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Livestream Launches New Platform, Redefines the Live Video Experience

admin — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:30:50 +0000

Livestream is launching an innovative new platform, http://new.livestream.com. It was announced by Max Haot, CEO of Livestream. This new service furthers the company’s mission to help event owners extend the coverage of their physical events to viewers online and on mobile devices.

The New Livestream (http://new.livestream.com) will allow users to combine streaming coverage with real-time photos, text, and video clip updates, letting fans feel completely immersed in live events, like never before. All of this will be seamlessly integrated with the industry’s best HD live streaming technology (powered by Akamai HDNet).

The New Livestream player features adaptive quality selection based on the viewer’s connection speed and computer power — all the way to 720p HD. The player also includes DVR functionality that will guarantee a moment is never missed.

“With this new platform, the New Livestream is really redefining live event coverage,” Mr. Haot said. “We are confident that the new innovations — streaming coverage combined with real-time photos, text, and video clip updates, will benefit viewers and make it easier for event owners to identify the New Livestream as the only choice for their live programs.”

Livestream has built a full social network of live video and chat, allowing viewers to follow channels and receive notifications when new content is available. Every user also gets a personalized dashboard mixing all the content from the channels they follow. Users can discover New Livestream channels through following friends and influencers.

New Livestream’s first content partner is the Volvo Ocean Race, the world’s premier off-shore sailing race and one of the most demanding sporting events in the world. This race challenges crews to sail over 39,000 nautical miles of the world’s most treacherous seas ending in July 2012 in Galway, Ireland.

Beginning on Saturday, October 29th, 2011 in Alicante, Spain (8h00 local-time, 2:00am EST), with high definition live coverage of all starts and in-port races, the New Livestream service will allow sailing fans worldwide to experience coverage of this race, in real-time, for the first time ever.

“The New Livestream is the only platform that allows us to share the full story of the Volvo Ocean Race with sailing fans, in real-time. That’s why we are so excited to be partnering with them,” Knut Frostad, CEO of Volvo Ocean Race said. “Telling the Volvo Ocean Race story requires not only live streaming but also the way to connect the audience with other points of view in real-time including photos, videos, audio and text updates received by satellite, while they are at sea.”

Live text and photo updates from the Iberdrola In-Port Race in Alicante, Spain will start early morning of October 29 — engaging the audience with the event in real-time, before the live video feed is available. In addition, viewers will receive by-the-minute text updates from the Volvo Ocean Race editorial team.

When the fleet sets sail for the Leg Start to Cape Town on November 5, New Livestream will take the viewer out to sea with raw access to photos, text, video, and audio clips sent by the six racing yachts through satellite directly to fans on http://new.livestream.com/volvooceanrace. All of this is seamlessly integrated with the industry’s best HD live streaming technology.

The service launching today is available as an open beta for any viewer wishing to follow the events of our launch content partners at http://new.livestream.com. The creation of new channels is restricted to approved partners (the first one being the Volvo Ocean Race). In December 2011, Livestream will unveil the web and mobile producer tools and invite selected event owners and existing Livestream customers to create their own channel on the platform. Livestream is planning to open the platform to any event owner wishing to create Free channels (ad-supported) or Premium channels (paid service) by April 2012.

White Castle Kicks-Off a 12-City Family-Fun Finger Football Tournament

admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:34:28 +0000

Just in time for football season, White Castle offers you a chance to get in the game. White Castle is partnering with Zelosport for a regional Finger Football® tournament this fall. Champs from each region will compete in the national White Castle Slider Bowl in Indianapolis the week of the Super Bowl.

“Teaming up with Zelosport is a natural fit since many of our Cravers are football fans and White Castle has restaurants in regions that are home to professional football teams,” said Jamie Richardson, official White Castle “commissioner” for Finger Football® and vice president of corporate relations. “White Castle has been family-owned for 90 years and the NFFL promotes family-fun with Finger Football®, as well as other games.”

Players must register for the tournament online at WhiteCastle.com or by clicking on White Castle’s Facebook page. The entry fee is $10. Each player receives a $10 White Castle gift card and an official White Castle-NFFL T-shirt. All gridiron fans can follow the regional tournaments on Facebook and Twitter.

The tournament kicks-off Saturday, September 17, 2011, in Minneapolis, MN. Other tournament locations include Chicago, Indianapolis, New York, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Louisville, Nashville, New Jersey and St. Louis. Regional winners advance to the White Castle Slider Bowl on January 31, 2012, in Indianapolis. Top regional players will receive prizes and the National Champion will win White Castle hamburgers for life plus $2,500 cash.

“When I created the finger football games, I approached the design with the entire family in mind,” said Spud Alford, founder and CEO of the NFFL and Zelosport and a long-time fan of White Castle. Spud and his brother Mike, President and COO of Zelosport, will be traveling to each regional tournament to officiate the games. All games will be played under tents in White Castle parking lots.

Rookies should study the playbook of official rules and instructions for how to play Finger Football® at WhiteCastle.com.

For all of the football fans watching the games from their couch or tailgating, it’s time for tabletop tailgating with a White Castle Crave Case. As the official sponsor of the NFFL, White Castle is selling a limited-time only Crave Case featuring a tabletop Finger Football® game. To tackle that hunger, the Crave Case includes 30 fresh mix-and-match Sliders and features a mini-finger football field, two removable footballs and a 20 percent-off coupon for NFFL merchandise.

“The White Castle-NFFL Crave Cases are a great alternative to the traditional pizza and fried chicken for tailgating parties,” Richardson said. “Not only can friends and family enjoy the meal, they can play Finger Football® afterwards.”

The NFFL Crave Case is available at all White Castle restaurants and online at WhiteCastle.com. Customers may order a Crave Case any way they want it – Original Sliders® or Cheese Sliders or go wild and try the Bacon Cheese Slider or Jalapeno Cheese Slider.

“We always want to bring something new and inventive to our Cravers,” Richardson said. “Whether it’s the online ordering we introduced earlier this year, serving Castles at the Capitol or hosting the Cravers Hall of Fame, we’re always thinking of how best to serve our customers.”

NFFL Tournament Schedule

Sept 17 – Minneapolis – 5055 Central Ave NE. Central Hts., MN 55421
Sept. 24 – St. Louis – 12025 Dorsett Rd. Maryland Hts., MO 63043
Oct. 1 – Chicago – 306 W. North Ave., Villa Park, IL 60181
Oct. 8 – Indianapolis – 4520 S. Emerson Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46203
Oct. 15 – Detroit – 24000 Schoolcraft, Redford, MI 48239
Oct. 22 – Columbus – 4525 Kenny Rd. Columbus, OH 43220
Oct. 29 – Cleveland – 5151 Pearl Rd. Cleveland, OH 44129
Nov. 5 – Cincinnati – 3980 Hauck Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241
Nov. 12 – Louisville – 105 E. Market St. Louisville, KY 40202
Nov. 19 – Nashville – 2901 Nolensville Rd. Nashville, TN 37211
Dec. 3 – Newark – 2151 U.S. Hwy 9. Howell, NJ 07731
Dec. 10 – New York City – 1677 Bruckner Blvd., Bronx, NY 10472
Jan. 31 – Indianapolis – White Castle Slider Bowl – 55 W. South St., Indianapolis, IN 46225

*Registered players must sign-in at each regional tournament site beginning at 9 a.m.

Cleaning for Cancer to Hold its Inaugural Golf Charity Event September 17, 2011

admin — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:07:58 +0000

Cleaning for Cancer is set to hold its inaugural golf charity event on Saturday, September 17 at the Boca Greens Country Club in Boca Raton, Fla.

“Boca Greens is a wonderful venue to hold our first charity golf outing,” said Nadege Desravines, Founder and Executive Director of Cleaning for Cancer. “This championship golf course is built on 175 acres of lush greenery and designed by world renowned golf architect Joe Lee. We are very fortunate to be able to hold this event at Boca Greens.”

The Cleaning for Cancer golf event begins at 8:00 a.m. with a Shotgun Start. The cost is $125 per golfer, which includes breakfast and on-course refreshments. Golfers also receive free valet parking, polo shirt and goody bags.

A buffet lunch that includes a silent auction and awards begin approximately at 1:00 p.m. All proceeds for the course will be used to support Cleaning for Cancer’s efforts to help cancer patients, many of whom are low-income.

Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC Joins USTA’s Green Mission for 2011 US Open

admin — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:18:35 +0000

As the Official Vehicle of the US Open, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is returning to the courts in Flushing with the all new S350 BlueTEC clean-diesel sedan that is part of its fleet of vehicles used for athletes, staff and officials while supporting the USTA’s commitment to green initiatives.

The first diesel-powered S-Class in the U.S. market since the 1995 model year, the new 2012 S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC all-wheel drive model is powered by a purpose-built 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 240 horsepower, an astonishing 455 lb.-ft. of torque and estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city / 31 mpg highway.

Beyond the new S350 BlueTEC, a driving force behind supporting green transportation for the US Open is the S350′s innovative sibling, the Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID sedan in addition to a fleet of Sprinter Vans. These Mercedes-Benz eco vehicles represent over 60 percent of the fleet used for player and VIP transportation in an effort to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the US Open tournament. The S400 HYBRID features the world’s first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive use. The light-weight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery works with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine to provide hybrid power with impressive fuel economy estimated at 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

The US Open launched its comprehensive environmental program in 2008 and continues to expand its green initiatives each year. In 2011, key initiatives include recycling, energy management, composting and utilizing paper products comprised of at least 30% post-consumer waste.

“As an innovator in luxury eco-transportation and the Official vehicle of the US Open, we are in a good position to positively impact the USTA’s green initiatives. The S350 BlueTEC clean diesel is another innovative mode of transport in our portfolio of eco vehicles that provide green transportation without having to sacrifice luxury or safety,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com.

Police Officers to Stake Out 116 Dunkin’ Donuts Rooftops for Special Olympics Illinois, May 20

admin — Thu, 12 May 2011 17:10:51 +0000

Illinois police officers will stake out Dunkin’ Donuts rooftops to benefit Special Olympics Illinois for the 9th year in a row.

Once again, on Friday, May 20, beginning at 5 a.m. through early afternoon, hundreds of police officers from across the state are scheduled to cover 116 Dunkin’ Donuts rooftops to heighten awareness and raise money for the 26th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

Illinois Torch Run Director and Channahon Police Chief Joe Pena says that despite the economy, “Every year, we raise more in donations for Special Olympics Illinois than the previous year. The story speaks for itself….it’s about good and dedicated police officers working to support Special Olympics athletes and their families.”

The stakes for this year’s rooftop stakeout are high. To meet their goal, Special Olympics Illinois hopes to top last year’s total of $207,000 raised at 111 Dunkin’ Donuts locations.

In return for the police officers “doing time” at their restaurants, Dunkin’ Donuts will donate $10,000 to the Torch Run fund. In addition, each guest who visits a Cop on a Rooftop location that day and makes a donation to the Torch Run will receive a free donut. Guests donating at least $10 will receive a Law Enforcement Torch Run travel mug and a coupon for free medium coffee.

The Special Olympics fund-raiser has grown considerably since police officers first took to Dunkin’ Donuts rooftops in 2003. That year, 12 police departments participated and raised $20,000.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run, celebrating its 25th anniversary, was started in 1986. Each year, more than 3,000 officers cover 1,500 miles carrying the Flame of Hope through the streets of their hometowns and to the State Summer Games in Normal in June. The intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and increase public awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics.

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 6,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family support.

Bodog Brand in Ayr United Shirt Deal

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 15:19:22 +0000

Calvin Ayre, the flamboyant founder of the world’s largest online betting brand, Bodog*, is not averse to seizing an opportunity, last year he famously bought the domain Slots.com for GBP4,000,000 at an online auction while sat at the bar of L’Atellier restaurant in London.

As his surname would suggest his ancestry lies in Scotland and specifically Ayr itself and so when he heard United’s shirt sponsorship was up for grabs the temptation was too great.

Ayre stated: “When I heard that the club was looking for a sponsor I knew I was going to make an offer but the fact that the colours are also the same as the Bodog brand colours sealed it.”

“I won’t pretend I know the area well but with a fondness for a drink and in particular Cabrach and Hendrick’s Gin, barely a day goes by without me toasting the local economy in some way. When I heard about this I just couldn’t resist and I hope that between the Bodog brand and myself we can bring some more good times to Ayr United. We have plans to really get behind the team, not just hand over a cheque, and I am looking forward to paying a visit this summer and raising a glass to The Honest Men.”

Hugh Cameron, Commercial Director Ayr United, added: “Ayr United are thrilled to unveil Bodog as our main sponsor for next season and look forward to building a successful partnership with Calvin and the Bodog brand, although clearly we will now have to review the choice of spirits we offer our guests in the boardroom.”

“It’s great news for everyone connected with Ayr United to have attracted a global brand like Bodog to our club and to the Scottish football league. The substantial financial agreement we secured was, of course, very welcome but we were also aware from our negotiations with the company that we were signing an agreement with a business that has people with a real desire and intention to engage with the club, our supporters and the wider community, and I’m sure in time this will become apparent.”

Ram Truck Brand Enters Multi-tiered Sponsorship With Churchill Downs and the 137th Kentucky Derby

admin — Sat, 07 May 2011 15:03:55 +0000

The Ram Truck brand will continue its title as the Official Truck of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.

The brand announced a multi-faceted program dedicated to the 2011 Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby horse races. From the moment Thoroughbred fans enter Churchill Downs they will be immersed in the Ram Truck brand via vehicle displays and work trucks in and around the track, gate crew staff uniforms, and Ram branded jockey pants.

“The Ram Truck brand is proud to be affiliated with the great tradition of the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Our trucks have established a strong reputation for quality and reliability when it comes to towing Thoroughbred horses and their equipment in style,” said Fred Diaz, Ram Truck Brand President and CEO and Head of National Sales, Chrysler Group LLC. “This year’s participation marks a milestone for the Ram Truck brand as we move forward with our continued partnership and introduce the Ram Truck brand’s new tagline, ‘Guts. Glory. Ram.’”

The new tagline, which debuts during race programming, pays homage to the history of Ram Truck Brand and represents the hard work and dedication placed in the design, engineering and production of each and every Ram truck.

Along with national broadcast presence in the Triple Crown race programs, advertising efforts include a three-page spread featured in the Sport’s Illustrated Post-event derby issue and specialty equestrian-themed advertising placements on www.churchilldowns.com, www.kentuckyderby.com and www.twinspires.com.

Not only will the Ram Truck brand have a major presence at Churchill Downs with the entire vehicle lineup positioned throughout the venue, a dedicated “Ram Backcountry” VIP lounge has been created for the owners and jockeys who spend most of their time at the back of the track that operates year-round as a Thoroughbred training facility. The VIP lounge is equipped with computer terminals, library and sitting area that is staffed by Ram Truck ambassadors and a barista. Ram Backcountry features unique logo placement that can be seen on the top of barn roofs and on fencing, fence posts and the veterinarian building located in this area. Ram Backcountry was created in an effort to solidify the brand’s commitment to the sport of Thoroughbred racing.

Also new to the sponsorship, a representative from the Ram Truck brand will present the winning trophy to the owner and jockey of the “American Turf” stakes during the Kentucky Oaks races. The Ram Truck brand again will be a part of the Super Hi-5-wager. Should an eligible individual win this promotion, he or she will be awarded with a new 2011 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck.

Golf With Steelers Past and Present and Support Needy Kids and Seniors

admin — Wed, 04 May 2011 15:57:44 +0000

Pittsburgh Steelers great, Heath Miller, for a night of fun and philanthropy at The Salvation Army and WTAE TV’s 14th Annual Minigolf Classic. Enjoy an exclusive evening with Heath and a host of Steelers alumni players on Thursday, June 16th, along with celebrity guests from WTAE TV Channel 4 at the RMU Island Sports Center on Neville Island for food, photos and a round of miniature golf. Peoples Natural Gas, a faithful supporter of Project Bundle-Up, is sponsoring the event.

Registration begins at 5:00 p.m. The event starts off with an exceptional dinner, followed by a round of celebrity minigolf, a sumptuous dessert buffet and a selection of great give-aways. Two entrance fees are available, depending upon the extensive array of perks and keepsakes that are chosen.

At the top price point is the Black & Gold Team Sponsor at $1,500. This package allows six players and provides participants with custom apparel; dinner by Bart’s Catering and Fine Foods, Inc.; a round of minigolf; putt with event host, Heath Miller; putt with former Steelers Greats like Robin Cole, Marv Kellum, Randy Grossman and John Banaszak; putt with WTAE-TV Channel 4 personality hosts; a professional photograph taken with Heath Miller for each team member in a keepsake folder; professional plaque for each member of the winning team; and a post minigolf dessert reception with great giveaways.

The economical Individual Rookie sponsor pays $150 and receives custom apparel, a round of minigolf and admittance into the dessert reception.

Speed and Agility Of 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 To Be Showcased During Upcoming One Lap of America

admin — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:23:38 +0000

The Dodge brand and Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team are joining forces for a return to the Tire Rack One Lap of America competition sponsored by Motor Trend magazine.

After a two-year hiatus, a stock 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, driven by SRT engineers Erich Heuschele and Adam Forte, will compete in the SSGT2 Big Bore class, beginning on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Tire Rack’s test track in South Bend, Ind.

A test of both driver and vehicle endurance, the weeklong competition features more than 70 vehicle entrants that will travel more than 3,500 miles from venue to venue in addition to running various timed events at 10 venues.

Following the opening round wet skid pad competition at Tire Rack on April 30, participants will travel to and compete at the following locations:

* Grissom Air Force Base near Kokomo, Ind., for timed Solo II (autocross) on Saturday, April 30
* Summit Point Motorsports Park, Summit Point, W. Va., for time trials on Sunday, May 1
* Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, S.C., for time trials on Monday, May 2
* BMW Performance Center, Greer, S.C., for time trials on Monday, May 2
* Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla., for time trials on Tuesday, May 3
* Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, Fla., for drag and bracket races on Tuesday, May 3
* Circuit Grand Bayou, Belle Rose, La., for time trials on Wednesday, May 4
* Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, Ala., for time trials on Thursday, May 5
* Autobahn Country Club, Joliet, Ill., for time trials on Friday, May 6

Competitors then return to Tire Rack’s test track for the final skid pad event on Saturday, May 7, where winners will be announced.

The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 builds on its original mantra of a rear-wheel-drive coupe that brings a balanced approach between form and function. Pumping out 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, the new 392-cubic inch HEMI® V-8 engine provides an additional 90 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,900 rpm versus the previous 6.1-liter HEMI V-8. The added torque allows for inspired standing starts and improved straight-line performance. An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing provides maximum low-end torque while optimizing high-end power.

Even with the elevated power numbers, the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 equipped with a manual transmission achieves a 4-percent improvement in highway fuel economy while the automatic equipped model gets a 15-percent improvement thanks to its Fuel Saver Technology (four cylinder mode), which allows the engine to operate economically on four cylinders or use all eight cylinders when needed.

A recalibrated suspension geometry with new negative camber settings and quicker steering ratios improves overall balance and steering responsiveness while dramatically increasing cornering ability.

“The performance improvements we’ve made to the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 make it a perfect match to tackle the many challenges the One Lap competition presents both on the road and at the various tracks,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Dodge Brand. “Both Erich and Adam have a lot of experience behind the wheel and in the development of the Challenger SRT8, so we’re looking forward to receiving some unique and real time feedback from such a grueling event.”

Heuschele, an SRT vehicle dynamics manager from Oxford, Mich., will be making his sixth appearance in the event, having captured three class wins (2003, 2005 and 2006). Forte, a Challenger SRT8 vehicle integration engineer from Rochester Hills, Mich., will be making his One Lap debut.

To help commemorate the 40th anniversary of the original Cannonball Run, at which event founder Brock Yates and Steve Behr raced in a 1972 Dodge Challenger, the 2011 Challenger SRT8 will wear 7.75-inch Hella pencil beam spotlights up front, black vinyl strips reminiscent of the 1972 bump strips on both sides, along with One Lap emblems on the rear quarter panels and hood.

Yates was a writer for Car and Driver in early 1971, when he announced the coast-to-coast race from New York City to Redondo Beach, Calif. Yates and Behr completed the trek in 38 hours and 3 minutes with an average speed of 76.3 mph.

FOX Sports Interactive Media Partners With TicketsNow To Provide Sports Fans Secure, Easy Access to Event Tickets

admin — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:02:46 +0000

TicketsNow has announced that it has signed a a new ticketing relationship with FOX Sports Interactive Media. The relationship gives fans access to ticket inventory on TicketsNow.com via dedicated links throughout FOXSports.com.

The agreement designates TicketsNow as the Official Ticket Provider of FOXSports.com and creates a convenient and secure destination for fans searching for tickets to events nationwide. TicketsNow links are contextually integrated into FOXSports.com Team Pages, Standings Pages, Schedule Pages, Scores Pages, Gametrax Pages, and Racetrax Pages. Fans can also purchase tickets to the nation’s top sporting events through a custom, dynamic TicketsNow “ticket widget,” which appears on the FOXSports.com home page.

Jeff Husvar, Executive Vice-President and General Manager for FOX Sports Interactive Media said “Teaming up with a multiplatform ticket provider that offers premium seats to sports, music, and theater events underscores FOXSports.com’s commitment to keeping fans entertained and engaged.”

Julia Vander Ploeg, General Manager of TicketsNow said “We are extremely excited to team up with FOX Sports Interactive, giving their visitors the ability to buy and sell event tickets in a fan-friendly marketplace. Providing fans with the opportunity to purchase their tickets right where they get their news, information, schedules and stats on their favorite sports teams is a tremendous benefit. It aligns perfectly with what we are all about, which is making the ticket buying experience as convenient and safe as possible for the fan.”