MEX) v Union Española (CHI)

*Schedule is subject to change

For a complete schedule of exclusive telecasts on of the Copa Santander Libertadores, please visit the network's website at www.foxdeportes.com.

About FOX Deportes
Reaching more than 18 million cable and satellite households in the country, of which almost 6 million are U.S. Hispanic, FOX Deportes is the leader in Spanish-language sports media. FOX Deportes features premier soccer programming with exclusive coverage of Fútbol Liga Mexicana, Barclays Premier League, Italian Serie A, UEFA Champions League, Copa Santander Libertadores and Copa Nissan Sudamericana; coverage of the Major League Baseball regular season, All-Star Game, National League Championship Series and World Series; Top Rank Boxing, and UFC® across four compelling media platforms. Boasting more than 2,100 hours of live and exclusive programming, a robust web site brimming with streaming video and portable content from FD Móvil, FOX Deportes is the first name in the U.S. Hispanic sports space. For more information, visit FOX Deportes online at Foxdeportes.com

SOURCE: FOX Deportes

Liberty Syndicates to sponsor World Cup

2012-01-16T09:04:00.000-05:00

Jan 16, 2012 | by Chris Wheal

As part of an agreement with world football's governing body Fifa, both Liberty Syndicates (Brazil) and Liberty Seguros (another member of Liberty Mutual Group), will be officially recognised as national supporters of both the 2014 Fifa World Cup Brazil and the Fifa Confederations Cup Brazil 2013. The sponsorship agreement runs until October 2014.

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Milka Duno launches new MilkaWay.com website

2012-01-10T08:38:00.000-05:00

Los Angeles, CA (January 4, 2012) – Race car driver Milka Duno has launched a new website designed to showcase her Milka Way program, whose mission it is to inspire children and young students to “Aim for the Stars” and achieve academic excellence.

The new site, at www.milkaway.com, discusses the educational outreach program and shows many images of Milka Way visits with children and young students around the world.

Started in 2004, the primary objective of the Milka Way program is to inspire and motivate children and young students to study hard in school, pursue every educational opportunity available to them and strive for academic excellence.

In speaking to children and young students directly via the Milka Way visits, and through her book “Go, Milka, Go!” Duno gives insights and tells stories about her own life and her academic and professional goals and accomplishments as an example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination.

This personal interaction with children and young students has shown to be wonderfully effective and both inspires and motivates them in a direct and impactful way.

The “Testimonials” section of the website displays letters from children and young students and statements from educators that reflect the effectiveness and success of the concept and the program.

Milka Way visits have occurred at elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, junior colleges, colleges and universities. Each Milka Way visit is customized to the size and age level of the audience. Milka Way visits are also customized in conjunction with school officials’ requests for specialized emphasis. They can also be customized for student specialties/groups – such as in the areas of science, math, engineering and technology.

As a qualified Naval Engineer with four master's degrees - in Organizational Development, Naval Architecture, Aquaculture and Maritime Business – earning the last three degrees simultaneously – Duno is a big believer in the value of education.

“I am very passionate about education and I want to do everything that I can to inspire children and young students to study hard and aim for the stars!” says Duno. “Milka Way gives me an opportunity to try and inspire and motivate them to focus on their education by helping them understand that a strong academic background will benefit them for their entire life – in all aspects of their life – and in any career they choose.”

Duno has taken this message to children, young students, parents and teachers at all school levels around the world – including her home country of Venezuela, Malaysia, Canada, Japan, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico and all across the United States.

The new website, in its “Academic Excellence” section, gives Duno a wonderful opportunity to highlight and celebrate the successes of some of her Milka Way fans – and she invites parents and teachers to send in images of their children and young students that are achieving!

The site’s extensive gallery offers visitors many images to view as well as several videos on and about Milka Way visits.

MilkaWay.com also offers a simple way for those that are interested to order Duno’s award-winning children’s book “Go, Milka, Go,” a way to inquire about hosting a Milka Way visit or corporate speaking engagement and an invitation to become a promotional partner, sponsor or supporter of the Milka Way effort.

In the coming weeks the Spanish version of the new MilkaWay.com website will debut.

About About Milka Duno:

Duno has eight major race wins in the highest classes (Prototype) in the American Le Mans Series and Rolex Series and the highest finish ever by a female driver (2nd Place) in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the 49-year history of the race. Go, Milka, Go! - a book about her life and racing career, was awarded the Best Young Adult Sports/Recreation Book of 2009 at the 11th Annual International Latino Book Awards. In 2010, Duno became the first Venezuelan athlete inducted into the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame.

SOURCE: Milka Duno

Move over Futbol, the NFL Scores Big with Latinos

2012-01-09T08:58:00.000-05:00

Jan 03, 2011 | by Richie Matthews & Carlos Vassallo

More than 33 million Hispanics have watched professional football so far this season, making it the most-watched NFL season among Latinos. Professional football, not fútbol, delivered two of the most-watched professional sporting games in 2011 among Hispanics.

Generation Ñ

As a group, Hispanic children are growing faster than any other. History suggests today’s Latino kids eventually will become the parents of fully Americanized descendants whose only link to their cultural heritage is a surname, religious practice or holiday, said Hernán Ramírez, a sociologist at Florida State University who specializes in Hispanic assimilation tells the Tampa Tribune.

More and more NFL teams are courting the lucrative Latino market in attempt to tap into an aggressive and young fan base ready to shell out consumer dollars. Since Hispanic football fans spend nearly 15 hours engaged with the NFL each week during the regular season and because more Latinos watched the Super Bowl than the World Cup Final, it is easy to understand why the NFL’s strategic marketing efforts for this season’s big game should enable them to make unparalleled inroads with young Americans of Hispanic descent.

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Latino sports year in review

2012-01-03T03:18:00.000-05:00

Dec 30, 2011 | by Maria Burns Ortiz

The impact of Latinos on sports has never been more evident than in 2011. After all, there’s a reason that nearly every sporting organization – from the NBA to NASCAR – has undertaken marketing and outreach initiatives to tap into the increasingly influential Hispanic demographic.

From the athletes dominating highlight reels to the fans filling the seats, the last 12 months have demonstrated just how much Latinos are changing the face of the game. Culling through the moments, milestones and memories of the last year, here’s a look at some of the sports stories that captured our attention.

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Best soccer team of 2011? Not Barca

2011-12-27T07:11:00.000-05:00

Dec 26, 2011 | by Clemente Lisi

Let’s start with a quiz question. What country has been crowned champions of South America the most times? Brazil? No, but good guess. Argentina? Try again. The answer is Uruguay, winners of a record 15 Copa America titles. Uruguay captured its latest trophy this past summer. A two-time World Cup champion, Uruguay is no longer a strong team of the past. They are, in my opinion, the strongest national team in the world at the moment.

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Messi not ready to pass the torch

2011-12-18T23:35:00.000-05:00

Dec 18, 2011 | by Rob Hughes

It is tempting to describe this year’s FIFA Club World Cup final as men against boys — so completely and easily did Barcelona outplay the Brazilian team Santos on Sunday night in Yokohama, Japan.

The temptation is wrong.

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FOX Deportes announces live and exclusive Spanish-language coverage of the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup

2011-12-09T10:33:00.000-05:00

New York & Los Angeles, December 8, 2011 – FOX Deportes, the leader in Spanish-language sports media, will once again hold the exclusive rights as the Spanish-language broadcaster of the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup. Live coverage begins on Thursday, December 8th at 5:30am EST with Japan (JPN) vs. Auckland City FC (NZL). The tournament continues through Sunday, the 18th with the tournament FINAL airing live on FOX Deportes at 5:30am EST.

Highlights include the CF Monterrey (MEX) match on Sunday, December 11th, the Santos FC match on Wednesday, December 14h and the FC Barcelona match on Thursday, December 15th. This highly anticipated match will mark the first time that Neymar, forward for Santos and the Brazilian national team, and Leo Messi, of FC Barcelona, will come head to head.

2011 FIFA Club World Cup will be the 8th edition of the FIFA Club World Cup. After UAE hosted the tournament in 2009 and 2010, hosting rights for the 2011 edition return to Japan.

Schedule

12/11/2011 - 2:00:00 AM: 2011 FIFA Club World Cup - Espérance Sportive (TUN) v Al-Saad SC (QAT) ¬ 1/ 4 Finals

12/11/2011 5:30:00 AM: 2011 FIFA Club World Cup - Winner 1 v CF Monterrey (MEX) -1/ 4 Finals (EV)

12/14/2011 2:30:00 AM: 2011 FIFA Club World Cup - 5th Place: Loser 2 v Looser 3 (EV)

12/14/2011 5:30:00 AM: 2011 FIFA Club World Cup - SEMIFINAL: Winner 2 v Santos FC (BRA) (EV)

12/15/2011 5:30:00 AM: 2011 FIFA Club World Cup - SEMIFINAL: Winner 3 v FC Barcelona (ESP) (EV)

12/18/2011 2:30:00 AM: 2011 FIFA Club World Cup - 3rd Place: Loser 5 v Loser 6 (EV)

12/18/2011 5:30:00 AM: 2011 FIFA Club World Cup - FINAL: Winner 5 v Winner 6 (EV)

About FOX Deportes

Reaching more than 18 million cable and satellite households in the country, of which almost 6 million are U.S. Hispanic, FOX Deportes is the leader in Spanish-language sports media. FOX Deportes features premier soccer programming with exclusive coverage of Fútbol Liga Mexicana, Barclays Premier League, Italian Serie A, UEFA Champions League, Copa Santander Libertadores and Copa Nissan Sudamericana; coverage of the Major League Baseball regular season, All-Star Game, National League Championship Series and World Series; Top Rank Boxing, UFC® and mixed-martial arts across four compelling media platforms. Boasting more than 2,100 hours of live and exclusive programming, a robust web site brimming with streaming video and portable content from FD Móvil, FOX Deportes is the first name in the U.S. Hispanic sports space. For more information, visit FOX Deportes online at Foxdeportes.com.

FOX Sports Media Group

FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets under Chairman & CEO David Hill. Built with brands that are capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FSMG now includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; Fox’s 19 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; SPEED and SPEED2; Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus; FUEL TV; and Fox College Sports. In addition, FSMG also includes FOX Sports Interactive Media, which comprises FOXSports.com on MSN, whatifsports.com and scout.com, reaching almost 30 million unique visitors monthly. Also included are Fox’s interests in joint venture businesses FOX Deportes, Big Ten Network and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing

agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network.

SOURCE FOX Deportes

Tecate gladly fills boxing's sponsorship void

2011-12-07T22:06:00.000-05:00

Dec 06, 2011 | by Tom Van Riper

Five and a half hours before Miguel Cotto would square off with Antonio Margarito at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Felix Palau was already holding court two blocks away. At The Parlour, a popular pre-game (or pre-fight) watering hole, the Vice President of Marketing for Tecate beer was in his element, schmoozing with staffers, vendors and, what the heck, a couple of reporters. When there’s a big fight – New York, L.A. or Vegas – Tecate is sure to be there.

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The Final of the Copa Bridgestone Sudamericana live and exclusively on FOX Deportes

2011-12-07T15:47:00.001-05:00

Dec 07, 2011 - FOX Deportes announced today the final of the Copa Bridgestone Sudamericana. The first leg of the-highly-anticipated-final will air on December, 8th at 7:00 PM EST/4:00 PM PST with Liga de Quito (ECU) vs. Universidad de Chile (CHI). The winner will be determined during the second match on December, 14th at 7:00 PM EST/4:00 PM PST.

Copa Bridgestone Sudamericana is an international soccer cup competition that began in 2002, and is second only to the Copa Libertadores in importance for South American club teams. During the 2011 tournament, there were a total of 10 countries competing and a total of 76 matches.

FOX Deportes is proud to bring soccer fans the most exclusive and hottest content like Copa Bridgestone Sudamericana.

Thu 12/8 -- COPA SUDAMERICANA - Liga de Quito (ECU) v Universidad de Chile (CHI) – First Leg 7:00 PM EST -- Live

Wed 12/14 -- COPA SUDAMERICANA - Universidad de Chile (CHI) v Liga de Quito (ECU) - 7:00 PM EST -- Live

About FOX Deportes

Mexico Series Marketing “Bienvenidos a NASCAR”

2011-12-04T21:20:00.000-05:00

Dec 01, 2011 | by Donaldez Smith

If you are anything like me, you were probably feeling a tad lost last weekend. There was not a NASCAR Camping World Truck race, NASCAR Nationwide race, nor a NASCAR Sprint Cup race in sight! Even the K&N Pro Series East and West had concluded their 2011 season schedule.

NASCAR Race Mom was able to appease herself slightly by following the season finale of the NASCAR Mexico Series which ran on November 27 of this year. If you are not familiar with this Mexico Series, take a moment to check it out.

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New York Jets' Mark Sanchez at Crossroads of Career

2011-11-28T08:54:00.000-05:00

Nov 27, 2011 | by Maria Burns Ortiz

Earlier this season, Jets coach Rex Ryan called quarterback Mark Sanchez one of the NFL’s elite.

Ryan’s justification? Because Sanchez “wins the big games and he's a winner.”

Unfortunately for Jets fans, that intangible ability hasn’t been on display much this season. The team is 5-5. And Sanchez, who was pegged by many “experts” and fans as a can’t-miss quarterback, is proving to be more hit-and-miss.

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Univision expands Sports Sales Team

2011-11-19T19:30:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 17, 2011 – Univision Communications Inc., the leading media company serving Hispanic America, today announced that Jason Newman has joined the Company as vice president of Sports Sales and Rick Resnick has joined as vice president of Sports Marketing. In these new roles, Newman and Resnick will serve clients with innovative advertising and marketing solutions within Univision’s portfolio of sports properties across all platforms. Based in New York, both will report to Carlos Deschapelles, senior vice president of Univision Sports Sales.

“I am delighted to bring two highly motivated and creative sales and marketing executives like Jason and Rick to the Univision team,” said Deschapelles. “They will both prove essential in delivering the Univision Sports brand to help our clients deliver growth with Hispanic fans.”

Before joining Univision, Newman spent over eight years at ESPN, most recently as senior director of Sports Management where he led a team of executives in developing multiplatform sales strategies and media packages for select sports properties, including FIFA, MLS, NFL, MLB, PGA Tour, boxing and others. Prior, he was the area sales director at Person Digital Learning and brand manager for CNNSI.com at Turner Broadcasting. He started his career in the Sales department at ESPN. Newman received his bachelor’s of science degree in education from Bowling Green State University.

SOURCE Univision Communications

Resnick most recently served as vice president of Marketing at Time Inc. where he oversaw teams that supported advertising sales for Fortune, Money and Time, and developed custom multimedia programs for clients. Throughout his seventeen years at Time Inc., he held various positions in sales development, brand marketing and creative services with Money, Mutual Funds Magazine and Sports Illustrated. Before that, Resinick was a sportswriter for North Jersey Herald-News and The Daily Pennsylvanian. He is the founding editor of the publication Blueshirt Bulletin. Resnick received his bachelor’s of science in economics degree in international business from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s of arts degree in French from The University of Pennsylvania.

Telemundo launches ‘Deportes Telemundo’ app on the App Store

2011-11-19T19:27:00.000-05:00

MIAMI – November 17, 2011 – Telemundo announced today the launch of its new Deportes Telemundo App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, which provides the latest news, scores, statistics and game analysis. The new mobile app is now available on the App Store.

“Our Deportes Telemundo App provides dedicated sports enthusiasts with real-time engagement, anytime and anywhere, extending their viewing experience through compelling, sports content that directly reflects their interests,” said Peter Blacker, executive vice president, digital media and emerging businesses, Telemundo. “The launch of this new app is yet another way to super-serve our audience and expand our programming offerings across multiple screens and viewer passion points.”

The new app, sponsored by Miller Lite, features best-in-class functionality and design and takes advantage of iPhone capabilities including pinching, zooming, tilting, and scrolling. The Deportes Telemundo app also contains clips of Deportes Telemundo programs, including popular clips of sports-themed shows such as “Fútbol Estelar,” “Titulares Telemundo,” “Titulares y Más,” “Ritmo Deportivo,” and more, with up-to-date news, photos and high-quality videos. Show hosts and talent will integrate the app into their shows to engage and interact with their fans in a variety of ways, including asking for fan opinions and responding to their questions.

“This new app is a great way for our Deportes Telemundo on-air talent and show hosts to connect with their fans, providing viewers with more ways to experience the entertaining sports content they have come to know and expect from our programming and their favorite sportscasters and announcers,” added Jorge Hidalgo, senior executive vice president, sports, Telemundo. “The app takes viewer engagement to a new level allowing them to experience major sporting events including the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, like never before.”

Additional app highlights include:

· A “From the Stands” customized Twitter integration where users will be able to tweet and interact with Telemundo talent and other fans in real-time.

· Up-to-the-minute match scores with the ability for users to view future events, which can be added to the device’s calendar from the home page.

· Access to real-time statistics and play-by-play to games from the Mexican National Team and Mexican First Division Soccer teams.

· Up-to-the-minute push-alerts informing users the latest information on their favorite Telemundo shows, teams, and matches.

Telemundo Movil offers advertisers a compelling thematic platform to reach Hispanic consumers and sports fans of mobile content and mobile apps through a diverse set of customizable display ad units.

The Deportes Telemundo App is the latest from Telemundo’s Digital Media Group, delivering the most comprehensive sports coverage across multiple digital platforms, including online, mobile and social media networks.

About Telemundo Media

Telemundo Media, a division of NBCUniversal, is a world-class media company, leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content across its multiplatform portfolio to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. Telemundo’s multiple platforms include the Telemundo Network, a Spanish-language television network featuring original productions, theatrical motion pictures, news and first-class sports events, reaching U.S. Hispanic viewers in 210 markets through its 14 owned stations and its broadcast and cable affiliates; mun2, the preeminent voice for bicultural Hispanics in the U.S. reaching TV households nationwide on digital and analog cable, and satellite; Telemundo Digital Media, which distributes Telemundo’s original content across digital and emerging platforms including mobile devices, www.telemundo.com and www.mun2.tv; an owned and operated full power station in Puerto Rico that reaches 99% of all TV households in that DMA; and Telemundo Internacional, the international distribution arm which has positioned Telemundo as the second largest provider of Spanish-language content worldwide by syndicating content to more than 100 countries in over 35 languages.

SOURCE Telemundo Media

FOX Deportes knocks out competition with unprecedented UFC coverage

2011-11-17T14:52:00.000-05:00

Los Angeles, CA – November 17, 2011 – FOX Deportes, the leader in U.S. Latino Sports media, kicked off its exclusive Spanish-language broadcast of Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC) with the highly anticipated heavyweight title fight, CHOQUE DE TITANES (Clash of the Titans), between defending champion Cain Velasquez vs. Junior Dos Santos on Sat., Nov. 12. The live heavyweight title fight is the highest-rated combat event in Spanish language Cable history, delivering a 3.88 household coverage-area rating, with 487,000 viewers (P2+) and 352,000 viewers in the key adults 18-49 demographic, according to Nielsen Media Research. Additionally, the Network’s live coverage of the undercard fights posted a 3.37 HH rating, becoming the second highest-rated combat sports event ever carried by FOX Deportes, attracting 365,000 viewers overall and 237,000 adults 18-49.

“Clearly the ratings for our first fight out of the gates is a testament to the popularity of this sport, and validates FOX’s decision to strike a long-term deal with UFC,” said Vincent Cordero, EVP and General Manager for FOX Deportes. “The exciting addition of UFC to our lineup will deliver outstanding entertainment to Latino fans of mixed martial arts.” In total, CHOQUE DE TITANES delivered FOX Deportes its sixth-highest Total Day rating this year and the third-highest in primetime.

FOX Deportes started its content and promotional push to CHOQUE DE TITANES with the Oct. 28 launch of a special three-part series called “Cain Velasquez: Brown Pride Part 1”, telling the story of the man and his road to the championship, with Part 2 and Part 3 premiering Nov. 4 and 11, respectively. The series premieres averaged 81,000 viewers, and the replays delivered 147,000 P2+ leading up the live fight coverage on Nov. 12.

In addition to traditional advertising, FOX Deportes launched a robust 360 degree marketing campaign to build excitement around the event. The Network also launched a UFC consumer promotion that called on participants to tune into CRONICA, FOX Deportes’ signature sports news show, to answer questions leading up to the event. All participants who answered correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip for two to California to attend the event.

Earlier this year, FOX Deportes acquired exclusive U.S. Spanish-language media rights to UFC, the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization and number one Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. The Network is scheduled to televise 26 live UFC events through 2012, including the Nov. 12 premiere. FOX Deportes UFC coverage includes: live fights, pre and post shows, UFC Countdown, UFC PPV Classics, UFC Unleashed, the Ultimate Fighter Series, weigh-in specials, and more content from Zuffa, LLC, the owner of the UFC brand. The website, www.FOXDeportes.com, also features UFC video highlights.

About FOX Deportes

SOURCE: FOX Deportes

Tri-State area sports fans rejoice as Cablevision adds Latin American Sports to its channel line-up

2011-11-16T15:58:00.000-05:00

MIAMI, Nov 14, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- As the excitement of the 2011 Major League Baseball World Series begins to ebb, baseball fans in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut can now follow the games of the Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Professional Baseball League), affiliated with Major League Baseball, thanks to Cablevision's new iO en espanol programming package, which includes Latin American Sports (LAS) network.

LAS' Puerto Rico Professional Baseball League coverage, Puerto Rico's main professional baseball league, begins its winter season playing 42 games during the regular season, which runs from November 4 through January 4, plus an additional five playoff games and five to nine final games to determine which of the league's teams will go on to play in the Caribbean World Series in February. For sports fans already familiar with the league's teams -- Criollos de Caguas, Leones de Ponce, Indios de Mayagues and Gigantes de Carolina -- LAS' coverage also includes exclusive interviews with the athletes direct from Puerto Rico.

"By televising our league's games in the tri-state area, many of our loyal Puerto Rican and Dominican fans will be able to see their favorite teams compete," said Sadi R. Antonmattei Goitia, president of the Puerto Rico Professional Baseball League. "Two of our teams -- Indios de Mayaguez and Senadores de San Juan-- are owned by Dominicans and we also have a good number of players from the Dominican Republic playing for all the teams. And for those baseball fans not yet familiar with our league, this is an ideal opportunity to learn about our teams and players while continuing to watch some pretty exciting baseball."

"Our league has many fans who now reside in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, and all of the players are excited to get this additional exposure," said Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, catcher for the Criollos de Caguas. "And this is also a great way for American baseball fans to learn more about the players, many of whom also play Major League ball in the states or may get picked up by American teams in the future."

"We are very pleased to add Latin American Sports channel to Cablevision's iO en espanol. Our very popular Spanish-language digital cable package with more than 45 channels has something entertaining and informative for all household members. iO en espanol provides extensive programming from local sports to popular telenovelas, and includes shows for everyone in the house from preschoolers to parents. Latin American Sports will bring even more value to our viewers," said Bradley Feldman, Cablevision's vice president, video product management.

Alterna'TV, a division of Latin America's leading satellite service provider SatMex, brokered the carriage agreement between Cablevision and Latin American Sports network.

In addition to Puerto Rico Professional Baseball League coverage, LAS also holds exclusive rights for Puerto Rican COLICEBA "AAA" Baseball, Cuban Baseball League and broadcasts the games of the Pacific Mexican League and League of Mexican Baseball. LAS also covers the Baloncesto Superior Nacional de Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico's basketball league, and farm teams of Mexico's Liga de Ascenso national soccer league. The network's sports programming also includes boxing, wrestling, charreadas (rodeo), auto racing and extreme sports. LAS also produces its own morning fitness shows, sports news, sports analysis and interview programs with the sports world's most intriguing personalities.

Cablevision's "iO en Espanol" package, which includes 45 Spanish-language channels and more content from Puerto Rico, Cuba and Peru, is available to new subscribers starting at $8.95 per month to residential and commercial customers. Customers must subscribe to Broadcast Basic service and above as well as have a digital cable set-top box. In some areas a CableCARD may also be used. Existing iO en espanol customers interested in these new channels can call to upgrade to receive these channels. Interested customers can call 877-980-7636 to order or go to http://espanol.optimum.com/digital-cable-tv/international/espanol.jsp for additional information.

About Alterna'TV

As a division of Latin America's leading satellite service provider Satmex, Alterna'TV serves as a virtual hub between Latin American programming services and potential carriage partners in the U.S., providing carriers and advertisers with direct access to America's Spanish-speaking communities while delivering Spanish-language programming that is timely and culturally distinct to a diverse audience in the U.S. Representing authentic, local and relevant programming from Latin American programming networks, Alterna'TV accurately assesses the popularity, demand and audience for specific channels originating in Latin American and then provides this invaluable data to carriage partners in the U.S. It also provides Latin American programming partners with unparalleled technical expertise as well as an economical and efficient solution for expanding programming into the United States, reaching a potential audience of some 44 million.

About Latin American Sports

Latin American Sports is a 24x7rising channel, devoted to full field the sports content's demands of Latin American audiences in Puerto Rico and the United States, with coverage of events and original productions of the favorite sports from Puerto Rico, Cuba and Mexico: Baseball, Football Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Wrestling, Boxing and Mexican Rodeo (Charreadas), among others.

SOURCE: Alterna'TV

Itau and Adidas to discuss why brands look to football at Soccerex

2011-11-11T19:27:00.000-05:00

Nov 10, 2011

Soccerex are delighted to announce that Claus-Peter Mayer - VP GSM Football, Marketing - Global Sports Marketing at Adidas and Fernando Chacon, Chief Marketing Officer at Banco Itaú, Latin America’s largest bank will be speaking on the “Football brands the World” panel at this year’s Soccerex Global Convention, 26-30 November 2011, in Rio de Janeiro.

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FOX Deportes broadcasts UFC HeavyWeight Champioship “Choque de Titanes”

2011-11-09T16:42:00.000-05:00

Los Angeles, CA – November 9, 2011 – FOX Deportes, the leader in Spanish-language sports media, will provide exclusive Spanish-language coverage of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC), heavyweight title fight between defending champion, Mexican-American, Cain Velasquez and Brazilian opponent, Junior Dos Santos. The live event airs Saturday, November 12 at 9pm ET.

The much anticipated event will be covered by official UFC Latino commentator Troy Santiago, and analysts Rodrigo Arana and Mario Delgado live from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Prior to the awaited fight, on Friday, November 11 at 7pm ET, FOX Deportes will show the title fight weigh-ins live on the nightly sports news program, CRONICA, followed by the final episode of the CAIN VELASQUEZ: BROWN PRIDE three-part series at 8pm ET.

On Saturday, November 12, FOX Deportes will launch the CHOQUE DE TITANES action-packed programming line-up with the re-air of the full CAIN VELASQUEZ: BROWN PRIDE series from 3pm ET to 6pm ET. The archived 2010 UFC fight between Cain Velasquez and Brock Lesnar will follow in UFC LO MEJOR at 6pm ET to 7pm ET. FOX Deportes will have live on-site coverage starting at 7pm ET with preliminary fights including: Clay Guida vs Benson Henderson and Dustin Poirier vs Pablo Garza, live from 7pm ET to 9 pm ET.

This year, FOX Deportes acquired the U.S. Spanish-language media rights to UFC, the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization and number one Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. The network will begin its televised programming of 24 live premiere UFC matches on November 12 and continue through December 2012. FOX Deportes is the exclusive Spanish-language provider of mixed martial arts for the U.S. Hispanic, including: live fights, pre and post shows, UFC Countdown, UFC PPV Classics, UFC Unleashed, the Ultimate Fighter Series, weigh-in specials, and more content from Zuffa, LLC, the owner of the UFC brand.

UFC on FOX Deportes Programming Line-Up

Friday, Nov. 11 7:00 PM ET CRONICA: UFC VELASQUEZ VS. DOS SANTOS WEIGH-IN LIVE

Friday, Nov. 11 8:00 PM ET CAIN VELASQUEZ: BROWN PRIDE - 3

Saturday, Nov. 12 3:00 PM ET CAIN VELASQUEZ: BROWN PRIDE - 1

Saturday, Nov. 12 4:00 PM ET CAIN VELASQUEZ: BROWN PRIDE - 2

Saturday, Nov. 12 5:00 PM ET CAIN VELASQUEZ: BROWN PRIDE - 3

Saturday, Nov. 12 6:00 PM ET UFC LO MEJOR (Cain Velasquez vs. Brock Lesnar)

Saturday, Nov. 12 7:00 PM ET Preliminary Fights

Saturday, Nov. 12 9:00 PM ET UFC ON FOX HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT - VELASQUEZ VS. DOS SANTOS

About FOX Deportes

Reaching more than 18 million cable and satellite households in the country, of which almost 6 million are U.S. Hispanic, FOX Deportes is the leader in Spanish-language sports media. FOX Deportes features premier soccer programming with exclusive coverage of Fútbol Liga Mexicana, Barclays Premier League, Italian Serie A, UEFA Champions League, Copa Santander Libertadores and Copa Nissan Sudamericana; coverage of the Major League Baseball regular season, All-Star Game, National League Championship Series and World Series; Top Rank Boxing, and UFC® across four compelling media platforms. Boasting more than 2,100 hours of live and exclusive programming, a robust web site brimming with streaming video and portable content from FD Móvil, FOX Deportes is the first name in the U.S. Hispanic sports space. For more information, visit FOX Deportes online at Foxdeportes.com.

About Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over 12 UFC live Pay-Per-View events annually around the world. Globally, UFC programming is broadcast in over 132 countries and territories, reaching 597 million homes worldwide, in 21 different languages. UFC® also boasts a powerful presence online, with UFC.com attracting over six million unique visitors per month, while also possessing one of the most powerful social media followings in all of professional sports. To date, UFC has over six million fans on Facebook and over 300,000 followers on Twitter. In addition, UFC President Dana White is one of the most accessible and most followed executives in sports with over 1.5 million followers on Twitter. On January 22, 2011, UFC continued to set trends in social media, becoming the first major sports league to stream live, broadcast quality action on Facebook. Ancillary businesses include best-selling DVD’s, a bimonthly magazine, the best-selling UFC “Undisputed” videogame franchise distributed by THQ, UFC Gym™, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo™ festivals, branded apparel, trading cards, and articulated action figures.

About FOX Sports Media Group

FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands that are capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FSMG now includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; Fox’s 19 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; SPEED and SPEED2; Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus; FUEL TV; and Fox College Sports. In addition, FSMG also includes FOX Sports Interactive Media, which comprises FOXSports.com on MSN, whatifsports.com and scout.com, reaching over 20 million unique visitors monthly. Also included are Fox’s interests in joint-venture businesses FOX Deportes, Big Ten Network and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network, FOX Sports Skybox restaurants and FOX Sports Grills.

SOURCE FOX Deportes

Meruelo won't buy Atlanta Hawks

2011-11-08T18:18:00.000-05:00

Nov 07, 2011 | by Eric Pierce

Downey businessman Alex Meruelo will not be purchasing the Atlanta Hawks after all, following reports that the NBA was "concerned" about Meruelo's finances.

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Hawks sale to Meruelo nixed

2011-11-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Nov 05, 2011

Atlanta Spirit LLC’s deal to sell the Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena’s operating rights to Los Angeles businessman and developer Alex Meruelo is off.

The team reported Friday evening the deal’s termination was mutual between the parties

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NASCAR drives to build Latino fan base

2011-11-05T16:33:00.000-04:00

Nov 04, 2011 | by Maria Burns Ortiz

The eyes of race fans will be on the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway this Sunday as NASCAR’s “postseason” is in full effect with just three Sprint Cup races to go.

But it won’t take more than a glance to realize that none of the 12 drivers vying for NASCAR’s annual championship are a minority. While the racing organization has worked hard to overcome the perception that it’s an all-white, male sport, a survey of the current field does little to shift that thinking.

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‘Hooks & Jabs’ about John Ruiz

2011-11-04T00:11:00.000-04:00

Nov 01, 2011 | Two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz is the subject of a bi-lingual, children’s book, Hooks & Jabs, which was written by Jose-Gabriel Almeida and illustrated by Jan Michaelsy.

Ruiz, who is the first and only Hispanic Heavyweight Champion of the World, wanted to tell his story; detailing the overwhelming odds he conquered to become world champion, in order to inspire children, particularly Hispanics, at an early age.

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Sugary drink makers target Latino youth, report says

2011-11-04T00:08:00.000-04:00

Nov 01, 2011 | by Andrew O'Reilly

A new study conducted by Yale University suggests that soft drink and other sugary beverage manufacturers target their marketing campaigns to Latino and African-American children and teenagers.

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Manchester United to unveil global social-media network

2011-11-02T18:21:00.000-04:00

Nov 01, 2011 | by Sarah Shearman

Manchester United is building its own branded global social network and media outlet, with the aim of targeting its international base of an estimated 350m supporters.

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Cardinals' Spanish-radio voices help team's popularity in United States, Mexico

2011-10-31T15:35:00.002-04:00

Oct 29, 2011 | by Paul Coro

There is that moment when casual soccer fans are watching a World Cup match and the replay of goal is not the priority.

We flip the channel hurriedly to the Spanish-language broadcast to catch Andres Cantor bellow, "Gooooooooooool."

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Sources: Sale of Hawks in jeopardy

2011-10-29T18:55:00.000-04:00

Oct 27, 2011 | by Marc Stein

The sale of the Atlanta Hawks to California developer and pizza chain owner Alex Meruelo is in jeopardy, according to sources close to the situation.

Sources told ESPN.com on Wednesday that there are concerns at the league level and within the Hawks' current ownership group, headed by Michael Gearon Jr. and Bruce Levenson, about whether Meruelo indeed has the sufficient funds to purchase a majority stake in the franchise and operate an NBA team.

The NBA on Wednesday declined comment when asked about Meruelo and the Hawks' situation.

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U.S. Spanish-Language World Cup rights awarded to Telemundo

2011-10-28T11:52:00.000-04:00

Oct 24, 2011 | by Kristin Brzoznowski

NEW YORK: NBCUniversal's Telemundo Media has scooped up the exclusive Spanish-language U.S. rights for FIFA World Cup soccer from 2015 through 2022, covering all platforms except radio.

The agreement includes the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada, the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Also covered are the FIFA Confederations Cup and all Under-20 and Under-17 FIFA World Cup matches in this time period. The pact also includes coverage and promotion of FIFA soccer events across multiple NBCUniversal properties.

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Fox, Telemundo pay staggering $1B total for World Cup rights

2011-10-24T10:02:00.000-04:00

Oct 21, 2011 | by Lucas Shaw & Sharon Waxman

Fox paid $425 million to win the rights to broadcast the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup in the United States, and Telemundo paid $600 million for Spanish-language U.S. rights, an individual with knowledge of the bidding tells TheWrap.

That's a staggering $1 billion-plus for World Cup rights in which Univision lost $100 million in the last go-round.

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BCUniversal's Telemundo acquires exclusive Spanish Language U.S. Media Rights To FIFA World Cup Soccer from 2015 through 2022

2011-10-22T16:10:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK, Oct 21, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- For the first time in its broadcast history, NBCUniversal's Telemundo Media has acquired the exclusive Spanish language U.S. media rights to FIFA World Cup Soccer across all platforms (except radio) from 2015 through 2022, which includes the 2018 FIFA World Cup, 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, among other FIFA events. The joint announcement was made today by NBCUniversal and FIFA.

The agreement includes exclusive U.S. Spanish language all platform media rights (excluding radio) for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada -- the year before NBCUniversal broadcasts the 2016 Rio Olympic Games -- the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, FIFA Confederations Cup and all Under-20 and Under-17 FIFA World Cup matches in this time period. Additionally, the all-encompassing media agreement includes exclusive coverage and promotion of FIFA soccer events across multiple NBCUniversal properties including Spanish-language broadcast and cable television, Internet, broadband, wireless and Video-On-Demand.

"This landmark deal for Telemundo represents perhaps the greatest milestone in its history," said Lauren Zalaznick, Chairman, NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media. "The acquisition of the FIFA World Cup, one of the world's great sporting events, speaks directly to the commitment NBCUniversal has made in the future of Telemundo and to our diverse U.S. Hispanic communities that we serve."

"We are extremely honored to be the Spanish-language home of the FIFA World Cup Soccer from 2015-2022 and bring this powerful property to our viewers with the high-production value they have come to expect from Deportes Telemundo," said Emilio Romano, President of Telemundo. "Soccer is much more than a sport; it is a cultural phenomenon that inspires billions around the world and unites every community in a single language, the language of soccer. We are delighted to partner with FIFA to continue to grow the game of soccer in the United States."

As part of the largest programming acquisition in its history, Telemundo -- the fastest growing network in any language -- becomes, for the first time ever, the exclusive U.S. Spanish language home of the FIFA World Cup. With the full promotional support of NBCUniversal, the Telemundo broadcast network and its local stations, cable network mun2, and all of Telemundo Media's associated online platforms will feature coverage of all FIFA Men and Women's World Cup games from 2015 through 2022. Additionally, both Telemundo and mun2 will provide extensive coverage of the FIFA Confederations Cup, FIFA Men's and Women's U-17 World Cup, FIFA Men's and Women's U-20 World Cup as well as live coverage of the official draws and ceremonies.

Andres Cantor, Telemundo's Emmy-award winning sports anchor known as the "voice of soccer" around the world, will now become the play-by-play "face of soccer" for Telemundo's FIFA World Cup coverage. Deportes Telemundo has produced soccer events for over two decades. In addition to the FIFA events, Telemundo currently owns the exclusive U.S. broadcast and online rights to certain away FIFA World Cup qualifying matches of The Mexican National Team and the home of Mexico's most popular club team Las Chivas de Guadalajara making Deportes Telemundo the premiere destination to the most comprehensive Spanish-language soccer coverage in the United States starting in 2015.

About Telemundo Media

Telemundo Media, a division of NBCUniversal, is a world-class media company, leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content across its multiplatform portfolio to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. Telemundo's multiple platforms include the Telemundo Network, a Spanish-language television network featuring original productions, theatrical motion pictures, news and first-class sports events, reaching U.S. Hispanic viewers in 210 markets through its 14 owned stations and its broadcast and cable affiliates; mun2, the preeminent voice for bicultural Hispanics in the U.S. reaching TV households nationwide on digital and analog cable, and satellite; Telemundo Digital Media, which distributes Telemundo's original content across digital and emerging platforms including mobile devices, www.telemundo.com and www.mun2.tv ; an owned and operated full power station in Puerto Rico that reaches 99% of all TV households in that DMA; and Telemundo Internacional, the international distribution arm which has positioned Telemundo as the second largest provider of Spanish-language content worldwide by syndicating content to more than 100 countries in over 35 languages.

SOURCE: Telemundo

Takedown Entertainment enters Mexican Market with premier MMA promotion Combate Extremo

2011-10-21T11:51:00.001-04:00

LONDON, Oct 20, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Takedown Entertainment Inc. TKDN -2.22% , the new face of mixed martial arts (MMA), is pleased to announce it has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire worldwide distribution rights to past and future MMA fights, plus certain brand and sponsorship rights, with Combate Extremo of Monterrey, Mexico.

Since establishing the company in 2000, Combate Extremo has promoted and co-promoted over 100 live MMA events throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and the United States, have the distinction of being the first and longest running MMA promotion in Mexico, and one of the first organizations to adopt the MMA Unified Rules established by the Association of Boxing Commissions. With over 10 events per year, a live gate reaching 4,000 fans, top Mexican MMA athletes and UFC veterans on their cards, and a premium quality production, Combate Extremo has solidified their position as the top MMA promotion in Latin America.

"Mexico is a boxing powerhouse and every day we have more young Mexican fighters transitioning to MMA," stated Combate Extremo CEO Michael Shoffner. "UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was a huge step for the sport in Mexico and it's only a matter of time until our fighters dominate the lighter weight classes. The Hispanic audience in the United States is a huge part of combat sport pay-per-view revenues and Takedown Entertainment is poised to capitalize on and become a market leader in partnership with Combate Extremo, a brand name synonymous with the sport of MMA in Mexico."

"Combate Extremo is a cornerstone of the Takedown strategy in Latin America and the Hispanic market in the United States," stated Peter E. Wudy, President and CEO of Takedown Entertainment. "With the growth of Internet and mobile throughout the region, the global appeal of their athletes, and the interest in the sport within our key demographics, our relationship with Combate Extremo signals shareholder growth."

About Takedown Entertainment Inc.

Headquartered in London, UK with offices in Beverly Hills, California, Takedown Entertainment Inc. is a sports entertainment company with subsidiaries in the acquisition, production, distribution and marketing of mixed martial arts (MMA) programming, content and products for North American and International markets.

SOURCE: Takedown Entertainment Inc.

PGA Tour announces PGA Tour Latinoamerica

2011-10-21T11:35:00.000-04:00

Oct 20, 2011 | Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – The PGA Tour announced on Thursday the creation of the PGA Tour Latinoamerica, a professional tour that will play in Latin American countries, starting in 2012.

"We are delighted to announce the launch of PGA Tour Latinoamerica," said PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem. "This expansion into Latin America, when combined with what the Nationwide Tour has been able to accomplish in the region in recent years, is part of the natural progression for golf which continues to grow globally.

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Terra offers live soccer action in the Pan-American Games: Mexico vs. Guatemala!

2011-10-21T11:17:00.000-04:00

This week the top Latin-American teams are battling it out for the top spot in Guadalajara: don't miss Costa Rica vs. Argentina, Ecuador vs. Uruguay and Brazil vs. Cuba.

Every country is fighting for the Pan American gold and Terra http://www.terra.com has the most complete live stream coverage of athletes competing against some of the world's best at the XVI Pan American Games. With a team of 220 professionals, Terra, a global digital media company and content producer with a presence in 18 countries, is reporting in real-time each moment of the competition directly from Guadalajara, Mexico. This week, soccer the world's most popular sports, kicks off and users will have the opportunity to watch spectacular matches live between teams such as Ecuador, Mexico, and Brazil.

The United States leads the overall medal count in the Pan American Games, followed by Brazil and in 3rd place the host of the games, Mexico. To view complete medal count by country, visit http://deportesus.terra.com/rumbo-a-2012/guadalajara-2011/cuadro-de-medallas.

Don't miss all of this action available live and in high definition directly on a multi-screen video player at Terra.com! Some features of the player include Picture in Picture, live Play-by-Play narration both in English and Spanish, and much more.

Fans can visit Terra.com/panamericanos http://deportesus.terra.com/road-to-2012/2011-pan-american-guadalajara/live/once the games begin to get real-time access to information like medal counts, schedules for each competition, and all the latest news and professional commentary. Video on demand will also be available as well as stats, records and athlete bios.

Terra also offers its users the opportunity to "take the PANAM games with you," simply by installing the Guadalajara 2011 Widget http://deportesus.terra.com/rumbo-a-2012/guadalajara-2011/widget.html on their page. The application can be embedded onto a blog or webpage and users will be able to automatically see all that is happening in the Pan American Games such as first hand news, images, videos and much more. Terra's interactive coverage of the Pan-Am Games will also be available on mobile phones and tablets.

The winners of Terra's Pan American Games Sweepstakes have been selected and the grand prize winner of a trip for two to Guadalajara for the Pan American Games will be flown out to watch the closing ceremony of the Pan American Games, October 30th where Puerto Rican Singer Ricky Martin will be performing. In addition, 10 winners will also be receiving a jersey from their favorite team participating in the Pan American games.

This groundbreaking one of a kind coverage will only be available at Terra http://deportesus.terra.com/road-to-2012/2011-pan-american-guadalajara/.

You don't want to miss any of the action!

The first ever Latino-themed Monday Night Football commercial

2011-10-21T10:41:00.000-04:00

Viva Monday Night Football!

The first ever Latino-themed Monday Night Football commercial!

Written and Directed by J.R. Arinaga.

Producers: Jason Berman, Emile Hanton, Jamie R. Hanton.

Cinematography: Gavin Kelly.

Assistant Director: Brinton Bryan.

Editor: Mike Espinosa.

Production Design: Tom Lisowski. Alex Delgado.

Composer: Chris Westlake.

Graphics: Alex Kalsey.

Sound Mix: Zack Howard.

El Jimador launches ‘Your Rules. Your Shot.’ contest to win one of 10 VIP trips to the 2011 MLS Cup

2011-10-19T20:12:00.000-04:00

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 19, 2011) – el Jimador, 100 percent blue agave tequila, announces the launch of its soccer-themed consumer contest, which will award 10 winners an opportunity to attend the MLS Cup in Los Angeles on Nov. 20, 2011, along with a guest.

To participate, consumers are invited to submit a rule aimed at improving the sport of soccer. These rules will be reviewed by a panel of judges and winners will be selected based on creativity and originality. The contest period concludes on Nov. 4, 2011, and winners will be notified on Nov.8, 2011, via email and/or phone.

Ten grand prize winners will be awarded two tickets to the MLS Cup, in addition to round-trip airfare, a two-night stay in a local hotel, and $200 in cash. Winners and guests must be 21 and older and be available to travel Nov. 19-21, 2011.*

As the official tequila sponsor of the MLS, U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams and the annual U.S. Tour of the Mexican National Team, el Jimador Tequila will be active in a variety of the teams’ activities through 2012.

For more information on el Jimador’s soccer sponsorship and consumer experience, please visit the brand’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/eljimador.

SOURCE El Jimador

Pan American Games start TODAY!

2011-10-17T11:13:00.001-04:00

Oct 17, 2011 | Today, the XVI Pan American Games begin! The major international multi-sport event between athletes from all nations in the Americas will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico and Terra, a global digital media company and content producer with a presence in 18 countries, will have the most complete live stream coverage of the competition beginning today until October 30th. The inaugural ceremony and all of the games will be available in HD (high definition) in both English and Spanish.

Users will be able to watch all the sporting events through a media player directly on Terra.com! Comprehensive digital coverage will be offered through a multi-screen video player where users will be able to watch the live coverage on up to 13 different channels simultaneously. The page will also have the capacity of a PIP (picture in picture) so users can enjoy more than one event at the same time.

Users will also have access to information in "Real Time," like the total medal count, the schedule for each competition, all the latest news and special professional sports commentary. On that same Pan-Am page users can find "video on demand," and find all the stats, study records and athlete bios, and look at pictures, videos and news.

Users can share all the information available and comment on Terra's Facebook and Twitter without leaving the page. Terra's interactive coverage of the Pan-Am Games will also be available on mobile phones and tablets.

The Pan American Games kicks off today with an inaugural ceremony starting at 8:30 p.m. (ET) at the Omnilife Stadium which includes performances by Mana and Juanes. Also, Vicente Fernandez will perform the Mexican anthem. Users will also be able to watch this event live at . Tomorrow, Saturday, October 15th the sporting competitions for volleyball, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, and badminton among others, will be taking place.

This groundbreaking one of a kind coverage will only be available at Terra . You don’t want to miss any of the action!

About Terra

Terra is a global digital media company and content producer with a presence in 18 countries, including the United States where it serves the growing Hispanic community. Focusing on lifestyle, entertainment, sports and news, Terra creates an interactive user experience for millions of U.S. Hispanics and provides comprehensive solutions for advertisers seeking exposure among this key demographic. In Latin America, Terra is the region´s leading Internet company, with 93 million unique visitors per month. Fast Company recently named Terra in their ranking of The Most Innovative Companies in the World in music.

SOURCE Terra

Survey: 'Minor' sports have many U.S. fans

2011-10-17T09:44:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- More than one-third of U.S. adults say they are very interested in figure skating, gymnastics, men's golf, high-school sports and boxing, a survey found.

Scarborough Sports Marketing said 53 percent of American adults said they are avid fans of at least one major sport, including the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, college football and basketball, NASCAR and the Olympics.

However, Bill Nielsen, vice president of Scarborough Sports Marketing, said while major sports give marketers opportunities to reach the masses, there is value in appealing to fans of other sports.

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Q&A With Mark Sanchez on the Game of Life

2011-10-17T09:39:00.000-04:00

Oct 16, 2011 | by Jessica Coscia

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sánchez may be best known for his GQ-worthy good looks, but there is much more to the California native. In his third year with in the NFL and with two straight trips to the conference championship game under his belt, combined with his approach to making an impact off the field, he has seemed to fuel the National Football League's efforts to boost its Hispanic fan base.

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ESPN Deportes Ups Exec

2011-10-13T15:16:00.000-04:00

Oct 12, 2011 | by Marissa Graziadio

BRISTOL: Freddy Rolón has been promoted to VP of ESPN Deportes programming and business initiatives from his former position of senior director II of ESPN Deportes radio and business initiatives.

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Social Media and Sports: The Winning Pair

2011-10-12T20:39:00.000-04:00

Oct 11, 2011

The Adam R Jacobson Editorial Services & Research Consultancy, in partnership with HispanicAd.com, released October 11 the first Special Report to Hispanic marketing and advertising professionals that zeroes in on the two biggest topics agency heads and key C-Suite executives are talking about: Sports and Social Media.

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Hispanic identity and US Soccer

2011-10-10T22:16:00.000-04:00

Oct 10, 2011 | by FoxSports

SAO PAULO (AP) – Extending from Colorado along Texas' southwest border and into the Gulf of Mexico, the Rio Grande has long held symbolic value for Americans. Just south of the river, the language becomes more romantic, the food gets spicier, and the temperature hotter. But for all of Mexico's qualities that could enamor its northern neighbors, Americans have always been most fascinated by the people.

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Hispanic Heritage: The Sports World Should Pay More Attention to the Latino Fan

2011-10-07T10:35:00.000-04:00

Oct 07, 2011 | by Maria Burns Ortiz

Much like the baseball season, Hispanic Heritage Month is winding down. However, unlike the growing excitement that surrounds the MLB playoffs and generates debate on the subject for months to follow, Hispanic Heritage Month generally opens with fanfare and seems to fizzle off.

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Budweiser goes big in Brazil

2011-10-04T23:28:00.000-04:00

Oct 03, 2011 | by Mark J. Miller

Anheuser-Busch InBev is planning to market America's Heartland brew — Budweiser — to Brazil as a premium brand.

Its plan is do more than just tell Brazilians "This Bud's for you" in Portuguese. AB InBev is planning to sell the world's third-largest beer market (and other emerging markets) on the American Dream, as AB InBev CMO Chris Burggraeve comments to Bloomberg Businessweek.

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How sports can open doors for young Latinas

2011-10-04T00:33:00.000-04:00

Oct 02, 2011 | by Jorge Iber

U.S. boxing history reveals that it is a sport that has traditionally been the "bluest" of blue-collar athletic endeavors.

It has always held out the promise -- despite the odds -- of advancement for young men with the talent and guts to succeed in an often bloody undertaking, beginning with the arrival of the Irish in the mid-19th century, and for African- Americans and the later influx of Jews, Italians and Hispanics, whether U.S.-born, from Mexico or from the Caribbean.

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Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame to induct 4

2011-10-02T18:39:00.000-04:00

Oct 02, 2011 | by Ron Kroichick

To this day, Kevin Johnson remembers walking into the student bookstore during his freshman year at Cal. He searched for basketball-related merchandise. He found none.

"That was my goal, to create an environment where they were selling basketball uniforms," Johnson said last week. "And it happened. By Year 3, people were waiting in line to get into games."

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Stopping the fight in Barcelona

2011-10-02T18:37:00.000-04:00

Oct 02, 2011 | Barcelona officially got out of the bullfighting business last Sunday night. The last stroke, the evening's final slaying of a bull by matador Serafin Marin, was delivered at La Monumental, the last of the great Catalan city's bullfighting rings, a circular arena with brick facade that held its first corrida in 1914.

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Brazil to cut telecoms taxes ahead of W. Cup

2011-10-02T18:09:00.000-04:00

Sep 30, 2011

Brazil President Dilma Rousseff plans about $3.25 billion in tax breaks for companies that build new telecommunications networks, hoping to shield the sector from the global crisis and ensure that strained networks do not collapse during the 2014 World Cup.

The government believes the tax breaks will help boost investments in the sector by an additional $11 billion over the next five years, a period that should see the amount of Brazilian households connected to the Internet double, Communications Minister Paulo Bernardo told Reuters.

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UCA to host Latino soccer tourney

2011-09-29T09:11:00.000-04:00

Sep 28, 2011 | The University of Central Arkansas will host the Amigo Cup, the state’s first Latino soccer championship, on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8-9 at Farris Field.

The UCA Amigo Cup is the brainchild of Dr. Rebecca Gatlin-Watts, professor of marketing and management at UCA, and Manny Sepulveda, director of Hispanic markets for The Design Group, a multicultural communications firm based in Little Rock. The tournament was established to promote cultural exchange and to connect the Latino community with the educational opportunities available at UCA.

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Barcelona members approve Qatar sponsorship deal

2011-09-25T22:10:00.000-04:00

Sep 25, 2011 | MADRID (Reuters) - Barcelona's members backed the club's controversial sponsorship deal with Qatar Sports Investment on Saturday, the final hurdle to securing a cash injection of as much as 170 million euros.

Members gathered at the Spanish and European champions' general assembly voted 697 in favour of the record five-year deal, the biggest for any soccer club, with 76 against and 36 blank votes, the club said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.cat).

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David Neal joins Univision as Senior Vice President of Production for Sports

2011-09-24T19:18:00.000-04:00

Sep 23, 2011, NEW YORK, NY – – Univision Communications Inc., the leading media company serving Hispanic America, today announced the appointment of David Neal as senior vice president of Production for Sports. Neal will report to Alexander “Sandy” Brown, president of Sports at Univision Communications Inc. In this new role based in Miami, he will oversee production for Univision’s sports properties across all platforms.

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Sports leagues build audiences via mobile

2011-09-18T22:37:00.000-04:00

Sept 15, 2011

Sports leagues are embracing mobile and online subscription offerings, finding that the new media outreach is not cutting into traditional viewing, according to an eMarketer study. Ad revenues are also significant for live streaming of sporting events with wide regional or global appeal. "Audiences use different screens in a fluid manner depending on time of day, location and other factors," said Paul Verna, eMarketer senior analyst, who notes the viewers often multitask "on laptops, smartphones and tablets even while watching on TV at home."

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Time Warner Cable, ESPN Deportes Combine On Soccer Double Play

2011-09-18T16:40:00.000-04:00

Sep 18, 2011 | by Mike Reynolds

After scoring with a multifaceted promotion surrounding Spain's Super Copa tournament, Time Warner Cable and ESPN Deportes are preparing to flank that effort with another futbol-centered campaign this fall.

The nation's No. 2 cable operator and the sports programmer's Spanish-language service will roll out a campaign in October and November configred to boost acquisition of the MSO's El Paquetazo video package, as well as its high-speed data services.

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Brazil: preparations for World Cup 2014 underway

2011-09-18T16:36:00.000-04:00

Sep 15, 2011 | by Tina Shaw

Brazil will be home to the 2014 World Cup. There are currently multiple views on whether the host nation will be able to complete the requirements of infrastructure and travel before the warm up Confederations Cup 2013 or not.

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NFL, Cards outpacing other sports with Hispanic marketing

2011-09-18T16:32:00.000-04:00

By Mike Sunnucks

The National Football League across the country and the Arizona Cardinals in the Phoenix market are stretching their leads over their competitors when it comes to marketing to Hispanic fans and fostering their loyalty.

“Without question, Hispanic sports fans are migrating to the Cardinals in greater numbers,” said Ray Artigue, CEO of the Artigue Agency communications firm in Scottsdale and a former executive with the Phoenix Suns . “Historically baseball loyalists, Hispanics are also becoming football fans. And, research shows that the NFL is starting to dominate this audience segment.”

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NFL, Cardinals top the competition in creating Hispanic fans

2011-09-16T10:20:00.000-04:00

Sept 15, 2011 | by Mike Sunnucks

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Round II of the Mark Sanchez-Tony Romo battle could be in the Super Bowl

2011-09-14T00:09:00.000-04:00

Sept 12, 2011 | by Adry Torres

For the first time in almost five years, two of our own started an NFL game at quarterback.

Mark Sánchez and Tony Romo shared the primetime stage Sunday night for the Jets and Cowboys, respectively, putting on a display on an emotional night in which firefighters, police officers, military personnel and first responders were honored along with the thousands who died in the September 11th attacks.

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College sports help shift ad spending from broadcast to cable: Kantar

2011-09-13T23:56:00.000-04:00

Sept 12, 2011 | by Todd Spangler

Ad spending on cable networks increased 11.8% in the first six months of 2011 -- while network TV spending fell 7.6% -- after marquee college football and basketball events moved to cable this year, according to data released Monday by Kantar Media.

ESPN paid $500 million in a four-year deal for the TV rights to the Bowl Championship Series, previously on Fox, starting in 2011. Meanwhile, the NCAA inked a 14-year, $10.8 billion agreement with Turner and CBS Sports for the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.

That produced a "large, one-time transfer" of ad dollars from broadcast to cable, Kantar Media said. In addition, prescription drug, financial service and consumer package goods categories reallocated TV budgets to cable from broadcast TV in the first half of 2011, according to the research company.

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Brazil to offer mobile broadband internet for 2014 World Cup

2011-09-13T17:02:00.000-04:00

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff said on Monday that she authorized massive investments in order to offer fast mobile internet access in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.

In her weekly radio show, President Rousseff said that 200 million reais (118 million U.S. dollars) will be invested in order to guarantee that the 12 host cities of the 2014 Cup have fast mobile internet by the beginning of the competition.

She also promised that fourth generation cell phones will be available in Brazil by the beginning of the Cup.

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The changing face of NASCAR

2011-09-13T16:29:00.000-04:00

By Tim Estiloz

Carlos Contreras broke barriers for Latino drivers, now Jose Arteaga and others are following in his tracks

The complexion of NASCAR is changing. The perception of NASCAR as being a csport for "good ol' boys" is fast becoming a thing of the past. These days, those successfully leading the ethnic diversification in this popular sport are not only those who govern NASCAR, but now include a growing group of Hispanic drivers determined to make their mark in the winner's circle.

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The NFL's most valuable teams

2011-09-08T10:33:00.000-04:00

Sept 07, 2011 | by Kurt Badenhausen

The average National Football League team is now worth $1.04 billion, 1.4% more than last year. During the 2010 season average revenues for the league’s 32 teams rose 4% compared with the previous season, to $261 million. Although operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) fell 8.1%, to an average of $30.6 million per team due to higher costs for stadium operations, training facilities and marketing, the new collective bargaining agreement will give owners a bigger slice of overall revenue.

The biggest winners are high-revenue team owners who will see their revenue sharing payments to their low-revenue rivals drop. In part this explains why the value of the top 10 teams rose 4% on average.

“The new CBA provides owners with a level of certainty as well as greater profitability,” says Marc Ganis, president of consultancy SportsCorp. The 10-year deal, the result of a four and a half month lockout of its players, ensures labor peace for the next decade as neither side can opt of the agreement.

Owners will pay players 47% to 48% of total revenues under the new pact, down from 51% under the old CBA. We estimate the NFL’s 32 teams generated a total of $8.3 billion in revenue last year, which is a 4% gain from 2009 (our figures include the net proceeds the teams receive from sources like merchandise and NFL.com).

Under the new CBA, teams will receive around $250 million per year more at first based on the new revenue split. That figure will climb substantially as the league negotiates new television contacts over the next 12-months. The current deals with CBS, ESPN, FOX and NBC expire after the 2013 season and owners are expecting increases up to 60% on the current $3.1 billion average annual value of those deals (DirecTV brings in additional $1 billion each year). Given the league’s high television ratings and the lust males between the age of 18 and 45 have for watching football, such a boost is not inconceivable.

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Catch the Brazilian Wave

2011-09-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

August 30, 2011 | by Marcos Lacerda

Brazil has enjoyed an unusual amount of economic success in the last few years, despite the world's economic situation. The liquidity crisis in 2008-09 barely affected the nation. In fact, the GDP grew 7.5 % in 2010 and is expected to increase by 4% in 2011.

A few years ago, Brazil was the 10th GDP in the world. Now it is the seventh. Ours is a very affluent society, especially in the biggest cities. That is exemplified by the prominence of luxury goods. For example, Brazil is the second-largest market for Montblanc products globally. And São Paulo is the only city in the world to have three Tiffany stores. Brazil also created the second fleet of helicopters and private jets in the world. But this strength can also be seen in terms of income distribution. In the past eight years, almost 30 million people joined the middle class in Brazil.

But the greatest news is that the economy will be driven even further because Brazil is becoming the epicenter of sports in the coming years. The two biggest sporting events in the world will take place here: the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in Rio 2016. But that's not all. We have the Confederations Cup in 2013, plus a series of world championships from different sports modalities which will be part of the games in 2015, as part of the tests of the Olympic facilities.

The most important athletes, the greatest idols, press, authorities and -- most important of all -- FANS will be heading to Brazil and, right after them, great brands and huge investments.

This environment will bring enormous opportunity. Take a look at the global sports industry. It moves $1 trillion a year. How much of that goes to Brazil? Only 3%. Imagine what will happen with the proximity of the forthcoming events -- investments shall increase at an incredibly fast pace. World Cup and Olympics will have a direct impact on the country's economy of an estimated $60 billion, with huge upward projections for the next 20 years.

The country has begun its transformation in anticipation of the upcoming events. Stadiums and arenas are being refurbished. And plans for modernizing our infrastructure, like airports and subways, are finally being approved. The Brazilian business environment is feverish with these opportunities and is creating relationships with confederations, athletes and sponsorship consultancies. It is a brand new world to be explored with a focus on marketing strategy, activations and events.

So how can businesses and brands take advantage of this perfect storm? First, there needs to be a focus on the behavior and consumption drives of sports fans. The new generation of fans interact with sports in both Physical and Digital arenas. This universe is what we call the Phygital world. The ultimate mission for brands should be to direct all efforts and initiatives towards turning sports fans into brand fans. This is the key to marketing success across all of the upcoming sporting events in Brazil.

But, dealing with Brazilian fans can be tricky.

Here are a few tips:

First of all, Brazil is located in Latin America, but has a personality all its own. The country is filled with Portuguese-speaking people that do not identify themselves with Argentines, Colombians or Peruvians. So if you want to be there, you need to think locally. Do not try to simply transplant a good strategy that worked in Mexico or Uruguay; if you do so, you are flirting with disaster.

In Brazil, people have a hearty sense of humor. If something bad happens, rest assured, it won't take someone very long to make a joke about it. Therefore, a humorous approach to marketing is half the battle in achieving success in our country.

Finally, Brazilians are absolutely passionate about soccer. The National Team yellow t-shirt is considered almost sacred amongst the population. Brazil is the only country to be a five-time world champion, and its citizens are very proud of this achievement.

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LA tennis legend Pancho Gonzalez inducted into US Open Court of Champions

2011-09-02T15:20:00.000-04:00

Sept 01, 2011 | by Rich Neher

The USTA announced today that Pancho Gonzalez, a tennis pioneer, two-time U.S. National Champion, and self-taught product of Los Angeles public tennis courts in the 1940ies, has been named the 2011 inductee into the US Open Court of Champions, a US Open and USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center attraction honoring the greatest singles champions in the history of the 130 years of the U.S. Championships/US Open. Gonzalez will be inducted during a ceremony in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday evening, September 3. The ceremony will be hosted by accomplished actor and a founder of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts Esai Morales, who will be joined by New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez for the tribute. Tennis Channel plans to air portions of the ceremony into its evening broadcast.

The US Open Court of Champions salutes the tournament’s all-time greatest champions with an individual permanent monument that serves as a lasting tribute. Gonzalez will join prior inductees Arthur Ashe,Don Budge, Maureen Connolly, Jimmy Connors, Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Althea Gibson, Steffi Graf, Billie Jean King, Jack Kramer, Rod Laver, Ivan Lendl, Molla Bjurstedt Mallory, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Margaret Osborne duPont, Ken Rosewall, Pete Sampras, Bill Tilden and Helen Wills. A panel of international print and broadcast journalists selected the 2011 inductee from the roster of U.S. champions based on their performances at the tournament and their impact on the growth of the event.

“Pancho Gonzalez was not only a great champion but also a true pioneer in the sport of tennis,” said Jon Vegosen, Chairman of the Board and President, USTA. “He has served and will continue to serve as a role model for generations of Americans, especially Hispanic-American athletes, and I’m proud that his name will live forever amongst the greatest US Open champions."

Gonzalez broke many tennis barriers. He taught himself how to play on public courts of Los Angeles at the age of 12, and was considered one of the most talented tennis players of his generation and was a fan favorite on the professional tour throughout the 1950s and 60s. Early in his career, which spanned four decades, he won back-to-back titles at the U.S. Championships in Forest Hills, N.Y. in 1948-49. He also won two matches to help the U.S. defeat Australia to capture the 1949 Davis Cup title. His passion and intensity led to an illustrious career as the world No. 1 for an unequaled eight years. As a 40-year-old in 1968, he reached the semifinals at Roland Garros and the quarterfinals of the inaugural US Open. The following year, Gonzalez played Charlie Pasarell at Wimbledon in a five-hour match that spanned two days and led to the advent of the tie-break. Gonzalez also became the oldest player to ever win a professional tournament when he won the Des Moines Open just shy of his 44th birthday.

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Miller Lite and Dallas Cowboys team up to develop next generation of Hispanic Leaders

2011-09-02T14:41:00.000-04:00

DALLAS, Sept. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Miller Lite is teaming up with the Dallas Cowboys to introduce the Scoring for Education program that addresses the financial barriers of higher education facing many dedicated Hispanics families. Miller Lite will contribute 25 cents from each 24-pack of 12-ounce cans sold September 1 through October 31 at participating Texas retailers to support the Adelante! U.S. Educational Leadership Fund. Adelante! is a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the educational needs of our next generation of Hispanic leaders.

As part of the program, Tony Casillas, former Dallas Cowboy and two-time Dallas Cowboys world champion team member, and Raul Magdaleno, MillerCoors 2010 Lider of the Year and U.S. Congressional Gold Medal winner, will be guest motivational speakers for Adelante! in Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso and the Lower Rio Grande Valley to speak to parents about the importance of parental influence and family participation in the education of their children. Additionally, Casillas will make special appearances in Austin, Corpus Christi and Laredo.

"After retiring from the NFL, I have tried to dedicate time to reaching out to young adults to help them reach their potential. It is so important to keep them focused on their future and surpassing any small hurdles they may face," said Casillas. "The Scoring for Education program is a great way for Miller Lite to help Adelante! educate parents and give back to our community."

"Perseverance and determination triumph over any disadvantage life may bring you. Encouraging others to never give up, to discover their inner strengths, and to get an education is something I am passionate about," added Magdaleno.

The Dallas Cowboys partnership with Miller Lite in supporting Adelante! is in conjunction with the team's annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15). The Dallas Cowboys and National Football League are committed to serving football fans of all cultures and recognize Hispanic Heritage Month as a special time and opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Hispanic players, coaches, front office staff and fans. As part of this annual celebration, the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL have dedicated the September 26 nationally-televised Monday Night Football match up against the Washington Redskins to celebrating this unique heritage league-wide. Game day festivities include pregame and halftime performances highlighting Hispanic culture as well as in-game recognition of the Miller Lite Scoring for Education initiative benefiting Adelante!

Miller Lite has consistently supported non-profits and is committed to engaging and investing in its employees, businesses and neighbors. Hispanic education is key for the future of our country and the state of Texas. This is the main reason why Miller Lite is contributing to the Adelante! U.S. Educational Leadership Fund.

Visit www.AdelanteFund.org or call (877) 692-1971 for more information.

About MillerCoors

MillerCoors brews, markets and sells the MillerCoors portfolio of brands in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Built on a foundation of great beer brands and nearly 300 years of brewing heritage, MillerCoors continues the commitment of its founders to brew the highest quality beers. MillerCoors is the second-largest beer company in America, capturing nearly 30 percent of U.S. beer sales. Led by two of the best-selling beers in the industry, MillerCoors has a broad portfolio of highly complementary brands across every major industry segment. Miller Lite is the great-tasting beer that established the American light beer category in 1975, and Coors Light is the brand that introduced consumers to refreshment as cold as the Rockies. MillerCoors brews premium beers Coors Banquet and Miller Genuine Draft, and economy brands Miller High Life and Keystone Light. The company also offers innovative products such as MGD 64, Miller Chill and Sparks. The new MillerCoors craft and import company, Tenth and Blake, imports Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch and Molson Canadian and features craft brews from the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, Blue Moon Brewing Company and the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company. MillerCoors operates eight major breweries in the U.S., as well as the Leinenkugel's craft brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and two microbreweries, the 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee and the Blue Moon Brewing Company at Coors Field in Denver. The MillerCoors vision is to create the best beer company in America by driving profitable industry growth. MillerCoors insists on building its brands the right way through brewing quality, responsible marketing and environmental and community impact. MillerCoors is a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company.

About Adelante!

Adelante! is a non-profit organization established in 1993 with the support of Miller Lite to meet the educational needs of our next generation of Hispanic leaders. Adelante! provides scholarships and enhances the skills Hispanic college students are learning in the classroom and it adds insightful professional advice to drive their full career potential. Since its inception, Adelante!'s programs have impacted thousands of students and awarded more than one million dollars in scholarships nationwide.

SOURCE MillerCoors

Telemundo, NFL extend partnership through 2013 season: Spanish-language net to simulcast three of NBC's 'Sunday Night Football' games

2011-08-31T17:33:00.000-04:00

August 30, 2011 | by Tim Baysinger

Telemundo announced Tuesday that it has extended its six-year partnership with the National Football League through the 2013 season.

Along with NBC Sports, Telemundo will offer season-long, Spanish-language coverage of the NFL, which includes three simulcasts of NBC's Sunday Night Football. Sept. 25 will be the first broadcast, featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts; the network will also air an NFL Hispanic Heritage special prior to the game for Hispanic Heritage Month. The other two games will be Dec. 11 (New York Giants-Dallas Cowboys) and Dec. 18 (Baltimore Ravens-San Diego Chargers).

Jessi Losada will serve as the host for the simulcasts, with René Giraldo and Edgar López will call the play-by-play.

"Telemundo's continued partnership with the NFL is one that our viewers and advertisers expect and have embraced. Deportes Telemundo is committed to lead and innovate in our industry and this expanded relationship with the NFL and NBC Sports is another example of that commitment," said Jorge Hidalgo, senior EVP of Telemundo Sports.

Along with the games, the new agreement will bring three live specials to the network: 2011 NFL Kickoff Presented by Verizon on Sept. 10 at 5 p.m., an NFL Playoff special on Jan. 7 and a one-hour Super Bowl special on Feb. 4.

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Jose Cuervo to title sponsor Pro Beach Volleyball Series

2011-08-25T17:00:00.001-04:00

August 25, 2011 | International Management Group (IMG), USA Volleyball (USAV) and Jose Cuervo today announced the 2011 “Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series.” The three-event series is USAV sanctioned and features a $500,000 cumulative prize purse, the richest in the U.S. this year. The three-day, double elimination tournaments will be televised live on VERSUS.

“Beach volleyball and Jose Cuervo are both known for intensity and lifestyle appeal, and the opportunity to help the sport return to prominence not only for the players but also for fans was one we’re excited about,” said Brian Radics, Brand Director, Jose Cuervo. “Given the Jose Cuervo brand’s deep history in professional beach volleyball and as one of the sport’s first corporate sponsors, this just feels right for everyone involved.”

Jose Cuervo’s beach volleyball roots can be traced to 1978 when they became the sport’s first major sponsor. Cuervo again played a significant role in the sport during the mid-80’s ultimately leading to the Cuervo Gold Crown in 1988, considered the Triple Crown of beach volleyball. The Gold Crown events were among the first televised in the sport and helped pave the way for pro beach volleyball to become an Olympic sport.

The Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series will debut on Aug. 26-28 at the $200,000 Manhattan Beach Open in California, a tournament with the longest history in the sport. A field of 64 teams in both genders will battle for the largest domestic purse of 2011 and the winners will be enshrined with a permanent plaque on the Manhattan Beach Pier. Known as the ‘Wimbledon of beach volleyball,’ winners will join the ranks of beach volleyball legends Karch Kiraly, Phil Dalhausser, Todd Rogers, Sinjin Smith, Randy Stoklos, Misty-May Treanor, Kerri Walsh and Holly McPeak.

The series then moves to Miami Beach on Sept. 16-18 for the $150,000 Miami Beach Pro followed by the $150,000 Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series National Championship on Sept. 23-25 in Hermosa Beach, California.

“I am pleased and excited to begin this relationship with Cuervo as the title sponsor of our Pro Beach Series,” USA Volleyball Chief Executive Director Doug Beal said. “This is exactly the kind of partnership we have been looking for as we develop high-profile, quality beach events. Cuervo has a rich history in our sport and to open up our Series in Manhattan Beach is only fitting. USA Volleyball is committed to grow our beach involvement at all levels.”

The Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series provides both superstars and rising talent the opportunity to play in world-class, purpose-built stadiums in front of enthusiastic crowds in proven beach volleyball markets. IMG, USAV and Jose Cuervo will turn up the fan energy through ancillary events, attractions, sponsor activations, hospitality programs and more in order to build a beach lifestyle festival as a backdrop for each tournament. The inaugural Series is slated to expand in 2012 to include up to seven events hosted in the United States.

About Jose Cuervo

Jose Cuervo is the largest producer of tequila throughout Mexico and around the world. The Jose Cuervo portfolio of tequilas includes Jose Cuervo Especial Gold, the number one tequila worldwide, Jose Cuervo Especial Silver, Jose Cuervo Black Medallion, Jose Cuervo Tradicional 100% Agave Reposado and Silver, Jose Cuervo Platino, Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia, Jose Cuervo Golden Margaritas, Authentic Jose Cuervo Margaritas and Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix.

About IMG

IMG Worldwide is a global sports, entertainment and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in China, Brazil and India; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academies; IMG Action Sports; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing.

About USA Volleyball

Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the sport of Volleyball in the United States. USA Volleyball is responsible for both the Olympic disciplines of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. USA Volleyball has over 262,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,300 clubs nationwide. With an annual budget in excess of $18 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men’s and women’s senior national team programs, youth and junior national teams, national championship events, coaching education and certification programs, grassroots development, and programs for the disabled and Paralympic Teams. USA Volleyball has a rich tradition of success as evidenced by winning an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984 and capturing numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball is committed to and works toward opportunity for all to participate. It is an advocate for all Americans endeavoring to assure universal access to opportunities at all levels of the game.

Integrated Sports Media inks PPV pacts for 2014 World Cup qualifiers

2011-08-25T16:37:00.001-04:00

August 25, 2011 | by Mike Reynolds

Integrated Sports Media has secured distribution pacts with a number of pay-per-view purveyors for CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, and a promotional agreement with GolTV.

Integrated Sports Media, which secured the rights to more than 40 CONCACAF (North and Central America) qualifiers leading to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil from Traffic Sports USA, has reached sublicensing deals with InDemand, Avail-TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network for residential PPV carriage in the U.S., and Viewer's Choice in Canada. Financial terms were not disclosed.

First on the PPV pitch is a pair of matches on Sept. 6: Guatemala against Belize at 6 p.m. (ET)/ 3 p.m. (PT), followed by Cayman Islands versus El Salvador at 8p.m./5 p.m.

Doug Jacobs, president of Integrated Sports Media, said each match carries a suggested retail of $24.95. However, Dish is offering the pair of contests for $39.95, according to Jacobs.

The matches also will be available at https://integratedsportsnet.neulion.com for online PPV streaming.

Hoboken, N.J.-headquartered ISM has also reached an accord with GolTV, whereby the bilingual, soccer-centric network will televise the Canada-St. Lucia match on Sept. 2. In exchange, GolTV will air previews shows of all the PPV matches, featuring highlights predictions and segments on key players to watch in each game. Jacobs said GolTV will be providing a promotional assist throughout the qualifying period, which extends into 2013.

Similarly, ISM's pacts with the aforementioned PPV companies cover the balance of the qualifying cycle, save for potential scheduling conflicts, according to Jacobs.

These matches kick off a schedule of more than 40 first-, second- and final-round CONCACAF WC qualifiers.

From June through October 2012, ISM will proffer second -round action featuring El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Canada, Costa Rica and Panama. As the 2014 World Cup gets closer, ISM will deliver hexagonal (final) round qualifying action that will determine three berths for the World Cup. The final round takes place between February and October 2013. The fourth-place finisher for CONCACAF, whose top clubs are Mexico and the U.S., also has a shot to qualify for Brazil, but would have to win an aggregate, two-match, play-in series.

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AT&T rolls out US Open Multiview plus Spanish-language Multiview

2011-08-23T23:01:00.000-04:00

August 23, 2011 | by Jim O'Neill

AT&T U-verse is rolling out more of its popular multiview apps, which allow customers to choose to watch multiple camera feeds or channels at the same time, this time for the U.S. Open and the Spanish-language programming package, Paquete Español.

Read more: AT&T rolls out US Open Multiview plus Spanish-language Multiview - FierceIPTV http://www.fierceiptv.com/story/att-rolls-out-us-open-multiview-plus-spanish-language-multiview/2011-08-23#ixzz1VuZiyrth

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Sports fans will be familiar with multiview; AT&T has previously offered the package for other major events and for Chicago Cubs baseball.

The telco said its U.S. Open multiview will be available free to all U-verse customers in SD or HD, on channels 661 and 1661 respectively, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2. Viewers can watch multiple courts at once, selecting from the Tennis Channel's main broadcast and five courts. AT&T also is opening up five additional dedicated channels on 662-666 and HD on 1662-1666 covering live action from Grand Stand, Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong courts.

"The AT&T U-verse U.S. Open Multiview lets viewers control what they watch at the world's largest tennis event," said Patrick Wilson, senior vice president of distribution at the Tennis Channel. "We know tennis fans will embrace this great innovation."

AT&T is changing directions slightly with its Paquete Español offering.

Looking to attract Hispanic viewers, one of the fastest-growing TV viewer segments in the industry, AT&T is offering a multiview option that will allow users to choose from 53 channels, and to watch up to four at once.

The programming will be available on channel 3001 at no extra charge for U200 Latino and Paquete Español subscribers. It's the second Spanish-language app made available on U-verse TV.

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FOX Sports locks up Multimillion Dollar deal with Ultimate Fighting Championship

2011-08-22T21:13:00.000-04:00

Fox Sports announced a seven-year deal with Ultimate Fighting Championship that brings mixed martial arts fights to the Fox broadcast network, including FOX Deportes, four times a year, and 32 live Friday night events on the company's FX cable channel.

The deal elevates the sport of mixed martial arts to the television mainstream. The Fox deal provides Zuffa, owner of the UFC brand, with a platform on more networks -- and more prominence. The sport will make its prime-time debut on the Fox broadcast network Saturday, Nov. 12.

FX will carry Friday night fights and the retooled "The Ultimate Fighter" program beginning next year. Fox's niche sports Fuel channel and Spanish-language FOX Deportes also will host pre- and post-fight shows and other events.

Founded in 1993, Ultimate Fighting Championship has seen muscular growth since it was acquired by Zuffa in 2001. UFC's flirtation with Fox Sports dates to the summer of 2002 when Fox Sports Net carried the company's first non-pay-per-view event on basic cable television, pulling in a large audience.

SOURCE: Fox Sports

Tips for reaching Hispanics

2011-08-22T12:40:00.000-04:00

July 18, 2011 | by Bill King

■ Learn from athletes and their stories. Many 20-somethings who are emerging as stars are much like the cultural, bilingual audience. Boxer Victor Ortiz was born to Mexican immigrant parents in Garden City, Kan. He was raised mostly by Anglo foster parents in the Midwest. When he was 16, he moved to California to train. Soon after, he learned to surf. He is comfortable speaking English or Spanish, sometimes wears a sombrero into the ring, cheers loudly for the Kansas Jayhawks and drips a surfy-kind of California cool. Which box would you like to put him in?

“He has a personality that connects with everyone,” said Loretta Lucero, president of California-based Touch Point Marketing, which works with sponsors of Golden Boy Promotions. “He’s a cool surfer guy but he’s loyal to his Hispanic roots. He can sing with mariachis if he wants but also go surf with five guys off the Santa Barbara coast. That is the face. That’s the future.”

■ There is room in the basket for the familiar and the new. For years, MLS has wrestled to gain traction with Mexican Americans who followed soccer avidly, but paid little attention to what went on stateside. The league has found that its best chance is to seek inclusion, rather than conversion. “If your family soccer club was Cruz Azul and you live in Chicago, your family would get together and watch Cruz Azul,” said Russell Findlay, MLS CMO. “They would know when the games were on and support them endlessly and wear their colors. That doesn’t mean they can’t and won’t be supporters of the Chicago Fire. It doesn’t mean we want them to convert away from Cruz Azul. We want them to have a trial and adopt the local club.”

■ The future may be Spanish in English. “For now, people mostly think about Spanish language as a way to reach Spanish dominants, and around the right properties and the right athletes there is always going to be a business,” said Dario Brignole, a former IMG executive who now runs his own agency, Shine Entertainment, in Miami. “But bilingual, bicultural content, if you asked me, is the future. If I have $10 million to put in a new business, my business would be Latino sports content, but in English. That’s where I’d go.”

■ Use the Web to deliver original content that is relevant to bilinguals. This season, the Houston Astros launched a weekly Web series called “Contacto con los Astros,” which features the team’s Spanish-language radio crew hosting a seven- to nine-minute segment that includes one interview with a player in Spanish and another in English, the latter of which includes Spanish subtitles. All webisodes are posted to both Spanish and English social media streams and also promoted through Univision. The Astros consider the core of their Hispanic market to be 18-34 and bilingual. “Showing our players speaking in their native tongue is invaluable,” said Astros Hispanic market development coordinator Nicky Patriarca. “Even if [fans are] English-speaking Hispanics, they’re still very interested in their culture.”

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The story behind the numbers: What you need to know about the soaring growth of Hispanics and how to reach them

2011-08-22T12:35:00.001-04:00

July 18, 2011 | by Bill King

The vice president of corporate marketing for Spanish-language media giant Univision was leading a focus group of young adult viewers in New York this month when she met an intriguing 21-year-old college student.

He began by speaking to her in clear, crisp English. When she shifted to Spanish, she suspected the student would reply in English again, as many young bilinguals might when speaking with their parents.

“Much to my surprise, he was so Mexican you wouldn’t believe it,” said Chiqui Cartagena, who joined the network in April after 25 years working with agencies and brands.

When she asked about his viewing habits, he told her that, like many U.S. Hispanics, he was glued to Univision when the network aired soccer.

“I won’t watch soccer unless it’s in Spanish,” he told her. “It’s not the same experience for me, as a Latino, to watch it in English.”

Much has been made of the latest U.S. census, which confirmed what demographers predicted through the better part of the last decade. In 2010, there were 50.5 million U.S. Hispanics, up 43 percent from the previous census. In the last 10 years, Hispanics accounted for 56 percent of U.S. growth. Those numbers have gotten the attention of the marketing and advertising community.

But some deeper numbers are more revealing. With a median age of 27, Hispanics are a full decade younger than the rest of the country. More than 17 million of them are under age 18. About 62 percent of them were born in the U.S., according to Pew Hispanic Center data. More than three in four speak both Spanish and English.

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Zubi Advertising overwhelms competition in 2011 Fox Hispanic Media scavenger hunt

2011-08-18T10:55:00.001-04:00

Fox Hispanic Media announced that Zubi Advertising is the overwhelming victor of the network consortium’s annual scavenger hunt event. Created just five years ago by FOX Deportes, the Scavenger Hunt is a fully interactive process that immerses the media buying community into the Fox Hispanic Media brands. In its first year The Scavenger Hunt had only 40 participants, but quickly expanded to more than 160 players after just three years. This year a record-breaking 350 participants got involved, representing about 40% of the Hispanic media buying community.

The interactive promotion pits the country’s top advertising professionals against each other in a fun, experiential competition designed to showcase the network’s assets. Since 2006, a variety of clients and agencies have taken part in the game, which prompts participants to search for answers to questions about the full portfolio of Fox Hispanic Media brands, including FOX Deportes, Utilisima, and Nat Geo Mundo.

“The advertiser participation is stunning. Emails phone calls, message boards and “live mentions” feature buyers clamoring for answers about our brands,” explained Tom Maney, SVP, Advertising Sales, Fox Hispanic Media Group. “We hope they enjoy the process, which provides us a fun and interactive way to engage with our key partners.”

This year’s Scavenger Hunt generated more players than even before and included three online games that encouraged regular visitation to the site, all of which increased exposure to the Fox Hispanic Media brands.

Some 2011 Scavenger Hunt Facts:

• Allowed Fox Hispanic Media to keep in touch with clients during the hibernation period when other methods are often fruitless.

• Educated the community about the Fox Hispanic Media offerings at a time when major buying decisions are made.

• Offered a once-in-life opportunity to use the platforms FHM employs to service its clients. i.e. using SMS quizzing, watching the network, surfing the website and interacting with ad sales site.

Prizes were at stake during the competition as well as points that could be earned to qualify for the grand prize trip to the UEFA Champions League Final game in Europe. Other prizes included: cooking classes, Visa Gift Cards, Spa Finder Gift Cards, digital cameras, and iPads.

“The 2011 Scavenger Hunt has given us more players than ever before, and we’re thankful for everyone’s participation,” said Maney. “We’ve enjoyed superior traffic to our Ad Sales site, foxhispanicmedia.com, educated our clientele about our brands, and benefitted from having buyers reach out to us regularly.”

Zubi Advertising soared above the competition with more than 8 million points, or more than triple the amount earned by any other agency. The second and third place winners were Starcom and Orci agencies, respectively. Fox Hispanic Media would like to congratulate the winners and extend a warm thank you to all of this year’s participants!

About FOX Deportes:

Reaching more than 18 million cable and satellite households in the country, of which almost 6 million are U.S. Latino, FOX Deportes is the leader in Spanish-language sports media. FOX Deportes features premier soccer programming with exclusive coverage of Fútbol Liga Mexicana, Barclays Premier League, Italian Serie A, UEFA Champions League, Copa Santander Libertadores and Copa Nissan Sudamericana; coverage of the Major League Baseball regular season, All-Star Game, League Championship Series and World Series; Top Rank Boxing, UFC® and mixed-martial arts; and FORMULA 1™, across four compelling media platforms. Boasting more than 2,100 hours of live and exclusive programming, a robust web site brimming with streaming video and a mobile site available through all wireless operators, FOX Deportes is the first name in the U.S. Latino sports space. For more information, visit FOX Deportes online at FOXDeportes.com.

Makita Industrial Power Tools/SOCCER.COM TRICOLOR CONTEST

2011-08-16T14:53:00.002-04:00

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C., Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Makita U.S.A., Inc. and Sport Endeavors, Inc., better known as EUROSPORT/SOCCER.COM, have joined forces to present the "El Tricolor" contest on http://www.soccer.com/espanol.

"El Tricolor" refers to the red, green and white of the Mexican flag and the colors worn by the Mexican National Soccer Team (FMF). Now "El Tri" is offering fans an opportunity to win replica apparel signed by some of Mexico's best and biggest players, Makita Industrial Power Tools and $1,000 worth of Eurosport cards. The contest runs from June 15 to September 15, 2011.

Visit www.soccer.com/eltricolor for rules and regulations. Some restrictions apply.

"We (Eurosport/SOCCER.COM) couldn't be more excited to be partnering with Makita Industrial Power Tools on this promotion," said Durward Williams, Eurosport's Director of Strategic Alliances. "Makita is not only a valued sponsor of soccer in the United States, but also one of the sport's most enthusiastic supporters. We feel that their (Makita's) involvement with the new 'El Tricolor' contest is an excellent way to engage Hispanic soccer fans across the country and the promotion has already delivered approximately 10,000 new names to our market database."

Makita is the Official Power Tool Sponsor of Major League Soccer as well as the Mexican National Soccer Team. Makita has almost 100 years of experience in advanced motor design, and utilizes leading-edge technology and innovation to engineer tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results. The "El Tricolor" contest is part of Makita's "Construye Tus Suenos" campaign to engage Hispanic contractors across the U.S. With the recent success of the Mexican National Team in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, "El Tricolor" will connect with soccer fans as they celebrate their team's accomplishments and look ahead to new challenges.

"We've a established a great relationship with Makita and have delivered impressive results in the past three years focusing on connecting our large database of Mexican soccer fans (the fastest growing market segment at http://www.soccer.com/espanol) with a phenomenal brand, Makita, and its range of quality power tools and accessories. We look forward to making further innovations and reaching out to more Hispanic soccer fans while converting this interest into positive sales numbers for our partner," said Vicente Navarro, Eurosport's Director of Hispanic Marketing.

Eurosport is the leading soccer retailer in the United States. In 2007, Eurosport expanded its catalog and web site operations to accommodate the growing Hispanic population. Spanish-speaking soccer fans can now shop by reading the Eurosport en Espanol catalog, or by visiting http://www.soccer.com/espanol. Eurosport serves more U.S. Hispanic soccer consumers than any other soccer retailer in the country.

"From a strategic marketing position, Makita is establishing its brand in a very relevant environment that is also the fastest growing market segment in the US," said Navarro. "There are 50.5 million Hispanics in America and by focusing our attention on the FMF and its fans' passion for soccer we are able to connect with this market on a personal and authentic level."

Visit www.soccer.com/mediakit for more information about advertising opportunities with Eurosport/SOCCER.COM.

About Makita USA
Makita utilizes leading-edge technology and innovation to engineer tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. You can follow Makita at facebook.com/makitatoolspage, twitter.com/makitatools, and youtube.com/makitapowertools. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.

About Eurosport
Founded in 1984, Sports Endeavors, Inc., better known as Eurosport/SOCCER.COM, is the world's leading authentic grassroots soccer company. SOCCER.COM has more than two million visitors per month, and the Eurosport catalog has the largest distribution of any U.S. soccer publication. Sports Endeavors also operates leading online retail sites for lacrosse and rugby:lacrosse.com and worldrugbyshop.com.

SOURCE Eurosport/SOCCER.COM

FOX Deportes announces UEFA Champions League, offering exclusive Spanish-language coverage starting on August 16

2011-08-15T12:16:00.000-04:00

FOX Deportes, the leader in Spanish-language sports media, announces its exclusive full programming for the most prestigious club soccer competition in the world, the UEFA Champions League. The final of the competition is the most watched annual sporting event worldwide. This year’s tournament kicks off with a match between Italy’s Udinese Calcio and Arsenal FC.

FOX Deportes will also present Lo Mejor de la UEFA Champions League, a program that will feature UEFA highlights from the entire season, starting on Friday, August 12 at 9pm ET/6pm PT. In addition, FOX Deportes will feature UEFA Champions League Semanal a weekly program that will air every Friday between August-December and February-May.

The UEFA Champions League will be covered by the most recognized and prestigious commentators in the industry, including Luis Omar Tapia, Raul Orvañanos, Christian Bozzo, Mauricio Cardenas, John Laguna, Diego Balado and Eduardo Biscayart.

FOX Deportes’ UEFA Champions League transmission will include a total of 110 games including:

o August 26, 2011 - UEFA Super Cup Final – Barcelona (ESP) vs Porto (POR),

o 20 Playoff Round games

o 60 Group Stage games

o 16 Rd of 16 games

o 8 Quarterfinal games

o 4 Semifinal games

o May 19, 2012 - Final game from Munich

Playoffs – First Leg / August 16

Playoffs – First Leg / August 17

About FOX Deportes

Spain's Real Madrid signs 7-year-old

2011-08-08T18:00:00.001-04:00

Spanish soccer powerhouse Real Madrid has made what is sure to be one of the most talked-about moves of the off-season, signing a 7-year-old Argentine to its youth system, according to an Argentine sports website.

The Spanish-language Ole ran an interview with Leonel Angel Coira in which the youngster said he had signed a contract to play in the Galacticos' youngest division. His training begins September 6, he said.

Real Madrid had no word of the signing on its website, but goal.com reported that club spokesman Juan Tapiador confirmed the news Monday.

According to goal.com, Real Madrid snapped up the youngster to ward off attempts by other European clubs in the future – namely rival Atletico Madrid, which Ole said had already expressed interest in Coira.

Coira told Ole last week that he preferred making assists over scoring goals, that he can juggle a ball eight or nine times without dropping it and that his dream is to play for Real Madrid's first team, which is home to some of the world's greatest players, including Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In a statement that might not sit so well with the Galacticos' faithful, Coira said his favorite player was fellow Argentine Lionel Messi, who plays for F.C. Barcelona. Real and Barcelona face each other twice a year in Spain's top league in a game known as "El Clasico."

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Atlanta Hawks sold during NBA lockout: Alex Meruelo to be first Hispanic owner

2011-08-08T17:14:00.000-04:00

August 08, 2011 | By Sam Mamudi, MarketWatch

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — Despite the labor strife roiling the National Basketball Association, the league’s teams are still finding buyers — especially, it seems, among value-minded professional investors.

On Monday, the Atlanta Hawks became the fourth NBA franchise sold in the past year to this new breed of owner with Alex Meruelo, founder of the Los Angeles-based Meruelo Group, agreeing to buy the team and the operating rights to its Philips Arena home.

In recent years, Meruelo had made inquiries about buying other NBA clubs, according to sports-industry professionals.

“I am a lifelong basketball fan, a student of the NBA game, and this is a dream come true for me,” Meruelo said in a statement. “I believe that both the Hawks and Philips Arena have unlimited potential for the future. I am honored to be a part of that future.”

The deal is the second acquisition agreed to since last month’s start of the NBA lockout, a sign that the unrest isn’t enough to dampen the appetites of would-be owners.

Among those owners, the most recent buyers have similar professional backgrounds as long-term investors in, and owners of, companies.

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Yahoo! en Español launches Sports Spot sponsored by Corona Extra

2011-08-08T16:41:00.000-04:00

Yahoo! en Español has launched an original sports feature called "La Locura" that is sponsored by Corona Extra.

The feature is a three-minute long segment featuring an offbeat look at funny sporting moments of the week. Yahoo! en Español developed the concept and approached Corona about the sponsorship, Yahoo!'s Armando Rodriguez tells MarketingVOX. “Corona wants to target male Hispanics between the ages of 21 to 34,” Rodriguez says. “This was the perfect opportunity for that as the brand will be organically integrated with the video experience."

The feature, which will be updated once a week, also has social elements that will allow Corona to interact with the fans, he adds. For instance, there will be a ‘fan pull’ in which the site asks a question and the top rated answer of the poll is then integrated into the video the following week. Fans will also vote on the craziest sports stunt featured and each week, the winner is awarded the dubious distinction of being "La Copa Loca."

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How the football school of Pele, Maradona & Ronaldinho has been transported to a west London estate

2011-08-06T10:40:00.001-04:00

In a little corner of west London things have turned decidedly South American. On an astro turf under the A33 overpass, Samba Street Soccer founder Andrew Amers-Morrison and his coaches are taking their players through their paces.

But this isn't just any group of budding young footballers; these kids regularly beat the best London has to offer and are routinely on trials at professional clubs, yet all come from just around the corner of the Westminster Academy where today 40 or so kids are being coached.

Since 2005, 20 boys who have played for Samba have ended up with professional contracts at League clubs, one girl has been handed a scholarship in America and clubs like Manchester United and Inter are constantly on the phone. Meanwhile, 140 have been sent on trials, so what makes a tiny corner of London such a hotbed for footballing talent?

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Richard Sanchez: The Next Hispanic Face of FC Dallas

2011-08-05T12:55:00.000-04:00

August 04, 2011 | by Daniel Robertson

For years, hispanic fans in Dallas have clamored for their hometown club to sign a star Mexican player while others have speculated that the attendance problems in Frisco would be cured by bringing in the first big name Mexican since 1996. What if I told you then that perhaps the biggest Mexican name on FC Dallas since Hugo Sanchez is an American-born goalkeeper who played in front of 100,000 screaming fans at Estadio Azteca before ever putting on an FCD jersey in a competitive match? Meet Richard Sanchez, AKA Tex-Tex, the 17-year-old hispanic face of FC Dallas.

"Hey man, what was it like?" "Richard, sign my shirt!" "Can I have your gloves man?" "Hey, take my picture with him!" "You need to come play for us bro!"

Sanchez had just completed a 3-0 shutout of DC United in the semifinals of the Generation Adidas Cup, his first competition with FC Dallas since winning the U1

7 World Cup. Suddenly as Tex-Tex went straight to the water cooler on this sweltering evening, he was surrounded by a mob generally reserved for players like Brek Shea, Kevin Hartman and David Ferreira.

However, these fans were wearing the red and white of Chivas(the most popular club team in Mexico), not FC Dallas, as it was the U15 Chivas USA team that surrounded the young goalkeeper after the game. This tells you all you need to know about the marketing appeal of FCD's homegrown signing. With the aplomb of a player twice his age, Sanchez posed for every picture, answered every question and even signed an autograph or two.

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Barcelona-Chivas game is largest attendance in FL

2011-08-03T20:27:00.000-04:00

August 03, 2011 | By Suzette Laboy | Associated Press

MIAMI—It's enough to make the Florida Marlins envious. Sun Life Stadium expected a near-capacity crowd Wednesday night as sports fans poured in from across South Florida. But it's not baseball they were coming to see, nor even a U.S. team. It's "futbol"—and a friendly match between Spanish soccer power FC Barcelona and Mexico's los Chivas de Guadalajara.

The contest between two of the world's better known pro soccer teams drew a quick response from the region's deep pool of Hispanic fans. They snapped up more than 64,000 tickets in advance, far more than the average attendance at a Marlins baseball game in the same stadium.

Claudia Brabata, 39, of Cuernavaca, Mexico, said she would be on hand with 14 of her friends. The match was touted on several social media sites popular with Mexican expats.

"There are a lot of Mexican fans going," she said. "It's against an important team. It's going to be a good show."

More than 120,000 Mexicans live in South Florida, according to a 2009 U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. While the region's Spanish population is relatively small, roughly 6,000 according to the survey, FC Barcelona is widely beloved among Hispanics. More than 2 million Hispanics live in the region consisting of Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach Counties—or about 41 percent of the population.

The friendly match-up is part of the 2011 Herbalife World Football Challenge. It seeks to capitalize on the

passion for soccer among immigrant communities in the U.S. by pairing up top teams from Europe, the United States and Mexico.

On Saturday, nearly 82,000 fans crowded into Maryland's FedEx Field—the largest soccer crowd ever in the Washington area—to see Manchester United beat Barcelona 2-1. Barcelona's final game in the tour will be this weekend against Mexico's Club America at Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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Mexican Hass importers tie promotions to Major League Baseball playoffs

2011-08-01T18:49:00.000-04:00

August 01, 2011 | By Rand Green

During Major League Baseball playoffs in October, the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association will be conducting at aggressive promotional campaign tied to the playoffs and designed "to trigger new consumption occasions," according to a written statement from MHAIA furnished to The Produce News July 25.

The campaign, called "The Big Hit," will include "a media buy with Turner Sports and MLB on TBS, shopper and trade marketing, print advertising support, online marketing, stadium sampling, social media and public relations," according to the statement.

In the retail component of the campaign, "360-degree retail displays will promote avocados and playoff festivities at the store level" in more than 3,600 stores. "Displays will feature 'upgrade your hotdog' recipes and promote The Big Hit," the statement said.

"To help encourage the trade to authorize displays -- and motivate produce departments to build them -- each display will be packed with an Avocados from Mexico camera," the statement continued. "Cameras submitted with display photos will earn the winners one of 500 official MLB baseball caps featuring the teams of the winners' choice. Ten produce departments will also each receive $500 to donate to the local youth baseball organization of choice, and will be recognized in a newspaper ad. To launch the 2011 Big Hit promotion, importers will be invited to entertain key customers VIP style at one of three MLB games in August and September -- Wrigley Field, Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium."

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Eventus Launches Powerhouse Sports Marketing Practice With "Latino Living Legends" Exhibit at Yankee Stadium

2011-07-29T17:42:00.000-04:00

MIAMI, July 28, 2011 -- /PRNewswire/ -- As part of ramping up its sports marketing division, Eventus has teamed up with the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame (HHBMHOF) and the New York Yankees to unveil a special exhibit featuring memorabilia from six living Latino baseball Hall of Fame members. The "Latino Living Legends" exhibit will open today to the public for a limited run at the New York Yankees Museum Presented by Bank of America located inside Yankee Stadium. On hand for the inauguration will be "Latino Living Legends" honoree and National Baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda. Fans and baseball aficionados alike will revel in the experience of the exhibit, which will be on display at Yankee Stadium for the remainder of the 2011 calendar year.

The exhibit will pay homage to the six living Hall of Fame members of Latino descent currently enshrined in Cooperstown – Roberto Alomar, Luis Aparicio, Rod Carew, Orlando Cepeda, Juan Marichal, and Tony Perez – who have all made an incredible mark on America's favorite pastime, while proudly representing their Latino heritage.

"It is a true honor to have the 'Latino Living Legends' exhibit at Yankee Stadium and for it to be associated with such a prestigious organization," said Gabriel "Tito" Avila, Jr., founder and president of The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame. "We would like to thank the New York Yankees and Eventus for their efforts in helping us pay tribute to these great players in bringing this exhibit to the fans. This is another step forward towards our goal of having a permanent home for the museum to commemorate Hispanic baseball history."

Eventus is recognized throughout the industry for developing successful consumer-brand relationships and experiences. Bringing together the HHBMHOF and New York Yankees for the "Latino Living Legends" exhibit further showcases Eventus' dedication to servicing multicultural markets with innovative event properties and cultural experiences. Eventus has been developing its sports marketing practice diligently over the past few years and underwriting this exhibit at Yankee Stadium provides the ideal opportunity to formally announce the launch of their sports marketing division. "It's the perfect occasion to introduce ourselves to the sports marketing community and demonstrate our commitment and our passion to grow our sports marketing division into a world-class practice," says Nelson Albareda, President and CEO of Eventus. Eventus' sports marketing services include sponsorship strategy and consulting, property development and management as well as activation strategy and programming.

"The New York Yankees are honored to host this exhibit in our iconic Yankee Stadium," said Manuel Garcia, Yankees director of Latino Affairs. "Taking pride in the history of our national pastime is important to us, and being able to highlight the contributions of these Latino Hall of Famers in our Museum is very exciting. The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame and Eventus have done a fantastic job with this important exhibit, and we know our fans will truly enjoy it."

About Eventus

Eventus is an experiential marketing, sports and entertainment company focused on connecting brands with multicultural consumers. Eventus operates distinct business units focused on delivering innovative event properties, media properties, and integrated promotional programs targeting the multicultural markets. The company is headquartered in Miami with offices in major cities across the United States

About The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame

The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum, Inc., was established in 1999, as a non profit organization dedicated to recognizing the contributions made to baseball by its Hispanic players. The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum is committed to preserving the history and profound influence that Hispanic players have had on "America's Favorite Pastime." Our primary purpose is to provide a center where displays of Hispanic baseball history will educate visitors on the true meaning of diversity, as exemplified in sports

About the New York Yankees Museum Presented by Bank of America

The New York Yankees Museum Presented by Bank of America, a Yankee Stadium showpiece, opened in April 2009. Rotating exhibits feature the greatest players, teams, and events in Yankees history. Among the artifacts displayed at the Museum include World Series trophies and replicas of the team's past World Series rings and watches, among other items. The Ball Wall exhibit, the Museum's centerpiece, displays over 800 baseballs autographed by past and present Yankees players, coaches, and managers. Guests may visit the Museum prior to and during Yankees home games and as part of the Stadium Tours program. For tickets, stadium tours and more information on the New York Yankees, please visit www.yankees.com or www.yankeesbeisbol.com.

SOURCE Eventus

Adidas Sees Latin America Helping It Meet 2015 Sales Target

2011-07-25T05:29:00.000-04:00

BUENOS AIRES (Dow Jones)--German sportswear company Adidas AG (ADS.XE, ADDYY) hopes to ride its ubiquitous brand to sharply higher sales over the next five years as it piggybacks on improving lifestyles and rising disposable income in emerging markets like Latin America.

Adidas is the world's second-largest maker of sports goods by revenue after Nike Inc. (NKE), and is synonymous with soccer across much of the world.

The company is on track to meet its target to increase net profit 10% to 15% this year amid steady growth in sales, Chief Executive Herbert Hainer said in an interview with Dow Jones Newswires on Thursday.

Adidas has plans to increase its total sales 42% to 17 billion euros ($24 billion) by 2015, from EUR12 billion last year, Hainer said.

Today, Latin America accounts for about EUR1.3 billion, or 10%, of its annual sales.

While its operations are growing worldwide, the company expects brisk sales to continue in Latin America thanks to rising incomes in the soccer-mad countries.

Adidas has enjoyed eight years of double-digit sales growth in the region, said Charlie Maurath, head of Adidas Latin America, at a press conference.

The pace has been even higher in Argentina, where sales have grown at an annual rate of about 25% in the last few years, said Walter Koll, the director of Argentina operations.

This month Adidas and the Argentine Football Association, or AFA, extended their sponsorship agreement until December 2022. While Hainer said the company would like to seal a similar deal with Brazil, the hosts of the 2014 World Cup are tied up in a deal with Nike until 2018.

Adidas is set to sponsor the world's top soccer tournament for the third time in a row and is gearing up to "bring the colorfulness and culture of Brazil" into its product lineup, he added.

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Meet the Fútbol Moms

2011-07-23T15:23:00.000-04:00

Read the 2010 Census and you realize something is changing about America. It’s our moms. Over the last decade, 56 percent of the nation’s population growth has been driven by Latinos. In states like Texas, Latinos made up a whopping 65 percent of growth. America’s national mom, you might say, is becoming a Latina mom.

That’s the provocative argument of Mamiverse, a new website that launches Monday. Mamiverse wants to be for Latinas what Oprah Winfrey was for African-Americans: a pal, a spiritual adviser, and, more subtly, an image changer. In a period when American-born Latinas have been caught in the national freakout about “border security,” Mamiverse offers them a new spokeswoman. She’s a particular kind of Latina mom—an English-speaking, all-American gal. “The young, acculturated, affluent, online Latina is speaking English, and is imbibing media in English,” says Rene Alegria, the site’s 36-year-old founder and CEO.

Alegria wants Mom—benevolent and wise, skeptical and demanding—to lead the political conversation. “We’re rebranding our community,” he says.

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New ESPN Deportes affiliate reaches Spanish soccer fans

2011-07-22T15:34:00.001-04:00

July 21, 2011 | By Jeff Faraudo

For Daniel Zubizarreta, listening to sports broadcasts in Spanish isn't merely about the language. It's the delivery that makes the difference.

"The announcers know a little more about the game. It's like they're passionate about it. In English, the announcing sometimes seems forced," said Zubizarreta, 21, whose father is from Argentina and mother is from Mexico. "The English is too slow for me."

For Zubizarreta and 3 million other Hispanics in the greater Bay Area, Modesto, Stockton and Sacramento, there is now an alternative: KTRB 860-AM, the Bay Area's first 24/7 Spanish-language sports radio station.

The newest affiliate of ESPN Deportes, KTRB switched on at 3 p.m. on June 23 and hopes to become the local radio destination of the Spanish-speaking sports crowd.

"We want to make listeners feel, 'This is my station. It's mine,' " KTRB general manager Michael Sher said.

With 50,000 watts, the station (which formerly carried Oakland A's games), is the most powerful among ESPN Deportes' 42 national affiliates. KTRB currently provides listeners with ESPN's national programming, including popular commentator Jorge Ramos. The network also is covering the Copa America and will air Sunday's championship game from Argentina.

Eventually, KTRB will feature local talk shows and, possibly, play-by-play of Bay Area professional teams.

Sher, a veteran of 25 years in Spanish broadcasting, said the station will be a forum for listener interaction, develop relationships with Bay Area teams and feature contests and grass-roots promotional events. "We really want to create local legs for the station," he said.

David Jacobs, CEO of Deportes Media LLC, which signed a five-year lease with an option to purchase after KTRB went into receivership last year, said the station's local programming plan will be developed carefully over the next two to four months.

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Sports and Social Media: How a Spanish Facebook and Twitter Presence is Changing the Games

2011-07-21T15:34:00.000-04:00

July 01, 2011 | by Maria Burns Ortiz | Fox News Latino

Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo topped 30 million Facebook “likes” this week.The Los Angeles Lakers have 7 million more fans/followers on Facebook and Twitter combined (11 million) than the city of Los Angeles has residents (4 million). Earlier this year, Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco was named the second-most influential person on Twitter, beating out Oprah and the President of the United States.

There’s no question that social media has had a global impact on media and marketing, but in few arenas does it seem a more natural fit than sports, an industry based on fans.Teams, leagues and athletes have capitalized on the social media boom as a way to reach fans more directly than ever before.

When the Red Sox launched their new Spanish-language website last week, in partnership with MLB Advanced Media, the team also opened up Facebook and Twitter accounts in Spanish. With 300,000 Spanish-speaking fans on the team’s Facebook page, the rollout seemed a natural progression.

“We had a group that had indicated a level of interest there, and it seemed like it was the right time to evolve our social media outreach into this next phase,” Red Sox senior vice president of public affairs and marketing Susan Goodenow said. “We have put a lot of emphasis as a team on social media over the last 12 to 18 months because we realize it’s a way for us to engage in an ongoing conversation with our fans.”

Going bilingual opens up the opportunity to reach even more fans. So it’s surprising more teams haven’t made this move, especially given professional baseball’s reach into Latin America and the dominance of social media. But the Red Sox are just the seventh major league baseball club to have both Spanish-language Facebook and Twitter accounts. (A few clubs have just one or the other.)

Considering the prevalence of social media use among both U.S. Hispanics and users in Latin America, appealing to this audience through these networks would be an easy and effective way to engage fans. A recent report shows that Latin American users are more active on social media than European users.

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Women's World Cup final is a ratings win for ESPN

2011-07-20T14:56:00.002-04:00

ESPN tallied the biggest audience in its history for a soccer match with Sunday's 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup final, which saw the U.S. take on surprise winner Japan. The match scored a 7.4 national rating, reaching 8.58 million homes and 13.46 million viewers, Nielsen reports. Multichannel News

Celtics close to lucrative deal with Comcast SportsNet

2011-07-20T11:43:00.002-04:00

The Boston Celtics' 20-year TV pact with Comcast SportsNet reportedly could include a sizable increase in the team's current $15 million to $20 million fee, along with an equity share of as much as 20% in the regional sports network. Neither party commented on the pending deal.

Forbes/SportsMoney blog

CAA Sports and Major League Soccer Unveil Official Sponsors of the Herbalife World Football Challenge 2011

2011-07-20T10:21:00.002-04:00

LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK (June 16, 2011)– This summer, the world’s top international clubs and teams from Major League Soccer (MLS) will compete in North America in the Herbalife World Football Challenge, one of the largest soccer events ever staged in the region. MLS and CAA Sports today unveiled the complete roster of sponsorship partners for the Herbalife World Football Challenge, which include AT&T, adidas, American Airlines, Bridgestone, Degree Men, Incapital, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., Lowe’s, Coors Light, Pepsi Max, and Volkswagen, with Herbalife on-board as the title sponsor.

To date, top international clubs FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United, Juventus FC, Real Madrid, CD Guadalajara, and Club América, along with MLS teams Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy, New England Revolution, Philadelphia Union, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC have announced their participation in the Herbalife World Football Challenge. From July 13 through August 6, the Challenge will be played in nearly a dozen cities across North America andoffers sponsors a rich sports marketing platform including in- and around-stadium activation and market-specific promotional opportunities.

As title sponsor and "Official Nutrition Company" of the event, Herbalife will provide all participating teams with its new line of premier sports products, Herbalife24. The line is the first comprehensive performance nutrition line empowering athletes 24 hours a day.

Other details regarding the Herbalife World Football Challenge will be announced soon. Ticket information for the Herbalife World Football Challenge is available by visiting www.WorldFootballChallenge.com.