Verizon FiOS scores the first NFL 3D broadcast with Giants/Patriots September 2

By Richard Lawler

posted August 11th 2010 1:03PM

Check off another first for 3D sports broadcasts, now that Verizon has announced its FiOS1 channel will exclusively carry the first 3D NFL game. We doubt you'll see much of Tom Brady and Eli Manning in a preseason game four matchup between the Giants and Patriots, but for the New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island subscribers already rocking a 3D setup even watching backups fight for a roster spot is bound to be miles ahead of what's been available so far. Despite keeping its 3D plans close to its vest Verizon has been working closely with the Giants to bring this broadcast to life and plans 3D viewing parties at Meadowlands Stadium (although not on its enormous new HD scoreboards) and Gillette Stadium. ESPN 3D won't kick off its own college football broadcasts until a few days later, if you can't make it to the field and are still wondering if the technology is worth it there are also a couple of bars in Manhattan and Rhode Island airing the broadcast -- Jim Sorgi and Brian Hoyer will be glad to know you're watching.

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Verizon FiOS Scores First NFL Game on 3D TV: Giants-Patriots Preseason Match-Up on Sept. 2

Company to Produce and Broadcast the Game, Exclusively for FiOS TV Customers

NEW YORK – August 11, 2010 –

Verizon is kicking off the football season with the production and broadcast of the first National Football League game in 3D on television for the company's FiOS TV customers in parts of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The game is the Sept. 2 preseason match-up between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Coverage begins at 6:45 p.m., with Verizon FiOS1 pre-game, half-time and post-game shows - all in 3D. The game begins at 7 p.m.

Verizon FiOS1 is producing the 3D broadcast, which will be shown on FiOS Channel 834 for FiOS TV subscribers in the New York City area, including Long Island and Westchester and Rockland counties, as well as for subscribers in northern New Jersey, Mercer County, N.J., Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Similar to previously offered 3D programming from Verizon, customers must have 3D TV sets, 3D glasses and a high-definition set-top box to view the broadcast.

The veteran on-air broadcast team includes play-by-play announcer Spero Dedes, analyst Howard Cross and sideline reporter Kimberly Jones.

"This is the next major step in our development of 3D experiences for our FiOS TV customers," said Terry Denson, vice president of content strategy and acquisition for Verizon. "Broadcasting the first 3D NFL game delivers on our promise to FiOS customers to provide a superior TV offering, including 3D, HD and VOD programming, as well as interactivity that cable can't match."

Giants Chief Marketing Officer Mike Stevens said, "The Giants are excited to host the first 3D broadcast of an NFL Game in our new stadium. We have worked closely with our partner Verizon in developing new technology throughout the stadium for our fans, and now Verizon FiOS and the Giants will be taking the next step in innovation for our fans at home."

In support of the 3D broadcast, Verizon will host customer viewing parties at New Meadowlands Stadium and at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Guests at Gillette Stadium will include youngsters from local Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Verizon also is working with two popular sports bars in the New York and New England markets -- Slate Bar in Manhattan and Snookers in Providence, R.I. -- to give consumers a first-hand look at the power of Verizon's 3D experience. The company will set up 3D TVs at each location and hold promotional events there.

The broadcast marks Verizon's third major 3D initiative this summer. On July 10 and 11, the company broadcast the first Major League Baseball games in 3D, between the New York Yankees and the Seattle Mariners. And on July 15, Verizon announced that it will carry 3D programming on FiOS TV Video on Demand from WealthTV.

"We are committed to bringing our customers a consistently high-quality TV experience with the best programming available over the country's only all-fiber network," added Denson. "And there's so much more yet to come, with new programming, applications and other enhancements that only FiOS can deliver."

FiOS TV offers a broad collection of programming, with more than 565 all-digital channels including up to 142 HD channels and 18,000 monthly video-on-demand titles. FiOS also provides next-generation interactive services including an advanced interactive media guide; social networking, news and entertainment widgets; remote DVR management via broadband or cell phone; and more.

In addition, with NFL Mobile only from Verizon, Giants and Patriots fans can get news, scores and highlights all season long on their Verizon Wireless smartphones. For information on how to download, customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/nfl.

For the latest news, updates and information about FiOS TV, visit www.verizon.com/newscenter and http://www.verizon.com/athomeblog.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 92 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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