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ESPN marks 100 days until UEFA EURO 2016 with programming schedule

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This summer, ESPN will be the U.S. television home for the world’s most competitive international soccer tournament, UEFA European Football Championship 2016. The month-long event features competition in 10 cities throughout France, Friday, June 10 through Sunday, July 10.

Scott Guglielmino (Rich Arden/ESPN Images)
Scott Guglielmino
(Rich Arden/ESPN Images)

Today, “100 Days Away” from kickoff, ESPN announced its linear television and digital media schedule for the 51 matches. Following the announcement, Front Row discussed the planning for EURO 2016 with Senior Vice President, Programming, Scott Guglielmino – ESPN’s lead executive for soccer content.

How will U.S. soccer fans be able to experience EURO 2016 on ESPN?
Our exclusive coverage of EURO 2016 will be complete, immersive and innovative across all screens in English and Spanish. With 51 matches taking place in the mornings, afternoons and some evenings from across France, our ability to keep fans connected via WatchESPN, ESPNFC, ESPN Deportes.com, ESPN audio and ESPN social is unparalleled. World class tournaments such as the Euros are intense “short stories” that captivate soccer fans and draw in a broader audience looking to be a part of it all.

We have combined event production, studio production and the ESPN Digital group into one team producing all 51 matches, 48 hours of live English-language studio programming from Paris, more than 74 hours of live Spanish-language studio content from Bristol, Conn., and Miami, and volumes of digital coverage. This integration of talent and resources will optimize the experience and deliver the most efficient presentation of a major soccer event on ESPN to-date.

This summer features a full schedule of major global soccer events – Copa America Centenario, UEFA EURO 2016 and the Olympics. What makes the Euros stand out?
While this summer will be a busy time for soccer events and fans, the quality of the European Football Championship is undeniable with seven of the last 12 World Cup semifinalists and four of the last six FIFA World Cup finalists all playing in the competition. Even though we do not have live rights to the Copa Centenario, I believe that our share of voice across linear and digital platforms will help us drive the overall soccer “conversation” during the summer months.

How will ESPN’s experience covering past European Championships and World Cup events impact the presentation of EURO 2016?
As with previous big soccer events, our coverage begins with authenticity and will feature the best presenters and pundits in the business, many of whom worked with us on the 2014 World Cup. Our studio presence in Paris and in Bristol, live match presentation, and our array of talented voices will bring fans complete, immersive and diverse coverage of EURO 2016.

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