Philadelphia Union announced Thursday that broadcast partners 6abc, Comcast SportsNet and the Comcast Network will again televise 2015 Union games that are not shown nationally. WPVI-TV/6abc continues in its sixth season as the Union’s official broadcast partner and will air four of the team’s 34 total matches this season, while Comcast SportsNet and The Comcast Network, now in their fifth season, will air 21 matches. All matches will be broadcast in high definition.
“We’re thrilled to continue the outstanding relationship with our television partners and to bring back an excellent broadcast team for the 2015 season,” said Philadelphia Union CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “It speaks to our commitment in providing our fans with the highest-quality viewing experience both on the field and on television.
Veteran broadcaster JP Dellacamera returns for his sixth season as the Union’s play-by-play man and will once again be joined by color analyst and former Philadelphia KiXX goalkeeper Peter Pappas. Dellacamera has virtually done it all in terms of broadcasting American soccer. The well-renowned commentator has called multiple FIFA World Cup matches, various MLS action on multiple networks and has been the voice of the Union since its inception. Pappas, in his second year, was a 13-year veteran goalkeeper for the KiXX. He recorded 5,399 saves and 230 wins, while logging more than an additional 2,000 minutes and 450 saves in the postseason. The Philadelphia University graduate was named the MISL Goalkeeper of the Year on four occasions (2001, 2004, 2005, 2007) and was an All-League selection eight times.
“With all the excitement the Philadelphia Union and their fans bring to the region, 6abc is equally excited to once again be the team’s official broadcast partner,” said 6abc President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica. “We’re not only looking forward to covering the team this season, but we’re thrilled to be bringing all the action and adrenaline of these four home games to our viewers.”
The Union will have four games broadcast on 6abc this year, highlighted by the season opener against Colorado Rapids on March 7. The other three dates shown on the network are April 11 against New York City FC, May 2 against Toronto FC and June 27 against Montreal Impact. Comcast SportsNet, and The Comcast Network, meanwhile, will air 21 other local broadcasts.
“Comcast SportsNet and The Comcast Network are proud to once again partner with the Philadelphia Union on their game broadcasts,” said Comcast SportsNet President Brian Monihan. “Fans can continue to count on us for the most Union coverage anywhere with 21 game HD broadcasts, featuring JP and Peter, plus our outstanding ‘State of the Union’ program, and extensive coverage online at CSNPhilly.com.”
Tony Limarzi will return for the Union’s 30-minute pre-game show as well as a halftime segment during all home matches. Limarzi is a veteran MLS radio and television announcer.
The Union’s weekly magazine show entitled “State of the Union,” which airs bi-weekly on Friday nights on The Comcast Network and Comcast SportsNet returns for its fifth season. Air times are scheduled for 7 p.m. on The Comcast Network and 11:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet.
Please check your local listings for 6abc, Comcast SportsNet and The Comcast Network.
