DirecTV in the News

Rick Majerus to Promote Mega March Madness

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BW SportsWire)--Feb. 27, 2001-- DIRECTV® Inc., provider of the nation's leading digital satellite television service, announced today an agreement with high-profile University of Utah basketball coach Rick Majerus to be the official spokesman for its exclusive 2001 MEGA MARCH MADNESS(TM) subscription.

Beginning March 15, the package, not available on cable, offers customers up to 37 out-of-market games from the first three rounds of the 2001 NCAA® Division I Men's Basketball Championship and supplements CBS Sports' regional exclusive of this annual marquee NCAA Men's Basketball event.

"With 'sleeper' teams that rise to new levels of prominence and powerhouse programs that build on their historic legacies, the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is a running drama, unlike any other event in team sports,'' said Majerus. "Coupled with CBS Sports' coverage, this package allows fans the ultimate vehicle to stay on top of these tournament subplots as they develop in the early rounds.''

Majerus will be utilized for his expert analysis within a variety of regional and national media opportunities, designed to drive awareness and enthusiasm for the 2001 MEGA MARCH MADNESS subscription, including one-on-one interviews, a satellite media tour and national teleconference.

"The MEGA MARCH MADNESS package was designed for the multitude of sports fans who become fully engaged in college basketball during the sport's pinnacle month of March,'' said Jayne Hancock, vice president of Marketing for DIRECTV. "Rick Majerus is a recognized expert among this target audience, and he provides a perfect voice to communicate the unique benefits of the package.''

DIRECTV residential customers can order the entire MEGA MARCH MADNESS package for $49 or individual games for $19.95 each. MEGA MARCH MADNESS will also be offered to bars and restaurants with an appropriate license agreement, and will range in price depending upon occupancy.