Sports

Mavericks Invitational to Air Live on National TV For First Time Ever

The Body Glove Mavericks Invitational presented by GoPro and Universal Sports Network announced Tuesday a broadcast partnership to air the Mavericks surf competition live on national television for the first time ever. 

“People are fascinated by the spectacle of big wave surfing, by humans pushing their limits and taking on what seems to be the impossible,” said Mavericks pioneer and contest director Jeff Clark. “It’s exciting to know that Universal Sports appreciates the heart and soul of this event, the surfers and this amazing wave, and that they will share this story live as it unfolds on contest day.”

Universal Sports, a partnership between NBC Sports and InterMedia Partners, LP, will broadcast the final heats of the contest live to a nationwide audience. Round 1 has four heats with 24 surfers, announced Tuesday morning. The Semi rounds have two heats with 12 surfers and the finals come down to six surfers, vying for first place as Mavericks champion.

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The broadcast date and time will be announced at least 24 hours prior to the event. In addition to broadcast coverage, the entire contest will stream live on universalsports.com and mavericksinvitational.com.

“Mavericks isn’t just a wave or a surf contest. It’s living story, often triumphant and at times tragic, that has become a keystone of global surf culture,” said Universal Sports SVP of Digital Media and Strategic Partnerships, Edward Derse. “These courageous athletes take on immense physical and emotional challenges against the unrelenting power and persona of one of the world’s legendary waves. Universal Sports is honored to be a small part of that story by bringing the Mavericks Invitational to television live for the first time.”

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Universal Sports Network is available on the sports tiers of Time Warner Cable, Cox, Verizon FiOS, satellite providers DIRECTV and DISH and numerous regional cable and IPTV operators in markets across the country. Additionally, Mavericks Invitational will be available to all Verizon FiOS (Ch. 596) and DIRECTV (Ch. 625) customers during this month’s free preview windows.

The Mavericks Viewing Festival will be held on the day of the contest, which has not been called yet, on the grounds of the Oceano Hotel & Spa in Princeton Harbor, just down the road from Mavericks. The festival gives fans a place to gather on the coast and watch the action on jumbo HD screens, enjoy music, food and entertainment, and get exclusive commentary and access to the Awards Ceremony. 

For public safety and environment protection, local authorities will close off all roads to Pillar Point, including access to the beach and bluffs. 

Tickets and information are available at www.mavericksinvitational.com.


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