BRISTOL, Conn., Jan. 5 (UPI) -- U.S sports broadcaster ESPN announced Tuesday it will launch the television industry's first 3D network.
ESPN and ABC Sports President George Bodenheimer said in a statement that the service, to be called ESPN 3D, will showcase a minimum of 85 live sporting events during its first year, beginning with the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match on June 11 featuring South Africa versus Mexico.
Bodenheimer said other events to be produced in 3D include up to 25 2010 FIFA World Cup matches, Summer X Games, college basketball and college football, including the BCS National Championship game in Glendale, Ariz., Jan. 10, 2011.
"This will be a meaningful step to drive adoption of 3D television sets and afford opportunities for our affiliates to create value through new product offerings, and our advertisers, who want fresh sponsorship opportunities," said ESPN marketing vice president Sean Bratches.
Last fall, ESPN produced a 3D telecast of the USC-Ohio State college football game which was shown in select theaters as well as to 6,000 fans on USC's campus.
