SOUNDERS FC unveils TV contract, play-by-play veteran
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC certainly already has some 'mainstream' names involved in their day-to-day affairs; owners of the MLS 2009 expansion franchise include a movie mogul (Joe Roth, the majority owner), a Microsoft mogul (its co-founder Paul Allen), and a well-known TV personality now seen daily (comedian and 'Price Is Right' host Drew Carey). For local sports fans in the Emerald City, another familiar name was added to the list on Monday...
In a live press conference webcast from Qwest Field, the team announced their first broadcast partnership. Former 'voice of the Sonics' Kevin Calabro has been pegged by broadcaster BELO as the play-by-play announcer for games, after the NBA team made a contractual agreement with Seattle to implement a move to Oklahoma City...
As with all Major League Soccer these days, every Sounders FC match will be televised; this with a combination of national cable telecasts, and regionally, on local 'free' TV via KING and KONG (channels 5 and 6 respectively, on the broadcast dial). Some matches will join the regular rotation of weekly featured matches on the seven national networks; those matches and details will be announced once the schedule is revealed in early 2009.
Besides Calabro - who had 21 years of experience with the Sonics - a color commentator will be hired at a later date. A weekly soccer-specific TV series was also announced on Monday; that will be hosted by local sports anchor Paul Silvi on KING 5. Every regional match not shown on national networks will also feature locally-produced KING/KONG exclusive pre- and post- game shows.
from the official team website,
“Everyone at KING5 the Home Team is very excited to begin this special partnership with another great home team – the Sounders FC,” said BELO president and general manger Ray Heacox. “The incredible support from the community in welcoming Major League Soccer in Seattle is proof that this will become the most successful launch for MLS. We look forward to many winning years together.”
“The Sounders FC adds two broadcast icons to our family today,” said Vulcan Sports & Entertainment CEO Tod Leiweke. “This partnership teams one of the most recognizable voices in sports with the number-one rated station in Western Washington.”
Former “Voice of the Sonics,” Kevin Calabro, will serve as club’s play-by-play announcer for all Sounders FC matches. Calabro spent 21 seasons with the Sonics where he was part of several regional Emmy Award-winning broadcasts. “I'm thrilled to be part of Sounders FC soccer in a city that I know will embrace it,” said Calabro. “Seattle is blessed to have devoted ownership as well and I know people will be excited about the possibilities.”
During his career, Calabro has also been a play-by-play contributor for TNT, TBS and ESPN Radio broadcasts of the NBA. During the summer of 2000, he was selected by The Westwood One Radio Network to be the voice of the United States Men’s 2000 Olympic Basketball Team. He was named “Sportscaster of the Year” for the state of Washington in 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association of America.
Read Monday's complete announcement here
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