MSG.com

MSG Celebrates the Summer
With New Original Programming and Live Sports

New Original Series "Fight Night Classics" Premieres on Thursday, June 4th at 8:00 p.m.

New Episodes of "MSG Vault," "Fans' Most Wanted: Knicks," "Fans' Most Wanted: Rangers," "MSG Concert Series," "MSG at the Movies" and "Road to MSG"

Live New York Liberty and New York Red Bulls Games Telecast Throughout the Summer

New York, NY, June 2, 2009 – MSG is celebrating the summer with "MSG Summer Block Party," a lineup of theme night programming on the network that will begin every night at 8:00 p.m. The programming lineup includes the addition of original series "Fight Night Classics," new episodes from six returning series, along with live New York Liberty and New York Red Bulls games.

"From live sports to classic programming to concerts and movies, our 'MSG Summer Block Party' lineup offers something for everyone each night of the week," said Dan Ronayne, executive vice president and general manager of MSG Networks. "We have a great new series 'Fight Night Classics,' and summertime favorites 'MSG's Vault' and 'Fans' Most Wanted' are returning along with new episodes of several of our franchise series. Rounding out the comprehensive programming lineup are live Liberty and Red Bulls games along with Knicks Summer League and a variety of other NBA and NHL specials for fans during the offseason."

The network will premiere new original show "Fight Night Classics" on Thursday, June 4 at 8:00 p.m. The eight episode series examines the storied boxing history at Madison Square Garden dubbed the "Mecca of Boxing." Each half-hour episode will include footage from classic boxing matches from the 1930s through the 1980s, along with commentary from current and former boxers, trainers, referees, boxing historians and journalists. Fights include legendary boxers Joe Frazier, Roberto Duran, Floyd Patterson, Max Baer, Rocky Marciano, and Joe Louis.

Also returning this summer to MSG are "MSG Vault," "Fans' Most Wanted: Knicks" and "Fans' Most Wanted: Rangers," which will each premiere 10 new episodes. Franchise series "MSG Concert Series," "MSG at the Movies" and "Road to MSG" will also have all feature new episodes, and a new deal with MGM will add a lineup of movies telling great sports stories in "MSG at the Movies," including "Bull Durham," "Raging Bull," "Rocky Marciano," "Dempsey," "Rollerball," "Semi-Tough" and "A.K.A. Cassius Clay."

MSG's live sports coverage continues through the summer with exclusive coverage of the New York Liberty and New York Red Bulls. The Liberty regular season on MSG begins on June 13 at 8:00 p.m. with a game against the San Antonio Silver Stars. The Red Bulls season is already underway with the regular season continuing through the end of October. MSG will also cover the New York Knicks Summer League live from Las Vegas and telecast live Little League Baseball games later this summer, as well as NBA and NHL Draft Specials in June.

The "MSG Summer Block Party" will also have a presence online at msg.com/summer, where viewers can check out exclusive video content and photo galleries from MSG's summer programs, as well as interactive games, trivia, and polls.

Below is a summary of the programming theme nights on MSG this summer along with show descriptions:

Movie Monday

  • "MSG at the Movies" – Gritty, inspirational, and sports-centric, this franchise includes acquired movies and documentaries that align with MSG's sports and entertainment brand.

Tuesday Concerts

  • "MSG Concert Series" – This music franchise offers an eclectic mix of crowd-pleasing concerts featuring acts that have survived the test of time.
  • "Road to MSG" – This franchise series brings viewers along as their favorite artists and athletes prepare to take the stage or hit the floor of the 'World's Most Famous Arena.' Part artist/athlete profile and part insider's guide to Madison Square Garden, each episode takes viewers on the bus, behind the curtain, and through the locker room doors, providing an intimate look at what it takes to be a superstar.

Classic Wednesdays

  • "WWE Presents MSG Classics" – A viewer favorite summer series hosted by legendary WWE announcer "Mean" Gene Okerlund looks back at some of the WWE's most memorable matches at Madison Square Garden from the 1970's and beyond.
  • "MSG's Vault" – This summer series offers a historical look at some of the most memorable Madison Square Garden moments from MSG's vault of over 90,000 tapes. Each week's show features vintage clips and up-to-date interviews, framed around a fascinating person, game, event or subject. Host Al Trautwig provides historical perspective as he revisits each era and interviews those who were there.

Thursday Fight Night

  • "Fight Night Classics" – This new series examines the storied boxing history at Madison Square Garden. Each episode includes footage from classic boxing matches from the 1930s through the 1980s, along with commentary from current and former boxers, trainers, referees, boxing historians and journalists.

Friday Originals

  • "Fans' Most Wanted: Knicks" and "Fans' Most Wanted: Rangers" – The Knicks and the Rangers are two of the most storied franchises in professional sports. This series examines some of the greatest moments in team history that resonate with fans – the games that everyone is still talking about, the plays being debated over water coolers and the athletes revered by the Garden faithful.