TORONTO, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rogers Cable today announced the addition of more sporting events to its Sports Theme Pak with the launch of the Big Ten Network available in High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD). Now available in free preview until January 14, 2010, the Big Ten Network offers unparalleled coverage of the Big Ten Conference with hundreds of live college sports events, offering approximately 35 football games; 105 regular season men's basketball games; and 55 women's basketball games each year.(1)
The Big Ten Network joins Raptors NBA TV, Leafs TV, CBS College Sports, ESPN Classics Canada and The Golf Channel as some of the channels included in the Sports Theme Pak which also offers HD customers up to four additional HD channels at no additional cost.
"Rogers is committed to bringing our customers the most sports in HD and with the addition of Big Ten and Big Ten HD, our customers can get access to even more live US college football and basketball games than ever before," said David Purdy, Vice President, Video Product Management, Rogers Cable. "Sports play a huge part of the Canadian cultural identity and Rogers now offers the passionate sports fan and fantasy sports enthusiast access to virtually every game from a wide variety of major and college leagues."
In addition to Rogers Sports Theme Pak, hardcore sports fans can get even more live action with the Rogers Super Sports Pak which makes it easier to follow favourite teams and players all season long. The Super Sports Pak includes NFL Sunday Ticket, NHL Centre Ice, OHL Action Pak, NBA League Pass only on Rogers, MLB Extra Innings, NASCAR Hotpass, and NCAA football and basketball and brings selected games in HD every day. Rogers Super Sports Pak subscribers also get free access to NHL Game Centre Live for the entire 2009/2010 season, which allows customers to watch live streaming games, access archived games and obtain real-time stats online.
Rogers provides a range of content and games in addition to a number of individual channels for virtually every sports fan. Specifically:
- NFL fans who are subscribed to Rogers digital cable can access the NFL Network (channel 77) as well as On Demand (channel 430) for free and see every play that they missed on Sunday afternoon, watch past and present great moments, or get much needed information for fantasy teams. - With hunting season underway and winter fishing season ahead, outdoors sports enthusiasts can check out Wild TV. - For the ultimate soccer and rugby fans, Setanta Sports provides unparalleled coverage of the English Premier League, Champions League, Scottish Premier League, Le Championnat, Top International Rugby, Aussie Rules and GAA. You'll also get access to the FA Cup, Carling Cup, UEFA Cup, the Coca-Cola Championship and World Cup 2010 qualifying.
Beginning tomorrow, the Big Ten Network can be viewed on channels 546 (HD) and 408 (SD).(2) Visit http://www.rogers.com/sports for more information on Rogers sports programming and package options, and to learn more about the Big Ten Network visit http://www.bigtennetwork.com/.
----------------------------------------------- About Rogers
Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. We are engaged in wireless voice and data communications services through Rogers Wireless, Canada's largest wireless provider and the operator of the country's only national GSM and HSPA based network. Through Rogers Cable we are one of Canada's largest providers of cable television services as well as high-speed Internet access, telephony services and video retailing. Through Rogers Media, we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, and sports entertainment. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.a and RCI.b) and on the New York Stock Exchange .
For more information about Rogers, visit http://www.rogers.com/ -----------------------------
Please note: programming, channels and services may vary by region. Programming subject to change without notice.
(1) Big Ten will be launched in select areas beginning on October 22 in a phased approach over the coming week. Prior to launch, temporary free previews are available on channel 385. (2) Big Ten SD will be available in Ontario, and New Brunswick major systems; HD will only be available in Ontario major systems. Following the free preview, Big Ten will be available in the Sports Theme Pak ($9.99 per month).
Rogers Communications Inc.
CONTACT: Tash Barkey, (416) 935-4659, tash.barkey@rci.rogers.com
