http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/article. ... 50952_3360
Last season's average audience of 84,000 (viewers 2+) for EPL broadcasts on Sportsnet was 65 per cent higher than in 1998-99 (51,000 - viewers 2+).
TORONTO -- Michael Owen and Liverpool take on Robbie Keane and Tottenham as Rogers Sportsnet kicks off a seventh season of English Premier League action with the first match of a triple-header Saturday, August 14 at 8:00 a.m. (ET)/ 5:00 a.m. (PT).
English Premier League soccer has found a home on Rogers Sportsnet as illustrated by the growth in numbers from the opening season of coverage. Last season's average audience of 84,000 (viewers 2+) for EPL broadcasts on Sportsnet was 65 per cent higher than in 1998-99 (51,000 - viewers 2+).
Viewers also tuned into the Saturday edition of Soccercentral last season in record numbers. The show, hosted by Gerry Dobson and featuring analyst Craig Forrest, posted a 75 per cent increase in audience numbers from year-one (1999-2000) to last season.
Dobson and Forrest will be back in the regular time slot Saturday at 12:00 p.m. (ET)/ 9:00 a.m. (PT) and will also be featured on the one-hour mid-week edition of Soccercentral every Wednesday.
"Rogers Sportsnet is thrilled to continue our association with one of the most compelling soccer leagues in the world," stated Dave Akande, Vice President Programming, Rogers Sportsnet. "Not only are our audience numbers growing but European soccer generally and EPL specifically is gaining greater recognition in the advertising community as a promotional vehicle."
The Liverpool at Tottenham tilt is immediately followed by Aston Villa hosting Southampton at 10:00 a.m. (ET)/ 7:00 a.m. (PT).
Alan Shearer, the league's number-two scorer in 2003-04 with 22 goals, will be featured in match three as his Newcastle United squad faces Middlesbrough at 12:30 p.m. (ET)/ 9:30 a.m. (PT).
The triple-header format will be featured a total of 30 times over the course of the English Premier League season. Fans will also be treated to three twin-bills including a special holiday edition on Sunday, December 26.
For all the scores, highlights, breaking news and inside stories from the EPL, tune in to Soccercentral and Sportsnet News or log on to Sportsnet.ca. "Your home team. First."
