ESPN Adds Airdates in August & September

BCA Open 9-Ball Championships earn high ratings

Colorado Springs, Colorado:  ESPN has just announced the addition of eight more broadcast hours of the Billiard Congress of America [BCA] Open 9-Ball Championships, scheduled to air this fall. Beginning o­n Monday, August 30, the women's semi-finals and finals will be re-broadcast o­n ESPN2 through late September.

Since the tournament began airing in 1999 it has received added broadcasts each year, with a record 64 hours in 2003 and 43 thus far in 2004. Of the current hours, viewer ratings have jumped from a .29 average rating (253,469 households) for the debut showings of all four rounds in June, to a peak of .49 (431,161) for a single showing of the Men's final in mid-July. ESPN's benchmark rating average for all taped sporting events is .20, making billiards an audience winner.

This is welcome news to event sponsors currently enjoying visibility through rotating arena banners that send their brand message to millions of ESPN viewers who love billiards and just may be looking for a place to play or to purchase equipment or accessories. Sponsorships for the 2005 event are available exclusively to BCA members, and bid packets will be distributed in September 2004.

Official 2004 sponsors in the current marquee lineup are: Connelly Billiards (table), McDermott Cue (cue), Championship Billiard Fabric (cloth), Imperial International (ball), Econo Lodge (hotel partner), Tweeten Fibre (chalk), Sardo Tight Rack (rack), Brunswick Billiards (furniture), American Poolplayers Association (arena), Billiards Digest (arena), BCA Leagues (host) and the Riviera Hotel & Casino (host).

Added ESPN2 airdates & times (all times EST):

Monday       Aug 30         11:00 a.m.     2004 Women's Semi-Finals    Corr vs. Kelly   

Monday       Aug 30         Noon           2004 Women's Finals            Corr vs. Fisher

Monday       Aug 30         5:00 p.m.       2004 Women's Finals            Corr vs. Fisher

Thursday     Sep 16         11:00 a.m.     2004 Women's Semi-Finals    Corr vs. Kelly   

Thursday     Sep 16         Noon           2004 Women's Finals            Corr vs. Fisher

Thursday     Sep 16         6:00 p.m.       2004 Women's Finals            Corr vs. Fisher

Monday       Sep 20         11:00 a.m.     2004 Women's Semi-Finals    Corr vs. Kelly   

Monday       Sep 20         Noon           2004 Women's Finals            Corr vs. Fisher

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