Some Weekend Programming Releases

Grouping a few weekend releases together. We have NASCAR in Chicago, the U.S. Women’s Open in Oakmont, PA and some other stuff that may capture your fancy. Here we go.

The last NASCAR Sprint Cup race for TNT is tonight in primetime. It’s in Chicago and ends a decent year for the Turner network.

TNT’s NASCAR Coverage Concludes with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Racing from Chicago on Saturday, July 10

Pre-race coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. (ET); green flag drops at 7:30 p.m. (ET)

TNT wraps up its NASCAR coverage for the season with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Racing from Chicago on Saturday, July 10 live from Joliet, Ill. at Chicagoland Speedway. The network will air exclusive coverage of the LifeLock.com 400 beginning at 7:30 p.m. (ET) with play-by-play announcer Adam Alexander calling the race alongside analysts Kyle Petty and Wally Dallenbach in the booth. In addition, analyst Larry McReynolds will make frequent contributions from the in-field as he breaks down crew strategy and analyzes car adjustments.

The network’s pre-race coverage will get underway at 6:30 p.m. (ET) with Countdown to Green featuring Lindsay Czarniak (host), Petty and McReynolds, along with reports from pit reporters Ralph Sheheen, Marty Snider, Phil Parsons and Matt Yocum. No. 18 Kyle Busch will join TNT’s infield rig for an interview prior to the race to discuss his current season on the track. In addition, the pre-race show crew will talk to No. 29 Kevin Harvick who is the current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points leader.

TNT’s acclaimed Pride of NASCAR series will feature the late Alan Kulwicki who was the 1986 NASCAR Rookie of the Year and, in 1998, was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.

Dallenbach will once again break down race strategy during Wally’s World, as he is superimposed into live race footage from last season’s race in Chicago. He will virtually walk along the track to discuss its nuances, with the ability to stop the race footage.

Throughout this year’s NASCAR on TNT Summer Series, the network will join forces with NASCAR.COM, the official site of NASCAR, to provide TNT RaceBuddy a multiplatform experience for race fans which features live feeds from the racetrack including pit road and in-car cameras, as well as live chats and polls.

NBC Sports continues its coverage of US Golf Association events with the U.S. Women’s Open this weekend.

WORLD NO. 1 CHRISTIE KERR HEADLINES FIELD AT 2010 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP AT OAKMONT THIS WEEKEND ON NBC SPORTS

“It’s the greatest championship in women’s golf.” – NBC Sports’ Dottie Pepper

“It’s the ultimate test.” – NBC Sports’ Johnny Miller on Oakmont

NEW YORK – July 7, 2010 – Christie Kerr, the No. 1 women’s player in the world, leads an impressive field attempting to win the most prestigious event in women’s golf, the 65^th U.S. Women’s Open Championship from historic Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. NBC Sports provides third- and final-round coverage this Saturday and Sunday from 3-6 p.m. ET.

Dan Hicks hosts NBC Sports’ coverage alongside analysts Johnny Miller and Dottie Pepper, who competed in 19 U.S. Women’s Opens during her illustrious career. Miller won the men’s U.S. Open at Oakmont in 1973 when he famously shot a final-round 63 in what is regarded as one of the most impressive rounds in Open history. They are joined by tower reporter Gary Koch, and course reporters Roger Maltbie and former LPGA players Jane Crafter and Kay Cockerill.

Kerr, who recently vaulted to the top of the world rankings, has a strong U.S. Open resume with five career Top 10s, including a 2007 win and tie for third last year. She has had an impressive 2010 season so far, earning five Top 10 finishes and claiming two victories – the LPGA State Farm Classic and the LPGA Championship.

Kerr will be challenged by a strong field that features all Top 20 players in the world and 28 of the Top 30, including Japan’s Ai Miyazato (No. 2), Australia’s Karrie Webb (9), and the USA’s Michelle Wie (10) and Paula Creamer (13). Last year’s champion, Eun-Hee Ji from Korea, is also competing.

Regarded as one of the great courses in the United States, Oakmont has hosted 17 major championships, including the 1992 U.S. Women’s Open Championship, won by Patty Sheehan.

PEPPER ON OAKMONT: “It’s a huge compliment to the way the women play to come back to Oakmont a second time. The last time the Open was here, there was a lot of rain. I expect a much faster track this time. It’s set up fair, more fair than last time. The greens are holding good shots. The bunkers may end up telling the story. They are severe.”

MILLER ON OAKMONT: “It’s regarded as one of the hardest courses in the United States. It has treacherous greens. Anyone that wins at Oakmont should feel good because it’s the ultimate test.”

PEPPER ON THE OPEN: “It’s the greatest championship in women’s golf. It’s the best courses under the toughest conditions. It’s the focal point on everyone’s schedules. Players play extra practice rounds. They want to win this badly.”

PEPPER ON KERR: “She’s worked very hard to get to where she is. The tussle for No. 1  in the world is great for the LPGA. The rankings can change quickly and that’s a great conversation piece. Christie is built for Opens. She drives it long enough and she’s a grinder. That’s what it takes to win majors. Plus, she’s a ‘feel’ putter and that’s a big asset here.”

MILLER ON KERR: “The big thing about Oakmont is that you have to hit it well but you also need to be a delicate, almost natural putter. Christie is a fantastic putter with a gorgeous stroke. Oakmont should suit her well.”

PEPPER ON THE FIELD: “Suzann Pettersen has put in a lot of extra time here. She’s plenty long enough for this course. Keep an eye out for Song-Hee Kim. She’s earned 10 Top 10s out of 11 tournaments this year, including two runner ups in her last two events. Jennifer Song has lived here for the past two weeks. She won the Futures Tour event by shooting a final-round 61.”

MILLER ON THE AMERICANS: “I’m looking forward to see if some of the young American woman – Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, Natalie Gulbis – can step up and win a Unites States Open.”

More coming up after the break.
CBS Sports has some stuff on Sunday.

CBS SPORTS GOES YARD AS COLLEGE BASEBALL’S TOP SLUGGERS COMPETE IN FIRST EVER “TD AMERITRADE COLLEGE HOME RUN DERBY” ON SUNDAY, JULY 11

CBS SPORTS SPECTACULAR introduces some of baseball’s next generation of superstars as they face off in the first ever TD AMERITRADE COLLEGE HOME RUN DERBY on Sunday, July 11 (1:00-2:00 PM, ET; taped 7/7) from historic Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Neb.  Highlighted by Fresno State’s Jordan Ribera and Siena College’s Dan Paolini, eight of the premier
sluggers of college baseball from colleges around the country go yard for yard as the COLLEGE HOME RUN DERBY provides an exciting new television event in college baseball from one of the storied ballpark’s final collegiate competitions.  National Baseball Hall of Fame member Mike Schmidt and 2010 inductee Andre Dawson serve as ceremonial hitting coaches for the participants.  CBS Sports’ Adam Zucker, along with 1993 and 1994 American League Most Valuable Player Frank Thomas, and Tracy Wolfson reporting, call the action for CBS Sports.  CBS Sports’ Deb Boulac serves as coordinating producer.

CBS SPORTS TO AIR SECOND INSTALLMENT OF “LUCAS OIL OFF ROAD RACING SERIES” ON SUNDAY, JULY 11

CBS SPORTS SPECTACULAR presents the second chapter of the LUCAS OIL OFF ROAD RACING SERIES on Sunday, July 11 (2:00-3:00 PM, ET; taped 6/26-27) from Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah.  This series includes 11 classes of vehicles ranging from ATVs to full-bodied trucks.  Multi-time off road champion Rob MacCachren races the Stronghold Engineering, Pro 4 Unlimited, while Ricky Johnson races in the Pro 2 class. Newcomers Bryce Menzie and Rodrigo Ampudia are emerging as serious contenders of this short course off road talent.  Cameron Steele, Ken Stout and Rob Klepper call all the action for CBS Sports.  CBS Sports’ Ryan Galvin serves as coordinating producer.

And NBA TV has coverage of Summer League basketball live from Las Vegas throughout the weekend and into next week.

NBA Digital Heads to Las Vegas for the Remainder of 2010 NBA Summer League on NBA TV and NBA.com

NBA Digital continues its extensive Summer League coverage with NBA TV and NBA.com airing 39 live game broadcasts starting Friday, July 9 and continuing through Sunday, July 18 in Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center and the COX Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas. 

The NBA TV crew of Matt Winer, Rick Kamla, Joel Myers and Chad Andrus will call play by play alongside analysts Kevin McHale, Chris Webber, Brent Barry, Steve Smith, Mike Fratello and Dennis Scott.   In addition to the live games, NBA TV will offer live daily studio programming with NBA GameTime. Host Kyle Montgomery, Vince Cellini, analyst Eric Snow and special in-studio guests will highlight players, stories and news that develop this summer.

Among the young stars expected to compete will be 2010 NBA number one overall draft pick John Wall.  Other top selections from this year’s draft that are expected to play include Wesley Johnson, the fourth selection by the Minnesota Timberwolves and DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings (fifth overall).  Sophomore standouts that are expected to play include Sacramento Kings guard Omir Casspi and Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson.

Fans will also have the opportunity to watch every game live on NBA.com through the NBA SUMMER LEAGUE BROADBAND.  NBA SUMMER LEAGUE BROADBAND is a subscription service offering fans a full slate of live NBA Summer League game webcasts via nba.com/summerleaguebroadband. The complete package will be $14.95 for access to all summer league games on a live basis, as well as on a video-on-demand basis for up to one week following the conclusion of the league’s final game. A late season package will also be available beginning July 15, for $9.95.  

NBA TV SUMMER LEAGUE PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE:

JULY 10 – JULY  11

SATURDAY, JUL.10

4 – 6 p.m – Toronto Raptors vs. Phoenix Suns, Joel Myers, Matt Winer, Brent Barry, Kevin McHale, David Aldridge

6 – 8 p.m – Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets

8 – 10 p.m – Detroit Pistons vs. Golden State Warriors

10 p.m – 12 a.m – Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets

12 – 12:30 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Kyle Montgomery

12:30 – 1 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Kyle Montgomery

SUNDAY, JUL. 11

4 – 6 p.m – New York Knicks vs. Denver Nuggets, Joel Myers, Matt Winer, Brent Barry, Kevin McHale, David Aldridge

6 – 8 p.m – Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston Rockets

8 – 10 p.m – Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors

10 p.m – 12 a.m – Miami Heat vs. New Orleans Hornets

12 – 12:30 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Kyle Montgomery

12:30 – 1 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Kyle Montgomery

JULY 12 – JULY 18

MONDAY, JUL. 12
4 – 6 p.m – Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks, Joel Myers, Matt Winer, Rick Kamla, Steve Smith, Brent Barry, Kevin McHale, David Aldridge
6 – 8 p.m – Sacramento Kings vs. Detroit Pistons
8 – 10 p.m – Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks
10 p.m – 12 a.m –  Washington Wizards vs. Los Angeles Clippers
12- 12:30 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini
12:30 – 1 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini

TUESDAY, JUL. 13
4 – 6 p.m –  Denver Nuggets vs. Chicago Bulls, Joel Myers, Rick Kamla, Matt Winer, Chris Webber, Steve Smith, David Aldridge
6 – 8 p.m – Cleveland Cavaliers vs. D-League
8 – 10 p.m – Milwaukee Bucks vs. Memphis Grizzlies
10 p.m – 12 a.m –  Portland Trail Blazers vs. New Orleans Hornets
12- 12:30 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini
12:30 – 1 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini
 
WEDNESDAY, JUL. 14
4 – 6 p.m. – Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets, Matt Winer, Joel Myers, Rick Kamla, Steve Smith, Chris Webber, Kyle Montgomery
6  – 8 p.m – New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors
8 – 10 p.m – Los Angeles Clippers vs. Chicago Bulls
10 p.m – 12 a.m –  Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
12- 12:30 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini
12:30 – 1 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini
 
THURSDAY, JUL. 15
4 – 6 p.m – Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs, Matt Winer, Rick Kamla, Chad Andrus, Eric Snow, Chris Webber, Dennis Scott, Kyle Montgomery
6 – 8 p.m – Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns
8 – 10 p.m – Washington Wizards vs. Dallas Mavericks
10 p.m – 12 a.m –  Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
12- 12:30 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini
12:30 – 1 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini

FRIDAY, JUL. 16
4 – 6 p.m – Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks, Rick Kamla, Joel Myers, Chad Andrus, Mike Fratello, Eric Snow, Dennis Scott, Kyle Montgomery
6 – 8 p.m –  Toronto Raptors vs. Sacramento Kings
8 – 10 p.m – Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Hornets
10 p.m – 12 a.m –  Memphis Grizzles vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
12- 12:30 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini
12:30 – 1 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini

SATURDAY, JUL. 17
4 – 6 p.m – New York K
nicks vs. Washington Wizards, Joel Myers, Rick Kamla, Chad Andrus, Mike Fratello, Eric Snow, Dennis Scott, Kyle Montgomery
6 – 8 p.m –  Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
8 – 10 p.m –  Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs
10 p.m – 12 a.m – Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trail Blazers
12- 12:30 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini
12:30 – 1 a.m –  NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini

SUNDAY, JUL. 18
4 – 6 p.m –  Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks, Rick Kamla, Joel Myers, Chad Andrus, Eric Snow, Mike Fratello, Dennis Scott, Kyle Montgomery
6 – 8 p.m – Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers
8 – 10 p.m – Dallas Mavericks vs. Sacramento Kings
10 p.m – 10:30 p.m – NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini
10:30 – 11 p.m – NBA GameTime, Vince Cellini

We’re done.