Six Months Down, Six to Go
The beginning of July indicates we are somehow already halfway through the year! The good news is that our local teams are on top, and we have plenty of sports on the horizon for the second half with college football, hockey and hoops. As of today, the Atlanta Braves sit atop the National League East at the 82-game mark, and we look forward to covering the second half of the season as they continue their push to another postseason berth. In addition, we were honored to air Chipper Jones’ number retirement ceremony commercial-free Troops march out from right field as part of a special edition of Braves LIVE on June 28. We are also awaiting results to see how many Braves Jeff Genthner tunnel during Tribute to the Troops Senior Vice President, will represent the franchise in New York City at the 84th edition of the Major League Baseball All-Star pregame ceremony. Game, which will air live on FOX Tuesday, July 16th at 7:30pm ET. General Manager Not to be forgotten is the impressive Atlanta Dream, who currently own the best record in the WNBA. June’s WNBA Player of the Month Angel McCoughtry and her teammates are playing a thrilling brand of basketball and we will continue to air games throughout the regular season. This week, as we celebrate the independence of our nation, it is important that we recognize the men and women who continue to sacrifice and fight for our freedom, as well as their families who support them at home. On Sunday, June 30, we tried to live by those words by holding our third annual Tribute to the Troops event at Turner Field, benefitting Wounded Warrior project, an incredible organization that provides programs and services designed to assist severely injured service members as they recover and transition back to civilian life. We hosted 150 soldiers from Fort Benning and the Georgia National Guard to a day at the ballpark, and Governor Nathan Deal, Mayor Kasim Reed, Adjutant General of Georgia Major General Jim Butterworth, Manager Fredi Gonzalez, and many Braves alumni players were on hand to give the soldiers the hero’s welcome they deserve each and every day. In addition to an on-field ceremony of soldiers and players, our broadcast Pictured (L-R): Major General Jim Butterworth, the Adjutant of Georgia; Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, boasted a full array of interviews with military personnel, including a wedding proposal by a soldier who recently returned from Afghanistan (she said yes). Our efforts pale in comparison to what our servicemen and Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and FOX Sports South Senior VP and General Manager Jeff Genthner women do for us on a daily basis, yet we hope this day brought some joy and fun to all who were involved. Happy Independence Day!
Chipper Jones Number Retirement
Tribute to the Troops
Tom Hart talks with Chipper jones on Braves LIVE before his Number Retirement Ceremony at Turner Field.
Troops from Fort Benning pose in front of the FOX Sports South Fan Express before traveling to Turner Field.
The Atlanta Braves unveil the Chipper Jones retired number along the third-base line at Turner Field.
Tom Hart talks with Major General Butterworth and his son Blake on Braves LIVE during Tribute to the Troops.
1
Nashville Predators Unveil 15th Anniversary Plans and Commemorative Logo The Nashville Predators will celebrate their 15th anniversary during the 2013-14 season with a wide-ranging set of initiatives and events, starting with the unveiling of a commemorative logo. Throughout the season, Predators broadcasts on FOX Sports Tennessee and SportSouth will relive milestone moments in franchise history, such as the team’s first game against the Florida Panthers, the exciting run to the playoffs in 2003-04, the team’s first 50-win season with a victory over St. Louis on April 5, 2007, and many more.
The Nashville Predators unveil their 15th anniversary commemorative logo.
Carolina Hurricanes Unveil New Uniforms The Carolina Hurricanes unveiled all-new home and road uniforms for the 2013-14 season. While the team’s primary logo and colors remain intact, the Hurricanes’ new uniforms will alter the look of the team’s home and road jerseys, pants and socks, for the first time in the team’s 15-year North Carolina history.
The new Carolina Hurricanes home jersey (Photo by Gregg Forwerck, Carolina Hurricanes)
The new Carolina Hurricanes road uniform (Photo by Gregg Forwerck, Carolina Hurricanes)
Atlanta Dream Sizzling as Schedule Turns to July Led by Angel McCoughtry, WNBA Player of the Month for June, the Atlanta Dream is off to the best start in franchise history and currently has the best record in the WNBA. The Dream is one of just six teams in WNBA history to win at least 10 of its first 11 games. With only five games scheduled in July, FOX Sports South will next televise the Dream’s home game against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, July 24. Angel McCoughtry
2
2013 Atlanta Dream Remaining TV Schedule Date Opponent Time Network Wed, 7/24 vs. Connecticut 7:00 p.m. ET FSSO Sat, 8/3 @ Phoenix 10:00 p.m. ET SPSO Sat, 8/10 @ Indiana 7:00 p.m. ET SPSO Sun, 8/11 vs. New York 6:00 p.m. ET SPSO Fri, 8/16 vs. Connecticut 7:30 p.m. ET SPSO Sun, 8/18 vs. Washington 3:00 p.m. ET SPSO Tue, 8/20 vs. Minnesota 7:00 p.m. ET FSSO Sat, 8/24 vs. Chicago 7:00 p.m. ET SPSO Wed, 8/28 vs. Washington 7:00 p.m. ET FSSO Mon, 9/2 vs. Los Angeles 6:00 p.m. ET FSSO Wed, 9/4 vs. Indiana 7:00 p.m. ET FSSO Sun, 9/8 vs. Phoenix 3:00 p.m. ET SPSO
Bobcats Sports & Entertainment to Provide Unique Fellowship Through Cats Academy and Y Achievers Program In March 2013, FOX Sports Carolinas/SportSouth partnered with Bobcats Sports & Entertainment to deliver a $200,000 sponsorship of the Y Achievers program. Today, the Charlotte Bobcats will now welcome six local high school students who are members of Y Achievers to participate in its Cats Academy Fellowship Program created from the sponsorship. Two rising juniors and/or seniors from Vance, West Charlotte and West Mecklenburg high schools will participate in the six-week fellowship, designed to provide insight and experience into the sports and entertainment industry. During the six-week program running from June 24-August 1, the students will experience day-today operations in marketing, community relations, public relations, interactive media, guest services, retail and human resources.
Bobcats Chairman Michael Jordan and FOX Sports Carolinas Sr. Vice President and General Manager Jeff Genthner presented a $200,000 check to President and Chief Executive Officer of YMCA of Greater Charlotte Andy Calhoun in March 2013.
FOX Sports South Fan Express is on a Roll The Fox Sports South Fan Express is on a roll, bringing Atlanta Braves fans from all over Braves Country to watch their favorite team at Turner Field. Wrapped with billboard sized images of current Braves stars, fans can ride to games in VIP style. Along with the luxury coach’s unmistakable exterior, fans will also enjoy a decked-out interior, including player highlight videos and Wi-Fi. Fans are not the only ones taking advantage of the Fan Express. Chipper Jones and his guests rode the bus to Turner Field for his number retirement ceremony on June 28. Groups of 35-50 people can book the luxury vehicle by calling group sales department at 404-614-1493. Additional information can be found at www.braves.com/fanexpress.
Braves right fielder Jason Heyward is featured on the side of the FOX Sports South Fan Express.
FOX Sports South Girls Brittany and Canicka show off the front of the Fan Express.
3
Atlanta Braves legend Chipper Jones exits the FOX Sports South Fan Express at Turner Field for his number retirement ceremony.
Bobcats, Hawks, Grizzlies Welcome New Head Coaches In recent months the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Bobcats and Memphis Grizzlies all welcomed new head coaches -- Mike Budzenholzer, Steve Clifford and David Joerger respectively:
Mike Budenholzer
wSpent the 1993–94 season in Denmark, playing professionally for Vejle Basketball Klub wBegan his coaching career with the San Antonio Spurs, where he spent 18 seasons under Head Coach Greg Popovich wNamed head coach of the Atlanta Hawks in 2013
Steve Clifford
wServed as assistant coach for the New York Knicks (2001-03), Houston Rockets (2003-07) and Orlando Magic (2007-12) wServed as 2012-2013 Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach wNamed head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2013
David Joeger
wServed as head coach of the 2007 NBA D-League champion Dakota Wizards wServed as 2007-2013 Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach wNamed head coach of the Memphis Grizzles in 2013
Bobcats, Grizzlies and Hawks Draft for Future Success The NBA Draft is always a thrilling night as teams look for future contributors to their rosters. 2013 was no different for the Charlotte Bobcats, Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks, as they selected draft picks from both near and far.
The Atlanta Hawks introduce Brazilian forward Lucas Nogueira, German guard Dennis Schroeder and Bucknell forward Mike Muscala.
The Charlotte Bobcats general manager Rich Cho and president of basketball operations Rod Higgins introduce their first round draft pick, Indiana center Cody Zeller.
The Memphis Grizzlies selected San Diego State guard Jamaal Franklin and Latvian forward Janis Timma in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft.
4
Around Town With The FOX Sports South Girls
Brittany and Canicka with former Atlanta Braves catcher Javy Lopez during the FOX Sports South Tribute to the Troops event.
Brittany and Canicka with Braves mascot Homer before the Braves Country 4-Miler at Turner Field.
Brittany and Canicka at the 680 The Fan studio for an interview to discuss Braves baseball.
Brittany and Canicka pose with Atlanta Hawks legend Dominque Wilkens at the 2013 Hawks draft party.
Contact Our Sales Team for Advertising Information
Marc LeSage General Sales Manager 404-443-5201
Fred Steck National Sales Manager 404-443-5204
Marc.LeSage@foxsports.net Fred.Steck@foxsports.net
Brandon Howell Local Sales Manager 404-443-5203
Steve Jones Senior Account Executive 404-443-5212
Eric Williamson Senior Account Executive 404-443-5211
Evan Pardue Senior Account Executive 404-230-0312
Steve Culkar Senior Account Executive 404-443-5214
Erin Carlsen Account Executive 404-443-5227
Brandon.Howell@foxsports.net Steve.Jones@foxsports.net Eric.Williamson@foxsports.net Evan.Pardue@foxsports.net Steve.Culkar@foxsports.net Erin.Carlsen@foxsports.net
5
G. David Brown Senior Account Executive 704-552-4014
G.David.Brown@foxsports.net