The Aviva Indoor UK Trials and Championships will take place at the EIS Sheffield on the weekend of 11-12 February 2012 with live coverage of the track finals on Channel 4 on Sunday 12 February. 

The event returns to the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield for the eighth time for what is set to be a weekend of fierce competition and exhilarating athletics action, as Britain’s best compete for the right to represent their country at the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Istanbul in March.

Featuring the likes of Jessica Ennis, Hannah England, Chris Tomlinson and Mark Lewis-Francis, all of the athletes will be keen to make their mark in a crucial year for British athletics.

Channel 4 coverage is presented by Rick Edwards, with Iwan Thomas, Katharine Merry, Dean Macey and Kelly Sotherton. Commentary comes from John Rawling.

Channel 4 will broadcast live coverage of the track finals on Sunday 12 February from 2pm. 

The 2011/12 UEFA Champions League returns in February as the 1^st Legs of the knockout stages get underway, with Arsenal and Chelsea the only British interest left in the competition. 

Sky Sports will broadcast comprehensive coverage of six 1^st Leg matches, including Chelsea away to Napoli on Tuesday 21 February. ITV1 will broadcast two 1^st Leg matches from the last 16 including Arsenal’s visit to the San Siro to take on AC Milan on Wednesday 15 February.

AC Milan v Arsenal – Wednesday 15 February – ITV1 HD 7.30pm (k/o 7.45pm)

Adrian Chiles will be joined by Roy Keane and Gareth Southgate for the big Champions League encounter between AC Milan and Arsenal live from the San Siro.

There is little margin for error with the tournament having reached the knockout stages and Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal face a tough test in this Round of 16 first leg tie against the Italian champions. Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will pose a particular threat to the Gunners’ defence. Arsenal may or may not take comfort from the fact that their London rivals Tottenham knocked out AC Milan at this stage of the competition a year ago – a feat Robin van Persie and co will be expected to match.

Napoli v Chelsea – Tuesday 21 February – Sky Sports HD2 7pm (k/o 7.45pm)

SSC Napoli ended Manchester City FC’s hopes in the UEFA Champions League group stage and will be looking to do the same to another English team when they welcome Chelsea FC in the first leg of their round of 16 encounter.

Chelsea are competing in the last 16 for the ninth season in succession, they won their group without recording a victory away from home. They drew at Valencia CF and KRC Genk and lost at Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

UEFA Champions League Broadcast Schedule – Last 16 1^st Leg

Tuesday 14 February

Bayer Leverkusen v Barcelona (Sky Sports HD2 k/o 7.45pm)
Lyon v Apoel Nicosia (Sky Sports HD4 k/o 7.45pm)

Wednesday 15 February

Zenit St Petersburg v Benfica (Sky Sports HD2 k/o 5pm)
AC Milan v Arsenal (ITV1 HD k/o 7.45pm)

Tuesday 21 February

CSKA Moscow v Real Madrid (Sky Sports HD2 k/o 5pm)
Napoli v Chelsea (Sky Sports HD2 k/o 7.45pm)

Wednesday 22 February

Basle v Bayern Munich (Sky Sports HD2 k/o 7.45pm)
Marseille v Inter Milan (ITV1 HD k/o 7.45pm)

Channel 5 and Hennessy Sports will unleash a new generation of boxers including Kid Galahad and Chris Eubank Jr before millions of fight fans when they both appear on the “Men of Steel” event at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham on Saturday 18 February. 

Sheffield’s unbeaten hot prospect Kid Galahad will be vying for his first professional title when he takes on former British and Commonwealth champion and IBF world title challenger, Nottingham’s Jason “2 smooth” Booth for the WBC International Super Bantamweight title, which has been previously held by great fighters like Manny Pacquiao and Naseem Hamed.

Kid Galahad said : “Jason Booth is an experienced operator, who has fought consistently at British and European title level for most of his career and also challenged for a world title back in 2010, but come the 18th February the millions of fight fans watching me live on Channel 5 will know who Kid Galahad is and that I’m the next major star to come out of Sheffield.

“It’s an honour to be fighting for the prestigious WBC international title and I will look to emulate what Naseem and Manny have done.”

Middleweight sensation, Chris Eubank Jr, son of former world champion Chris Eubank, made his professional debut in November last year on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s Commonwealth Heavyweight title defence said “I can’t wait to get back in the ring and start to show the world of boxing what I’m all about”

”I’m not just here to win- I’m here to entertain. I want people to be excited about tuning in to watch my second professional fight live on Channel 5.”

“I got a taste of professional boxing with my first fight and I’m hungry for more.” Added Chris.

Promoter Mick Hennessy said. “I’m really proud to be showcasing these two brilliant young talents together on Channel 5 and with Kid Galahad headlining for the prestigious WBC International title in only his 11th fight, I believe he will show the boxing world why we have so much faith in him.

“There is great anticipation for Chris Eubank Jr’s second pro fight and rightfully so, he’s a special and unique talent who brings a real buzz to this great sport.”

“Obviously people have known about this great fight between Kid Galahad and Jason Booth for a while now but it was stipulated by the WBC and the Boxing Board that the fight could not be announced until Jason Booths medicals had cleared, which they have now.” Added Mick Hennessy

Joining Kid Galahad and Chris Eubank Jr will be former British Light Welterweight champion Lenny Daws of Morden who will be fighting Chris Truman from Birmingham, local fighters Kash Ali and Karl Bell, Leigh Wood from Nottingham and Jason Cunningham from Doncaster. The Central Area Middleweight title will also be contested over 10 rounds when Phill Fury from Lancaster takes on Lee Noble from Barnsley.

BBC One Scotland and Sky Sports will broadcast live coverage of three ties from the William Hill Scottish Cup 5^th Round over the weekend of  4/5 February. 

Sky Sports will broadcast live from Tulloch Caledonian Stadium on Saturday 5 February as Inverness Caledonian Thistle take on  Celtic in a 12.45pm kick off. The holders lost out to Caley in 2000 and 2003 Scottish Cup competitions and will be hoping to avoid a repeat this weekend. Sky Sports HD3 coverage starts at 12.30pm.

On Sunday 5 February, 2 live 5^th Round games will be broadcast live with BBC One Scotland screening the all-SPL tie between Ally McCoist’s Rangers and Peter Houston’s Dundee United in a 12.15pm kick off. (Coverage starts at 12.05pm).

Both clubs are recent winners of this competition – United beat Ross County 3-0 in the 2010 final and Rangers were 1-0 winners against Falkirk a year earlier. The last time the teams met each other in the Scottish Cup they served up a real thriller. A 3-3 draw at Ibrox two years ago was followed up by a 1-0 replay win for United at Tannadice courtesy of a last minute David Robertson goal – with the Taysiders going on to lift the trophy the same season. So far this season the advantage lies with the Glasgow side who have won both league meetings.

BBC One Scotland’s coverage will be presented by Rob Maclean who will be joined in the studio by Pat Nevin, Bristol City Manager Derek McInnes, who played for both clubs, and former Rangers and Dundee United striker Steven Thompson. Liam McLeod is the commentator.

Later on Sunday 5 February, Sky Sports HD3 will broadcast the 5^th Round tie between Heart of Midlothian and St Johnstone from Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh in a 2.15pm kick off.

Scottish Cup 5^th Round Broadcast Schedule

Saturday 4 February 2012

Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Celtic – kick off 12.45pm
Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Inverness
Live on Sky Sports

Sunday 5 February 2012

Rangers v Dundee United – kick off 12.15pm
Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow
Live on BBC Scotland

Heart of Midlothian v St Johnstone – kick off 2.15pm
Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh
Live on Sky Sports

Sky Sports have announced that the new Sky Sports F1 HD channel will feature live coverage of both the GP2 and GP3 series from its launch in March.

Complementing the channel’s extensive coverage of every F1 session from every 2012 race, the inclusion of GP2 and GP3 provides fans a glimpse into the future of motorsport with both series considered to be a breeding ground for the F1 drivers of the future.

In addition to live coverage, the channel’s weekly magazine show, presented by Georgie Thompson and Ted Kravitz, will also provide analysis and discussion of the races from the likes of Monaco, Monza and Silverstone, Spa and Singapore.

Executive Producer Martin Turner said: “We are delighted to be showing GP2 and GP3 live on Sky Sports F1 HD. There are six former GP2 champions in Formula 1 this season, including Lewis Hamilton and last year’s winner Romain Grosjean. The series promises nail-biting and fascinating racing and we’ll track gifted drivers through the ranks as they aim for Formula 1.”

The 12-round 2012 GP2 series will begin in Malaysia on 23-25 March and follows a global circuit through 10 countries. Sky Sports F1 HD will show the two races per weekend; a feature race and a shorter sprint race.

GP2 Series Schedule 2012

23-25 March - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
20-22 April – Sakhir, Bahrain
26-28 April – Sakhir, Bahrain
11-13 May – Barcelona, Spain
24-26 May – Monte Carlo, Monaco
22-24 June – Valencia, Spain
06-08 July - Silverstone, Great-Britain
20-22 July – Hockenheim, Germany
27-29 July – Budapest, Hungary
31 Aug – 02 September – Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
07-09 September – Monza, Italy
21-23 September - Singapore, Singapore

GP3 Series Schedule 2012

11-13 May – Barcelona, Spain
24-27 May – Monte-Carlo, Monaco
22-24 June – Valencia, Spain
06-08 July – Silverstone, Great Britain
20-22 July – Hockenheim, Germany
27-29 July – Budapest, Hungary
31 Aug – 02 Sep – Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
07-09 September – Monza, Italy
 

The England & Wales Cricket Board have announced the renewal of its broadcasting agreement with Channel 5 for highlights of England’s test and one-day cricket home matches from 2014-17.

The broadcaster will continue to screen its highlights programme in early evening peak viewing time as part of the new four-year deal with the ECB.

ECB chief executive David Collier said: “The ECB strongly values its relationship with Channel 5 and we welcome their ongoing commitment to cricket.

“Their evening highlights programme provides an excellent snapshot of the day’s play in each Test match and we are delighted that it will continue in an early evening slot which suits viewing patterns for families and younger viewers.”

Jeff Ford, Channel 5’s director of programming, commented: “Channel 5 has been associated with English cricket for over six years, providing new and established fans with the very best in cricket highlights from Test matches and more.

“We’re delighted to continue our association with the ECB for another four years and to firmly cement our position as the terrestrial home of English cricket.”

Mark Nicholas has presented Channel 5′s cricket coverage since 2006, alongside commentators Geoffrey Boycott and Simon Hughes. Former England captain Michael Vaughan joined the Channel 5 team in 2009 following his international retirement from the game.

The announcement follows the agreement that the ECB announced with broadcast partner Sky Sports for live coverage of England international & domestic cricket rights through to 2017.

Matchroom Sport have joined forces with David Coldwell and Coldwell Boxing for Tony Bellew’s British light-Heavyweight title defence against Danny McIntosh on ‘The Big Bang’ card at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on April 14, live on Sky Sports.

Bellew holds a 16-1 record as a pro and scooped both the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight belts in 2010. Last year he also challenged for the WBO world light-heavyweight title challenger, dropping a close and competitive decision to champion Nathan Cleverly.

Challenger McIntosh, has a 13-2 record (7 KO) and won the English light-heavyweight title in just his eighth pro bout. In January 2011, McIntosh shocked the world when he knocked out Frenchman Thierry Karl on his home turf, lifting the European light-heavyweight belt in the process.

“It’s a dream come true to be back on Sky Sports,” said Bellew. “April 14 is going to be a great night with a great atmosphere and I can’t wait to put on a big performance in front of my people.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn said : “I’m delighted to be working in association with David Coldwell and Coldwell Boxing to deliver another great night of boxing for Sky Sports,”

Hearn added : “Tony has tremendous support in Liverpool and Danny represents a real test for him on what promises to be an electric night at the Echo Arena.”

David Coldwell said : “As promoters, we strive to give the fans what they want and the fighters what they deserve, both in terms of opportunity and exposure,”

“This fight between Bellew and McIntosh deserves the platform and coverage Sky Sports will provide, as it is a contest everybody in the trade is looking forward to.

“I’d also like to express my own personal delight at linking up with both Eddie and Sky Sports for this particular event. Eddie and I share a similar passion for the sport and I am full of admiration for the way in which he is attempting to drive British boxing towards a brighter future.”

Tony Bellew v Danny McIntosh in ‘The Big Bang’ is live from the Echo Arena, Liverpool on Saturday 14 April, live on Sky Sports.   

The Stobart Super League 2012 returns on Friday 3 February as Europe’s top Rugby League clubs begin the road to Old Trafford in the first of 27 captivating rounds with comprehensive live coverage on Sky Sports.

Stobart Super League 2012 will take its reputation for innovation to new levels promising a wealth of new features that will enrich the experience and enjoyment of players, supporters and TV viewers alike.

From modern, state-of-the-art facilities which put the comfort of the paying spectator first, and subtle rule changes that allow the players to better express their skill and athleticism, to new clubs, new players and a new venue for the Magic Weekend, Stobart Super League 2012 promises to be a year to remember.

Speaking at the official season launch at Old Trafford, Manchester,on Wednesday February 1, Super League Chairman Richard Lewis outlined his excitement at the start of the competition’s journey with new title sponsors, the Stobart Group.

“I’m thrilled and delighted to welcome Stobart aboard and am confident this partnership will prove to be a success for both Super League and the Stobart Group,” said Lewis.

“To have a FTSE 250 company and a recognised Superbrand as title sponsors is a great coup which will allow the sport to elevate its visibility and profile to new levels.

“The multi-dimensional, marketing-led approach of the sponsorship contract testifies to the confidence the clubs have in themselves and the Super League competition and they are to be congratulated on their innovative approach.

“That innovation extends throughout the competition on many levels and has created a palpable sense of anticipation across the country as the big kick off approaches.

“There are so many highlights to look forward to in 2012, not least The Magic Weekend which this year takes place at the superbly appointed Etihad Stadium in Manchester, where fans can expect to see sporting rivalry at its best.

TV Coverage

“This is the first year of our record-breaking five-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports, who for the first time will showcase the thrills and spills of Stobart Super League live on Monday evenings between May and August.

“The BBC Super League Show is also relaunching for 2012 with a new format and a more regular timeslot which will enable more people than ever before to regularly watch sport as it should be played.”

The 2012 Stobart Super League season kicks off on Friday night (3 February) when Widnes host Wakefield Trinity Wildcats live on Sky Sports.

On Saturday 4 February, the Sky Sports cameras move to the City of Salford Stadium where the City Reds face Castleford Tigers in a 6pm kick off.

Sky Sports Stobart Super League Broadcast Schedule – February 2012 (kick off times indicated)

Fri 3 Feb – Widnes v Wakefield (8.00pm) Sky Sports HD1
Sat 4 Feb – Salford City Reds v Castleford (6.00pm) Sky Sports HD1
Fri 10 Feb – St Helens v Salford City Reds (8.00pm) Sky Sports HD1
Sat 11 Feb – Wigan v Leeds (5.45pm) – Sky Sports HD1
Fri 17 Feb – Leeds v Manly (8.00pm) – Sky Sports HD1
Sat 18 Feb – Huddersfield v Warrington (4.45pm) Sky Sports HD2
Sun 19 Feb – Hull FC v London Broncos (5.45pm) Sky Sports HD1
Fri 24 Feb –  St Helens v Catalan Dragons (8.00pm) Sky Sports HD1
Sat 25 Feb – Wakefield v Bradford (7.45pm) Sky Sports HD1

Stobart Secures Super League Title (Video)

After 17 weeks of the 2011 NFL regular season and some exciting playoff games, 32 teams have been whittled down to 2 as the New England Patriots take on the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday February 5.

Sky Sports HD1 and BBC One HD will broadcast live coverage of Super Bowl, which this year comes from Indianapolis for the first time in it’s history.

This years event is a repeat of the showcase event five years ago, as the New England Patriots once again face the New York Giants. On that previous occasion, New England’s dreams of becoming the second team in NFL history to finish the season unbeaten were shattered by the underdog Giants, and this year the Patriots, led by star quarterback Tom Brady, will be out for revenge.

BBC One HD’s coverage of Super Bowl commences at 10.55pm and will be presented by Mark Chapman who will be joined by Mike Carlson and St Louis Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola in the studio. Commentary comes from Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth.

Sky Sports HD1 coverage of Superbowl commences at 10.30pm on Sunday with the regular team of Neil Reynolds and Kevin Cadle with Cecil Martin.

This year’s half-time entertainment is provided by Madonna, who will be playing a medley of hits, and the national anthem will be sung by Kelly Clarkson.

Madonna joins an esteemed list of recent halftime acts that includes The Black Eyed Peas, The Who, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Prince, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and U2.  The Bridgestone Super Bowl halftime show is the most-watched musical event of the year.

More than 162 million viewers in the U.S. watched last year’s show. The Super Bowl and halftime show will be broadcast worldwide to a global TV audience.

Super Bowl XLVI is live on Sunday 5 February 2012 on BBC One HD (10.55pm) and Sky Sports HD1 (10.30pm). 

The BBC is to relaunch its hugely successful BBC Sport website on Wednesday 1 February 2012 with a promise to place live coverage at the heart of online output.

The relaunch is the first major update of the site in almost a decade and reflects the changing needs of sports fans as more and more licence-fee payers go online for up-to-the minute updates on the biggest sporting events, as they happen.

Whether it’s text commentary on transfer deadline day, audio & video coverage of events, or highly visual and immersive, up-to-the- second tables and stat, the new website promises to be a sports service custom built for modern sports fans.

The new look BBC Sport website will feature :

• Full, in-depth, coverage of all the sports the BBC covers today, from the popular football gossip column, to the trusted sports journalism across a broad range of sports that has established the BBC site as the most popular online sports service in the UK, with more than 11.5 million users a week.

• A simpler, cleaner award-winning design already introduced on other BBC sites such as News, Weather and BBC iPlayer, together with a navigation system that will make it much easier for users to find the content they’re looking for.

• Enhanced social functions that will make sharing content easier than ever before; with community at the heart of the BBC’s editorial plans for 2012, features such as comment modules will be added in coming months.

• A rich, highly dynamic and interactive visualisation of all the sports data fans love: up to the minute league tables, athlete and player profiles, form guides and much more.

As audiences increasingly connect with the BBC on multiple platforms, (web, smart phones, tablets and connected TVs) the relaunch of BBC Sport is just the first step of a 2012 innovation story in the build up to the London Olympic Games. With further web innovations and products for connected TVs and smartphones planned for launch later this year – the BBC’s intention is to reach an increasingly connected audience, on whichever device they choose, in what promises to be an epic year for sport.

Barbara Slater, Director BBC Sport said: “The BBC has a proud tradition of leading the way in sports broadcasting, providing audiences with access to events as they happen and journalism of the highest quality. Audiences continue to turn to the BBC in the internet age, with BBC Sport firmly established as the UK’s most popular sports site with 11 million visitors a week.

“This redesign, the first in a series of innovations planned for 2012, builds on our broadcasting heritage by putting live coverage at the heart of our online output in what is poised to be an unforgettable year in British sport.

“Whether it’s up-to-the-second commentary, live video and audio, access to the latest stats, or sports journalism audiences can trust, we’re responding to the changing needs of our online audience – utilising the latest technology to provide licence-fee payers with a cutting-edge sports service of the highest quality.”

Screenshots from the new BBC Sport Website which launches on Wednesday 1 February 2012.