Comcast Picks Up ESPN 3D

I know this is a big thing at the ESPN Worldwide headquarters in Bristol, CT when I see tweets from no less than 700 ESPN people regarding this announcement. Comcast cable systems will be picking ESPN 3D making it the first cable provider to do so. Earlier this year, DirecTV announced it will carry the channel when it launches in time for the World Cup next month. Now Comcast is following suit.

This is the press release which again was not e-mailed to me.

ESPN and Comcast Announce Distribution Agreement to Bring ESPN 3D To Sports Fans 

ESPN 3D Launch on Comcast to Coincide with 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 11

BRISTOL, CONN. AND PHILADELPHIA – May 12, 2010 – Comcast Corporation, one of the nation’s leading providers of entertainment, information and communication products and services, and ESPN today announced an agreement to provide ESPN 3D to Comcast’s Digital Cable customers, to bring top sports events to consumers in next-generation 3D. Comcast is the first cable affiliate to sign on to distribute ESPN’s new network that will launch on June 11 and will include nearly 100 events in its first year.

“As a leader in the distribution of innovative content, it’s fitting that Comcast is the first cable distributor for ESPN 3D,” said George Bodenheimer, co-chairman, Disney Media Networks, and president, ESPN and ABC Sports. “This agreement demonstrates ESPN’s and Comcast’s shared commitment to bring the latest viewing experience to sports fans.”

“ESPN was a pioneer in HD, and continues to move the industry forward with the first 3D sports network,” said Brian L. Roberts, chairman and CEO, Comcast Corporation. “We delivered the first live national 3D sports event to consumers homes earlier this year with the Masters Tournament and believe that 3D sports will drive the adoption of this technology and continue to revolutionize how we deliver entertainment.”

In addition, Comcast and ESPN will provide customers access to select ESPN 3D events on VOD.

ESPN 3D will sign on the air June 11 with the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match featuring South Africa versus Mexico. ESPN 3D will feature up to 25 matches throughout the World Cup.  Along with college football and NBA games, schedule highlights for the new network include:

• X Games 16, July 28-Aug. 1
• College basketball’s Old Spice Classic, Nov. 25-28
• College football’s ACC Championship on Dec. 4
• Jimmy V Classic on Dec. 7
• 2011 BCS National Championship game Jan. 10, 2011
• X Games 15, Jan. 27-30, 2011
• College basketball’s Big East Tournament, March 8-12, 2011

We’ll see if other cable providers follow suit.