Broadcast Schedule for Bob Hope Chrysler Classic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            Contact: Jennifer Liebrum
February 12, 2001                  (760) 340-9300
                        jennifer@shepherdPR.com

Bob Hope Chrysler Classic
Will Reach More Than Ever as Tournament Popularity Grows

(Rancho Mirage, CA.) On the heels of the release of an economic impact study showing the 42-year-old Bob Hope Chrysler Classic brings in more than $30 million to the Coachella Valley each year, tournament organizers released this years broadcast line-up anxious to see what the expanding coverage thanks to the tournaments rising popularity will mean.

The event will be covered from Feb. 14-18 on ESPN from February 14-16, and ABC from February 17-18. It will also be covered internationally, by radio on 200-plus stations hosting SPORTSFAN and other independent networks. "Straight from the Tour" will offer coverage on its weekly radio show, which airs in 111 major markets. PGATOUR.com is expected to reach millions of fans now. Already it reports 1.2 million visitors per day according to latest statistics. (see fact sheet for more detail)

"There is no denying the success of a marriage between a well-held sporting event in an alluring venue and television," said Bob Brennan, a Bob Hope Chrysler Classic director. "A study we did on the tournament's economic impact on the Coachella Valley showed us that of the more than spectators here in 1999, 55 percent came just for the Classic.

"A number of those likely were lured here thanks to television coverage and 11 percent of those visitors then said they would consider moving back here," Brennan said. "It will be exciting to see how the growth of the Internet among the broadcast platforms influences our impact this year."

Background: After years of evaluating its contributions to local charities – roughly $34 million to date -- the Classic commissioned Sports Management Research Institute of Weston, Florida to find out how broad its reach economically really was as it completed its fourth decade. Based on an economic impact survey of 626 spectators in 1999 and a subsequent marketing study in 2000, researchers found that in one-week, event spending for accommodations, meals, merchandise, entertainment, transportation and overall economic activity was roughly $32 million. (release on report or report available on request)

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About the Classic:

For each of the last 20 years, the Classic has generated more than $1 million for Eisenhower Medical Center and 40 other local charities. With its total contributions at roughly $34 million, the tournament ranks among the most successful charitable events on the professional tour.

The 42nd Annual Bob Hope Chrysler Classic is February 12-18 with a must-see rivalry between former defending champion David Duval and last year's winner Jesper Parnevik. Adding to the talent at this year's tournament are Arnold Palmer, Fred Couples and Justin Leonard. Celebrities Joe Pesci, Junior Seau, Roger Clemens, Rush Limbaugh and Troy Aikman round out the mix.

The Classic hosts 128 pros, 384 amateurs and this year will be held on the Arnold Palmer Private Course at PGA WEST, the Bermuda Dunes Country Club, Indian Wells Country Club and La Quinta Country Club. This years winner will receive $630,000 with prize money totaling $3,500,000.

Tickets are available now at the Classic office by calling 1-888-M-R-B-Hope or can be purchased on the Web at www.bhcc.com or at the gate. For more Classic information visit the Classics Web site at www.bhcc.com or call (760) 346-8184.

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MEDIA FACT SHEET ON:
Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Broadcast Coverage

February 12, 2001                  Contact: Jennifer Liebrum      
(760) 340-9300
                        jennifer@shepherdPR.com

Introduction: The 42nd Annual Bob Hope Chrysler Classic is Feb. 12-18, 2001 and will receive a total of 14 hours of coverage over five days.

Air Times: February 14-18, 2001

ESPN: February 14-16
Wednesday, February 14      4 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST
      Thursday, February 15      3 p.m to 6 p.m. EST
      Friday, February 16         3 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST

ABC: February 17-18
   Saturday, February 17      3 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST
      Sunday, February 18      3 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST   

Broadcast team: ABC broadcast team includes Mike Tirico and analyst Curtis Strange in the booth. Peter Aliss, Steve Melnyk and Ian Baker-Finch are hole announcers, while Judy Rankin and Bob Rosburg will be out walking the course. Producer Jack Graham and Director Jim Jennett will be behind the scenes. Talent is subject to change.

International coverage: The Classic will be broadcast around the world via international partners of ESPN International, Pan Asia and Pan Europe, BSKYB in the UK, Jupiter Golf Network Japan, NHK Japan, TSN and CFMT Canada.

PGATOUR.COM: The official online tournament host. More than 1 million people on average view this site per day. Information on this site will include course information, tournament history, statistics, local information, as well as information on sponsors, charities, volunteers, tickets, players, tee times, and a schedule of events. Real time scoring provided on the tournament site. News stories also will be posted.

PGA TOUR Radio: Leaderboard updates from the Classic will be included on more than 200 SPORTSFAN and independent radio network stations throughout the event. "Straight from the TOUR" which airs weekly on 111 affiliates across the country in major markets like New York, Chicago and Atlanta will provide updates, spotlight players, personalities, stories and more.        
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