Wimbledon in 3D Selling Out in UK Cinemas in Anticipation of Murray Making History
For the first time ever, the climax of Wimbledon is being shown live in 3D in cinemas across the UK.
A limited number of these special events will be hosted around the country, spanning the final three days of the prestigious tournament. Starting with the Men’s Semi Finals on 1st July, including Nadal vs Murray, tennis lovers in the UK will be introduced to the ultimate viewing experience outside of Centre Court.
Teaming up with major cinema chains in the UK, tennis fans and cinemagoers are booking their seats to witness this never before seen Wimbledon experience, and get up close with Andy Murray, to see if he can become the first British Men’s Champion in 75 years. Read more
The Los Angeles Dodgers filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code
Los Angeles Dodgers File for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
- Chapter 11 to provide Dodgers with process to address its immediate financing requirements and obtain the capital necessary to ensure the Club’s long term financial stability
- Action is precipitated by Commissioner Selig’s interference with Club operations and refusal to approve multibillion dollar media rights transaction
The Los Angeles Dodgers filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in order to protect the franchise financially and provide a path that will enable the Club to consummate a media transaction and capitalize the team. Dodger owner Frank McCourt cited Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig’s refusal to approve the Fox transaction as the cause for the Chapter 11 filing.
“The Dodgers have delivered time and again since I became owner, and that’s been good for baseball,” McCourt said. “We turned the team around financially after years of annual losses before I purchased the team. We invested $150 million in the stadium. We’ve had excellent on-field performance, including playoff appearances four times in seven years. And we brought the Commissioner a media rights deal that would have solved the cash flow challenge I presented to him a year ago, when his leadership team called us a ‘model franchise.’ Yet he’s turned his back on the Dodgers, treated us differently, and forced us to the point we find ourselves in today. I simply cannot allow the Commissioner to knowingly and intentionally be in a position to expose the Dodgers to financial risk any longer. It is my hope that the Chapter 11 process will create a fair and constructive environment to get done what we couldn’t achieve with the Commissioner directly.” Read more
Subaru Released Dramatic Video of Isle of Man TT Circuit Record Lap
Subaru of America has released a new YouTube video of the 2011 Subaru WRX STI setting an all-time course record for the historic Isle of Man TT Mountain Course. The 5 minute 25 second video highlights in graphic detail the speed and drama surrounding rally driver Mark Higgins’ lap that averaged 115.356 MPH. After the run, Higgins talks through the “moment” at Brey Hill when he momentarily loses, and then regains, control of the WRX STI at more than 150 MPH.
Driving a US specification 2011 Subaru WRX STI, Higgins achieved speeds of 162 MPH and a lapped time of 19 minutes 37 seconds over the 37-mile track, navigating more than 200 corners.
“This is one of the most daunting tracks I have ever driven, and the most terrifying,” said Higgins, a Manx native. “We were only able to get two practice runs and on our second practice I had the biggest ‘moment’ of my career. We had a passenger on the run and so coming into Bray Hill at more than 150 MPH, the extra weight compressed the suspension more than on previous runs and shifted the Subaru to the left and then right as I corrected–it was a real tank slapper. The whole thing went by so quickly that we never slowed below 110 MPH, and then we were back on the power. It was amazing and the helicopter shots really show just how hairy it really was.”
The WRX STI was a production US spec car running a standard 305 HP turbocharged boxer engine. Some safety modifications were made. The Subaru was equipped with a Lifeline fire suppression system, Hockley Motorsports roll cage, motordrive competition seats, Mintex brake pads (but stock calipers and rotors), and a louder open exhaust to warn spectators of the on-coming car. The speed limiter was turned off to allow a higher maximum speed; off-the shelf Tien springs and dampers were added to accommodate the numerous high-speed jumps on the circuit, sending the WRX STI almost four feet off the ground. The car ran on street legal Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tires.
The video can be viewed here.
Steven Stamkos the New Face of EA SPORTS NHL 12
Electronic Arts announced, at the 2011 NHL Awards hosted at the Pearl Concert Theater in the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas, that Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning will be the new face of the EA SPORTS NHL 12 videogame. Stamkos’ image will appear on packaging worldwide when NHL 12 hits retail stores this September.
“I’ve grown up playing EA SPORTS NHL videogames so it’s an honor to be chosen for the cover this year,” said Stamkos. “I love how authentic the game is and thought it was great when I scored a one-knee, one-timer goal as myself in NHL12!”
At just 21 years old, Steven Stamkos is one of the fastest rising stars in the NHL. He was drafted first overall in 2008 and on February 6 of this year, Stamkos became the first player in the NHL to reach the 40 goal mark in the current season. His skill on the ice earned him the Maurice Richard Trophy, awarded to the player with the most goals in the NHL®, which he shared with Sidney Crosby in 2010. This year, Stamkos was nominated for the Ted Lindsay Award, presented annually to the “Most Outstanding Player” in the NHL, as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA. His performance in the 2011 Stanley Cup® Playoffs is another example of his perseverance and skill as he battled his way with the Tampa Bay Lightning to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Bruins. Read more
Over 6000 Female Volleyball Players from Around the World Set to Compete in the 28th Annual Volleyball Festival
The 28th Annual Volleyball Festival will be declared open on the eve of the competition by Olympic Volleyball champion and current USA Women’s National Indoor Assistant Coach Karch Kiraly at 5:30 pm on June 22, at the welcoming ceremony on Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona where the teams parade onto the field and show their colors.
With over 6000 competitors, the Volleyball Festival, sponsored by NFinity, Spalding, SnapSports and Papa John’s Pizza, is one of the largest women’s volleyball tournaments in the country. 550 teams with girls ages 12-18 will compete in seven different age divisions at the Phoenix Convention Center from June 23-27. Arizona is sending 131 teams. Past participants have included former Olympians Kerri Walsh, Misty May, Heather Cox, Kristin Folkl, Holly McPeak, Tara Cross-Battle, and Kelli Tennant.
“We are thrilled to be hosting this event in Phoenix this year,” said Festival founder Dr. David Epperson. “The Phoenix convention center is a world class venue and we look forward to having some of the best players in the nation competing at the highest level while also demonstrating the essential qualities of good sportsmanship.”
All activities are open to the public. Ticket information can be found at www.volleyball-festival.com. Ms. Tennant, a three time festival champion and USC standout, will co-announce the 18s Finals broadcast with Olympic Gold Medalist and seasoned broadcaster Paul Sunderland. The 18s finals will be broadcast in tape-delay on Fox Sports Arizona, Prime Ticket and Fox Sports West after the tournament.