ESPN is to bring fans the every twist and turn of the 2012 FA Cup Final on May 5 between Chelsea and Liverpool in 3D and commercial-free as part of a full day of live programming from Wembley.
The broadcaster will continue to revive the tradition of broadcasting all day around the final of the world’s oldest domestic cup competition, with a host of dedicated programmes, documentaries and special live editions of the channel’s signature football shows.
ESPN’s comprehensive FA Cup Final coverage spanning 12 hours begins at 8am with Breakfast at Wembley, setting the scene for the big day with discussion and light-hearted debate.
Other highlights throughout the day include a Pardon The Interruption UK special with Mark Chapman and Steve Bunce, FA Cup Final Brunch where James Richardson and guests will provide a light-hearted look at the build-up to the big match, plus a Talk of the Terrace special hosted by Kelly Cates with a live music performance from The Enemy.
In a one-hour special at 9.30am, ESPN will debut a specially commissioned 60-minute documentary, Kings for a Day – Football’s Giant Killers which focuses on the unique David versus Goliath aspect of the FA Cup.
Narrated by renowned actor-director Steven Berkoff and using a mixture of behind the scenes footage from this year’s competition, plus archive material, the film provides a unique insight into the psyche of the underdog which is so key to the competition.
The show features interviews with the likes of FA Cup giantkillers Ronnie Radford and Vinnie Jones plus legendary BBC commentator John Motson.
ESPN’s Matchday coverage begins at 2.30pm and will be presented by Rebecca Lowe, who becomes the first woman on UK television to anchor live coverage of an FA Cup Final.
She is standing in for regular presenter Ray Stubbs, who is taking time off following recent heart surgery and will return for the start of the new football season in August.
Lowe will be joined by regular pundits Kevin Keegan, John Barnes and Craig Burley plus special guests, alongside others for the build-up to the 5.15pm kick off, as well as half time and post-match analysis, interviews and discussion.
ESPN will bring fans the FA Cup Final commercial-free from 4.45pm (kick-off 5.15pm) through to the trophy presentation, giving viewers an uninterrupted countdown to the game, the celebrations afterwards, and a break-free half time with highlights and analysis.
Commentary will come from Jon Champion and Chris Waddle, with pre-match analysis using the channel’s new augmented reality tool, ESPN Arena, from Darrell Currie and Martin Keown.
Additionally, The Bench, will be the channel’s additional set overlooking Wembley Way, providing viewers with a behind-the-scenes taste of the anticipation of the big match led by Darrell Currie and guests.
Reporters Dave Beckett and Currie will bring fans the stories around the match as the day unfolds.
ESPN will also broadcast coverage of the FA Cup Final in 3D for the second year in a row. ESPN 3D’s coverage of the final will be directed and designed by ESPN, with ESPN commentary from Derek Rae and guest, plus ESPN studio and on-screen graphics.
More than 250,000 Sky World subscribers with a Sky+HD box and a 3D TV will also be able to watch the 2012 FA Cup Final in 3D. It will also be available in the more than 1,500 Sky 3D pubs nationwide.
Ross Hair, Managing Director, ESPN – Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “The FA Cup Final has a special place in the hearts of football fans everywhere, and at ESPN we are thrilled to be continuing the tradition of broadcasting all day around the FA Cup Final from Wembley Stadium.
“This year’s FA Cup has produced some remarkable stories and matches on ESPN. Our coverage of the Final will highlight our ongoing commitment to give fans an ever increasing insight into the matches we broadcast and to the stories around them.”
Commenting on ESPN’s 3D coverage of the final, John Cassy, Director of Sky 3D, said: “For the second in a row we are delighted to work with ESPN to bring more than a quarter of a million Sky homes the FA Cup in amazing 3D.
“Partners like ESPN are really helping us expand the content available to customers and therefore extend our 3D leadership even further. It’s a big year of sport on Sky 3D with live football, golf, tennis, rugby and, of course, the Olympics.
“There’s never been a better time to enjoy the thrill of live sport as never before.”
ESPN’s commercial-free match coverage of the FA Cup Final is in association with Wonga.
The 2012 FA Cup Final is also available to watch free-to-air on ITV1 and ITV1 HD, with its build-up beginning at 3.15pm ahead of a 5.15pm kick-off.
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