USA Sevens LLC has announced that the second USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship will be held at PPL Park in Chester, Philadelphia on 4-5 June 2011.
The tournament will feature 16 top-tier collegiate rugby teams and will be broadcast nationally on NBC live on both days.
“We are excited that NBC Sports is bringing the Collegiate Rugby Championship to Chester in 2011,” said Mayor Wendell N. Butler, Jr.
“Not only does this mean more jobs for Chester residents, but it also allows for a whole new set of fans and viewers to experience PPL Park and Chester’s fine waterfront, our historic birthplace."
“PPL Park continues to draw the attention and interest of a wide range of events and now in partnership with the USA 7's Collegiate Rugby Championship, we are bringing the great sport of rugby for fans to enjoy right here to the greater Philadelphia region,” said Nick Sakiewicz, CEO & Operating Partner of Keystone Sports and Entertainment.
Rugby Sevens will be an Olympic sport starting in 2016 and the USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship offers fans a preview of the talent pool available for the U.S. Olympic team.
“International sports fans have always supported rugby with an ardent fervor and we hope the fans of Philadelphia will similarly embrace it,” said Jon Miller, Executive Vice President of NBC Sports. “We have high hopes that the Collegiate Rugby Championship and the sport itself will become part of the fabric of the city and the region.”
The USA 7’s Collegiate Rugby Championship features 16 Division I collegiate traditional powers, including Temple, Penn State, Notre Dame, Army, Navy, Cal and defending champs Utah.
“It is truly invigorating to see that Rugby Sevens is establishing a presence on the National stage in America,” said Donal Walsh, VP of Operations for USA Sevens Rugby.
“We had such success with the first event in Columbus, it’s a true privilege to bring this competition to Philadelphia for its second year.”
“Rugby Sevens is quickly gaining the respect and appreciation it deserves among sports fans in the United States,” said Penn State head coach Don Ferrell. “The continuation of this tournament exemplifies the growing talent that exists in the sport leading into rugby’s debut at the 2016 Olympic Games.”
Broadcast Schedule:
- NBC Sports live coverage from 4:00-6:00 p.m. ET on June 4 and 5
- Universal Sports live coverage from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET on June 4 and 5
- NBC Mobile live simulcast from 4:00-6:00 p.m. ET on June 4 and 5
- Hulu.com full event coverage available on-demand in HD quality video
The USA Sevens will once again be held in Las Vegas on 12-13 February 2011 and will comprise the fourth event in this year's HSBC Sevens World Series.
