September 24, 2006
China official
A press conference was just held finalizing the plans for the Patriots to play a 2007 preseason game in Beijing. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, NBC chairman **** Ebersol, Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Miss Ren Jun, who represented the Beijing Sports Competition Management Center, were present.
The game will be broadcast on Wednesday, Aug. 8, at 8:30 a.m. ET. The game will be brodacast in prime-time in China.
Goodell said the NFL had plans in the works to play in China since 1999.
Kraft said the Patriots will play five preseason games, and per NFL rules, will have the option to open training camp one week early.
"Our football people, we consulted with them on this," Kraft said. "They were fully made aware of it, that this was in the NFL's and the New England Patriots' best short- and long-term plans. ... The strength of our game is that we've been able to grow revenues and grow the sport. The players and the coaches and the organizations have been the biggest beneficiaries. If we don't do things like this, I think we'll lose our preeminence in U.S. sports. Looking at the macro view, that's a very important reason that this game is as special as it is, and should get the support of everyone associated with the National Football League."
Posted By: mreiss | Time: 06:37:22 PM
