Birds of Prey schedule shifts to primetime

By Published On: October 19th, 2009Comments Off on Birds of Prey schedule shifts to primetime

Organizers of The Audi Birds of Prey Race Week scheduled for Dec. 4-6 in Beaver Creek, Colo announced a schedule shift today as sponsors and FIS officials strive to bring America’s men’s alpine World Cup event to a bigger global audience. The change also allows for more American fans to attend the headline downhill event, to support the home team.

Originally slated to open with the Birds of Prey downhill on Friday, the event will now kick off with super combined, followed by the treacherous Birds of Prey downhill on Saturday and giant slalom on Sunday. The move allows European broadcasters to air the entire men’s super combined during prime air times, resulting in a significantly increased audience for Beaver Creek, a candidate for the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.

Viewers will be treated to the best skiers on the planet as returning champion Aksel Lund Svindal (NOR) defends his downhill and Super G wins of a year ago. The U.S. squad will look to dominate on their home turf with three-time winner Bode Miller back in the fold joining fellow Birds of Prey podium performers Ted Ligety and Steven Nyman.

The Audi Birds of Prey downhill will air Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. ET on NBC with replay Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. ET on Versus followed by super combined at 5 p.m. ET. Versus will also air giant slalom on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. ET.

Additionally Universal Sports will stream the super combined and giant slalom live at www.UniversalSports.com.

2009 Audi Birds of Prey Schedule (all times local)

Thursday, Dec. 3
5:30 p.m. MT: Public Bib Presentation and U.S. Ski Team autograph signing

Friday, Dec, 4

11 a.m. MT: Men’s super combined – downhill, 2:30 p.m. men’s super combined – slalom

Saturday, Dec. 5

11 a.m. MT: Downhill

Sunday, Dec. 6
9:45 a.m. MT: Men’s giant slalom run one, 12:45 p.m. men’s giant slalom run two

For complete information on the Audi Birds of Prey Race Week, check out www.bcworldcup.com.

Image: Last season’s GS podium celebrates at Beaver Creek. (GEPA)

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About the Author: Eric Williams