Where to watch the BNP Paribas Showdown tennis event

By Ryan Berenz

Tennis fans will get a treat on Monday, Feb. 28, as the BNP Paribas Shows exhibition tennis event takes place live at Madison Square Garden on ESPN.com and ESPN2. Two of the greatest rivalries in tennis will get relived as John McEnroe faces Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras takes on Andre Agassi. The event is part of “Tennis Night in America,” which grows youth participation in the sport of tennis. Here’s the complete release and details from ESPN:

ESPN Networks to Present BNP Paribas Showdown Live Feb. 28

Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi live on ESPN2 & Ivan Lendl vs. John McEnroe to be streamed on ESPN3.com

New York, February 16, 2011 – MSG Sports and StarGames announced today that ESPN will televise the much-anticipated 2011 BNP Paribas Showdown live from Madison Square Garden on Monday, February 28. The one-day, tennis showcase will feature two of the greatest rivalries in all of tennis when John McEnroe faces off against Ivan Lendl to be followed with Pete Sampras taking on Andre Agassi.

Starting at 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3.com will stream live the classic rivalry between McEnroe and Lendl. And, at 9 p.m. ESPN2 will televise the final match when rivals Sampras and Agassi square off. ESPN’s coverage will showcase leading on-air commentators during the event including Chris Fowler, Patrick McEnroe as well as former Agassi coaches Darren Cahill and Brad Gilbert.  ESPN International will distribute the matches to 45 million homes in 130 countries and territories.

Renewing classic rivalries of the 80’s and 90’s, John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl will compete in a one set pro match (first player to win eight games) followed by a best of three set match between Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. The four all-time greats have won a combined 37 Grand Slam Singles titles and 295 ATP Tour events.

The BNP Paribas Showdown is produced by StarGames and MSG Sports. Tickets beginning at $50.00 are currently on sale and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office and all Ticketmaster outlets.

The BNP Paribas Showdown, in partnership with the United States Tennis Association, will continue their efforts to grow youth participation in the sport of tennis through “Tennis Night in America”, a national program which is among the largest ever grass roots initiative the sport has ever seen. To find a sign-up location please go to www.tennisnight.com.

Photo: Credit: Corrine Dubreuil/Cameleon via ABACA Press/KRT

1 Comment

  1. Where did you advertise these great matches I just stumbled over them Did enjoy them Thanks

Comments are closed.

About Ryan Berenz 2166 Articles
Member of the Television Critics Association. Charter member of the Ancient and Mystic Society of No Homers. Squire of the Ancient & Benevolent Order of the Lynx, Lodge 49, Long Beach, Calif. Costco Wholesale Gold Star Member since 2011.