Rugby in the US has been given a boost by news that BBC AMERICA is to show five live games from this year’s Six Nations.
BBC AMERICA, the channel which reaches 68m homes, has confirmed it will broadcast the games after a terrific response from US-based fans who followed last year’s debut coverage on the channel.
BBC AMERICA is elevating its coverage this year with digital partnerships and is broadcasting five live matches wrapped with new pre- and post-game shows, beginning with 2010 champions France versus Scotland on Saturday, February 5, 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT.
The channel has also has launched an innovative digital campaign with location-based mobile platform Foursquare.
The ‘Check in for Kick off’ campaign will promote BBC AMERICA’s coverage of the Six Nations via the hugely popular Foursquare network – which has more than 6m users.
Starting today, Foursquare users can follow BBC AMERICA at Foursquare.com/BBCAMERICA to discover tips at over 100 rugby spots all over the U.S. and at key locations in the six host countries of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. Users can unlock the “BBC AMERICA Rugby” badge by checking into rugby institutions, share their own tips with #Watch6Nations and post their party photos.
Perry Simon, General Manager, Channels, BBC Worldwide America commented: “Teaming up with Foursquare is the perfect way to connect BBC AMERICA’s 6 Nations coverage with the U.S. rugby community, and to help new viewers suffering from NFL withdrawal learn how to appreciate this great sport.”
The partnership with Foursquare is part of BBC AMERICA’s expanded coverage of the Six Nations, which includes the new pre- and post-game shows and digital content produced by Embassy Row. Foursquare activity is being supported by on-air promotion, a Public Viewing Locales feature on BBCAmerica.com and a national sports bar marketing/promotion campaign in partnership with Bottle Rocket Marketing Group. Sports bars in BBC AMERICA’s top markets are being blanketed with promotional messaging to watch the broadcasts and engage with BBC AMERICA on Foursquare.
A slate of digital content produced by Embassy Row will be released throughout the run of the tournament, including recurring comedic and factual series such as Rugby 101 and a light-hearted comparison of American football versus rugby.
New to rugby? BBCAmerica.com has a quick rundown on the rules, a rugby podcast, video interviews with captains and coaches and more. www.bbcamerica.com/rugby
BBC AMERICA’S 6 NATIONS SCHEDULE:
2010 Champion France vs. Scotland (in Paris)
Saturday, February 5, 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
Scotland vs. Wales (in Edinburgh)
Saturday, February 12, 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
England vs. 2010 Champion France (in London)
Saturday, February 26, 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
Calcutta Cup – England versus Scotland (in London)
Sunday, March 13, 10:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. PT
Millennium Trophy – Ireland versus England (in Dublin)
Saturday, March 19, 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT
Corrections, comments or questions?