FOX Soccer announced its schedule and programming highlights for Kickoff 2012, beginning this Saturday with the 2012-2013 Barclays Premier League. For the first time in network history, as the game’s biggest stars cap a summer filled with memorable performances at Euro 2012 and the Olympics, FOX Soccer brings fans 24/7 coverage of the beautiful game, accentuated by groundbreaking original programming, signature studio shows such as Match Day and Goals on Sunday, and a robust package of live matches from the world’s elite leagues that have come to define the network.
“The beginning of any season marks renewed hope, opportunity and excitement for any team, and FOX Soccer has cemented its commitment to make sure fans have unprecedented access to their favorite club with an unmatchable slate of media rights for Kickoff 2012,” said David Nathanson, General Manager for FOX Soccer.
“Through newly acquired international properties, continued development of our original programming, and the introduction of new platforms to access this content, we are once again raising the bar for coverage of the beautiful game."
Liverpool FC, the subject of FOX Soccer’s upcoming original documentary Being: Liverpool, visits West Bromwich Albion to begin coverage of the new Barclays Premier League campaign at 9:30 AM ET on Saturday, August 18. Following this opening match, resurgent Newcastle United hosts a hungry Tottenham Hotspur team led by newly appointed manager Andre Villas-Boas, formerly of Chelsea, at 12:00 PM ET. On Sunday, August 19 FOX Soccer unveils the first of its weekly Sunday doubleheaders, with Wigan hosting reigning European champion Chelsea at 8:25 AM ET.
Fresh off the heels of the most stunning Survival Sunday victory in Premiership history, Manchester City begins its league title defense at home against newly promoted Southampton at 10:30 AM ET. Closing out a heart-pounding week of Barclays Premier League action, Liverpool battles defending champion Manchester City at Anfield, live on Sunday, August 26 at 10:30 AM ET on FOX Soccer.
FOX Soccer’s signature studio shows, Match Day and Goals on Sunday, return for the new season with an exciting new addition. Former U.S. National Team striker and Barclays Premier League star Brian McBride joins studio host Rob Stone and analysts Eric Wynalda and Warren Barton to anchor the network’s weekly coverage. Kickoff 2012 continues on Tuesday, August 21 and Wednesday, August 22 as the UEFA Champions League playoff round begins on FOX Soccer and FOX Soccer Plus. Later this season, fans are also introduced to a newly redesigned state-of-the-art studio for pre-game, half-time and post-game analysis. The revamped Studio 2A of the FOX Network Center provides unparalleled technology, including a 180-screen interactive digital wall to enhance in-game analysis.
FOX Soccer mobile and online subscription service, FOXSoccer 2Go, celebrates Kickoff 2012 with a free trial week for fans to experience the live and now on-demand service for all FOX Soccer properties including the Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and the addition of the Scottish Premier League, CONCACAF Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. For the first time, users can now access the service via Android smartphones and login to the service via his or her favorite social media network.
