ESPN 3D, the sports giant's new 3-D cable net, will launch June 11 on Comcast's digital cable tier, the companies announced Wednesday (May 12).
Comcast, the nation's largest MSO, is the first cable affiliate to clear ESPN 3D, which plans to offer nearly 100 events in its first year. As part of the deal, Comcast and ESPN will offer customers access to select ESPN 3D events on VOD.
“ESPN was a pioneer in HD, and continues to move the industry forward with the first 3-D sports network,” said Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast. “We delivered the first live national 3-D sports event to consumers homes earlier this year with the Masters Tournament and believe that 3-D sports will drive the adoption of this technology and continue to revolutionize how we deliver entertainment.”
On launch day, ESPN 3D will cover the 2010 FIFA World Cup match between South Africa and Mexico. Up to 25 World Cup soccer matches are planned, as well as college football and NBA games.
ESPN has been testing 3-D television for more than three years. ESPN announced the launch of ESPN 3D in January.
