AHL Chicago Wolves

Wolves and Comcast Extend Landmark Deal to 2007-08

November 3, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Chicago Wolves News Release


The Chicago Wolves and Comcast Cable have agreed on a three-year contract extension to televise every regular-season game ­ including all 40 home contests ­ as well as every playoff game, live on Comcast through the 2007-08 season.

This multi-year agreement, which enters its second year this season, is the only all-inclusive TV deal in the 69-year history of the American Hockey League and puts the Wolves in a category with 14 National Hockey League teams ­­ as of 2003-04 ­­ that televise all of their regular-season games.

"Our fans have immensely enjoyed seeing every Wolves game on TV for the last two years, and we're ecstatic that, along with Comcast, we can provide that access for another three years," said Wolves Chairman of the Board Don Levin. "Our 80-game TV deal has been instrumental in the team's marketing success. Hockey fans can get a rinkside look at the pulse-pounding action and entertainment of a Wolves hockey game at the Allstate Arena, and our sponsors can touch nearly two million Comcast subscribers in the process. We're thrilled that we can continue this partnership with a first-class operation like Comcast, which has already made an impressive footprint in the Chicago area in such a short time."

The broadcasts feature Wolves Play-by-Play Announcer and Chicago native Judd Sirott, who returns for his 11th year, and analyst Billy Gardner, who starts his third season with the organization after having spent 12 seasons as a player and broadcaster with the Chicago Blackhawks. Wolves games, which are currently being televised for the 11th year, will air on a locally designated Comcast channel. To find the channel in your area, please call 1-800-THE-WOLVES or 1-800-COMCAST.

"Providing our customers with programs that entertain and engage has always been a top priority at Comcast," said Eric Schaefer, vice president of sales and marketing for Comcast. "Comcast is the place for serious sports fans and this partnership with the Chicago Wolves brings fans up close and personal to the sport."

The agreement also involves branding opportunities for both the Wolves and Comcast, which includes commercial placement, signage and various cross-promotional options.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Comcast Cable is a division of Comcast Corporation, a developer, manager and operator of broadband cable networks and provider of programming content. Operating in 17 of the United States' 20 largest metropolitan areas, Comcast is one of the leading communications, media and entertainment companies in the world. Providing basic cable, digital cable, high-speed Internet and telephone services, Comcast is the company to look to first for the communications products and services that connect people to what's important in their lives. The company's 55,000 employees, in six divisions, serve more than 21 million customers nationwide.

Comcast Greater Chicago Region, headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., serves more than 1.7 million customers and employs more than 4,700 people in Illinois, Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

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