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http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl/0ap3000000467614/Super-Bowl-XLIX-Remix

GLENDALE, Ariz. — This time, Tom Brady’s defense made the play we’ll remember forever.

Malcolm Butler’s stunning interception on the goal line with 20 seconds left gave the New England Patriots a 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. Bill Belichick and Brady are champions for a fourth time.

Butler’s play ended a wild back-and-forth game between two great quarterbacks and two titanic coaches. It was a game worthy of the two best teams in the sport this decade. It was a game that reminded everyone watching why we love football so much.

Brady must have had flashbacks on the sideline just before Butler’s play. He had just authored a beautiful fourth-quarter drive to take back the lead with under three minutes left, just like he did in 2008 against the New York Giants. The Seahawks drove right down the field on the back of an improbable Jermaine Kearse catch, conjuring memories of David Tyree. And then Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell made the play call that will be debated for decades to come.

The Seahawks trusted Russell Wilson instead of Marshawn Lynch in the biggest moment possible, and Butler made them pay for it. It was reminiscent of the early 2000s Patriots teams that always had role players step up in the biggest moments.

This Patriots dynasty started with controversy (Tuck Rule) and insane Super Bowl endings. Now 10 years removed from their last championship and just days removed from the team’s deflated ball scandal, they are champions again. It has to feel especially sweet.

Brady and Belichick have knocked on the door of a fourth title for so long. They have lost two heartbreakers in the big game and squandered four straight playoff byes before this season. They know exactly how hard it is to become champions, and they know exactly how much this title means. They are living legends.

Here is what else we learned in a thrilling Super Bowl XLIX:

1. Brace yourself for a week of legacy questions, specifically Brady versus Joe Montana and this game’s hierarchy among the greatest Super Bowls. Brady sailed past Montana’s Super-Bowl touchdowns record, shredding a historically strong pass defense en route to an epic fourth-quarter comeback that will still be running on NFL Films 50 years from now. Brady joins Montana and Terry Bradshaw as the only quarterbacks with four Lombardi Trophies. Along the way, he set a single-game Super Bowl record with 37 completions and walked away with his third Super Bowl MVP award.

2. Coach Pete Carroll will have to answer for the most head-scratching play call in Super Bowl history. Armed with the NFL’s best tackle-breaker who excels at pushing through goal-line traffic, the Seahawks called for a pass on second-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Butler promptly stepped in front of Ricardo Lockette for the game-sealing interception, capping off the most unlikely three-play series in recent memory. Two plays prior, Jermaine Kearse channeled both David Tyree and Antonio Freeman with a ridiculous twice-batted, once-kicked pass that dropped right into his arms after he had fallen to the turf.

3. The bizarre finish robbed the Seahawks of the most unlikely Super Bowl hero since Redskins running back Timmy Smith erupted for 204 yards and a pair of touchdowns back in 1987. After one-and-a-half quarters of Seattle ineptitude, former CFL Most Outstanding Rookie Chris Matthews high-pointed a 44-yard pass for the first reception of his NFL career. Over the next six minutes of game action, he beat Logan Ryan for an 11-yard touchdown and hauled in a 45-yard sideline rainbow. Directly responsible for Seattle’s first 17 points, Matthews almost singlehandedly turned the game around. A street free agent in mid-November, Matthews had played just 28 snaps all season prior to Sunday. Credit the coaching staff for realizing the 6-foot-5 Matthews was capable of giving this team the big, physical downfield threat that had been missing for two years.

4. Matthews’ third catch set up a Steven Hauschka field goal that extended Russell Wilson’s streak of enjoying a lead in all 56 career games. Wilson deserved a better fate. He okey-doked Patriots pass rushers time and again while averaging an eye-opening 11.8 yards per attempt in a highly efficient performance. Rather than castigating Wilson for the game-ending interception, we would prefer to shine a light on his brilliant five-play, 80-yard touchdown drive in 29 seconds to enter halftime with a 14-14 tie. Football’s version of Houdini pulled it off with a handful of undrafted wide receivers, best known for their special teams ability.

5. Sunday’s effort was an encapsulation of Brady’s 29-game postseason career, with a surgical clean-pocket Brady staving off the mistakes of an erratic muddy-pocket Brady. Defensive end Michael Bennett was a monster, hitting the QB four times and forcing both hideous interceptions. Losing fellow pass rusher Cliff Avril to a concussion in the fourth quarter was no small factor, providing Brady with the time to pick a vaunted defense apart. Still, Bennett’s game-changing plays would have catapulted him into the MVP discussion along with Wilson and Matthews had the Seahawks won.

6. Despite the loss, Seattle’s rabid fan base was a factor. We estimated a 75-25 ratio of Seahawks fans to Patriots fans milling around Phoenix and Glendale this weekend. To the surprise of no one, the 12s were the more raucous crowd throughout the game.

7. It’s a shame that Carroll’s ill-fated play call will end up overshadowing his aggressive coaching clinic to close out the first half. A lot of coaches would have taken a knee deep in their own territory with just 30 seconds remaining in the first half. Others would have opted to play it safe with a field-goal attempt at the 0:06-second mark instead of taking one shot at the end zone. Carroll went with the high-reward option both times. This isn’t your grandfather’s hide-bound conservative 1972 football. More often than not, NFL coaches are punished by the 21st century football gods when they play it safe. Turning to Lynch with the game on the line wasn’t the safe option: it was the high-reward option.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps Super Bowl XLIX, including Malcolm Butler’s game-sealing interception, Tom Brady’s legacy and more. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.

WILMINGTON, Del., – Today DuPont and The Grand Opera House announced the signing of an agreement for The Grand, a local live arts and entertainment leader, to purchase the DuPont Theatre business, its related assets and lease of the building. The transaction is expected to close on January 20, 2015. Terms of the agreement are confidential.

The Playhouse on Rodney Square The Playhouse on Rodney Square
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“The DuPont Theatre represents an important piece of the company’s history and a symbol of the thriving arts and entertainment community in Wilmington for over 100 years,” said DuPont Chair and CEO Ellen Kullman. “This agreement represents a strategic and mutually beneficial business decision for DuPont and The Grand, and we are confident it will continue the Theatre’s legacy and provide an even greater entertainment experience for the community.”

“We are thrilled by the opportunity to take over operation of this respected Wilmington arts institution,” said Skip Pennella, chairman of The Grand’s Board of Directors, “and we strongly believe that we can enhance its already impressive history for a new generation of audiences.”

DuPont will continue to manage the theatre until the transaction closes, after which, the theatre will be renamed The Playhouse on Rodney Square. The sale will have no impact on the remainder of the 2014-2015 Broadway Season, theatre subscription packages or ticket prices. Tickets for upcoming performances can still be purchased by calling the DuPont Theatre box office at 302-656-4401 or 800-338-0881. Information also is available at www.DupontTheatre.com. Once the transition is complete, The Grand will communicate directly to all subscribers and patrons.

The DuPont Theatre is the oldest continually operating legitimate theatre in the nation since it opened in 1913. Known as “Delaware’s Broadway Experience,” the theatre has provided years of professional Broadway shows, an acclaimed Children’s Series and many special events.

Built in 1871, The Grand Opera House has served as a touring theatre, vaudeville house, and movie palace before it was mostly shuttered in the late 1960s. A band of arts enthusiasts restored the theatre to its Victorian elegance in the 1970s, and since then The Grand has become the preeminent regional venue for music, comedy, and family programs, complementing the theatrical focus of the DuPont Theatre.

“The Playhouse on Rodney Square and The Grand Opera House – programmed, managed, and marketed together – will bring together the grand traditions of Broadway with the wide variety of musical and other artists featured at The Grand. We will truly be able to offer the best of both entertainment worlds,” said Mark Fields, executive director of The Grand.

Celebrated Delaware arts philanthropist Tatiana Copeland, who helped facilitate the discussions between DuPont and The Grand, also sees the promise of these two cultural institutions combined under one management. “I see greater strength for both The Grand and The Playhouse through this consolidation,” said Mrs. Copeland, “and I hope it serves as an inspiration for even greater partnership in the future, between arts groups and also with the private sector and all levels of government. Thriving arts create thriving cities. We should all want that for Wilmington.”

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.

The NFL announced today steps to enhance the in-stadium experience for fans at the Super Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium.

The NFL is releasing its first SUPER BOWL STADIUM APP PRESENTED BY VERIZON. The app offers ticketholders exclusive in-stadium video content such as all Super Bowl commercials and replays from four different camera angles. The app also
includes seating and concession maps, once-in-a-lifetime gameday opportunities and the option to receive up-to-the-minute gameday notifications. The Super Bowl Stadium App Presented by Verizon may be downloaded by visiting NFL.com/SBApp or the app store and is available on Windows, iOS, Android smartphones.

The Super Bowl Stadium App Presented by Verizon is a lightweight application designed for use inside the venue and will deliver fans in the stands a unique content experience. It serves as a complement to the flagship application NFL MOBILE FROM VERIZON which will bring the game to life for fans everywhere with live streaming, live scores and stats, news and articles, tweets, photos and video highlights, as well as an interactive guide for visitors to Arizona. NFL Mobile is free to download, with free premium access for Verizon MORE Everything Customers or Verizon customers with a Premium Subscription. To download NFL Mobile, visit NFL.com/Mobile.

Fans may download the tablet-optimized version of the OFFICIAL SUPER BOWL XLIX DIGITAL GAME PROGRAM, available for Windows, Surface, iOS, and Android tablets (via Google Play and Amazon App Store). The app contains all the latest information on the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, featuring animated starting line-ups and sortable rosters, plus a complete history of the Super Bowl. Fans may also watch video recaps of the 2014 NFL season, view real-time Twitter and Instagram feeds, and access archived Super Bowl programs.

To ensure optimal usage for fans at University of Phoenix Stadium, fans attending Super Bowl XLIX should download the Super Bowl Stadium App Presented by Verizon and other apps they want to use on gameday before they arrive at the stadium.
The NFL also will program the video boards with unique and engaging content throughout the game, including select Super Bowl commercials from the NFL and its sponsors.

Introduced for the 2014 NFL season, “Next Gen Stats” provide real-time, location-based information such as speed and distance traveled, along with acceleration of individuals on the field. To enable “Next Gen Stats,” the NFL installed Zebra Technologies’ realtime location system (RTLS) for sports in 17 stadiums this season, and added an 18th system at University of Phoenix Stadium for the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl. These systems capture information in real-time via small radio-frequency identification (RFID) tracking devices on players and officials. The statistics and related graphics created from this data will be displayed on in-stadium video boards during the Super Bowl.

Additionally, for the first time, the NFL worked with Wilson to incorporate Zebra RFID devices into select games balls at the 2015 Pro Bowl, Presented by McDonald’s. The NFL will work with Extreme Networks to leverage its intelligent application analytics technology, Purview™, to monitor and measure the mobile fan experience during the game. Extreme Networks will also supply “Wi-Fi Coaches” around the stadium to assist fans with connectivity questions and needs on gameday

Green Bay Packers quarterback AARON RODGERS’ inspiring Week 6 performance is the 2014 GMC NEVER SAY NEVER MOMENT OF THE YEAR, the NFL announced today. This marks the second consecutive year Rodgers and the Packers take home the GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year honor.

Rodgers’ Week 6 performance was selected from a group of five moments by voters on NFL.com/gmc. The five finalists were selected among 17 of the most memorable GMC Never Say Never Moments during the 2014 NFL season.

Rodgers’ 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end ANDREW QUARLESS with three seconds remaining gave the Green Bay Packers a 27-24 win over the Miami Dolphins. Rodgers overcame a fumble and a fourth-and-10 situation on the winning drive, which also included a fake intentional spike for a 12-yard gain to rookie receiver DAVANTE ADAMS that set up the winning score. The Packers twice gave up their lead on the Dolphins, and trailed 24-17 before Rodgers directed a 68-yard drive that resulted in a field goal. The Packers forced a punt and started at their own 40-yard line with 2:04 remaining en route to their third consecutive win.

“GMC would like to congratulate Aaron Rodgers on winning this year’s GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year Award. His incredible play and leadership is the epitome of determination, perseverance and teamwork,” said Rich Latek, GMC marketing director. “These characteristics are demonstrated everyday by GMC’s engineers creating professional grade trucks, crossovers and SUVs for our customers.”

Each week during the regular season, the NFL selected three nominees for the GMC NEVER SAY NEVER Moments of the Week from which the fans voted for a winner on NFL.com/GMC. From those weekly winners, the five GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year finalists were selected (listed in the chart below).

2014 GMC NEVER SAY NEVER MOMENT OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Wk 3 Romo Leads Cowboys to Match Franchise’s Best Comeback
Wk 5 Browns Have Largest Comeback on Road in NFL History
Wk 6 Rodgers Rallies Packers Past Dolphins With Late Touchdown
Wk 7 Bills Win on Last-Second Orton-to-Watkins Score
Wk 16 Philip Rivers Keeps Chargers Playoff Hopes Alive

In addition to voting for the GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year, fans may also visit gmc.com/nfl to enter for a chance to win the GMC Never Say Never NFL Fan Experience, which includes: trips to the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine and more. While there, they can also enter for a chance to win a GMC vehicle of their choice.
For more information on the 2014 GMC NEVER SAY NEVER MOMENT OF THE YEAR, visit nfl.com/gmc.

About GMC
GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC trucks, SUVs and crossovers. GMC covers the broad spectrum of customer needs in the pickup market with a premium truck in the midsize, light duty and heavy duty segments. The all-new midsize 2015 GMC Canyon is pure GMC with premium materials, refinement and offers class-leading truck capabilities. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

NFL GameDay First’ at 7:00 AM ET –
Melissa Stark with New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick
Kurt Warner with Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Russell Wilson
Featured on 8.5-Hour Edition of ‘NFL GameDay Morning’ at 9:00 AM ET –
Melissa Stark with New England Patriots Chairman & CEO Robert Kraft
Andrea Kremer with New England Patriots CB Darrelle Revis
Andrea Kremer with New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski
Michael Silver with Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll
Model Adriana Lima & Actor Chris Pratt On-Set
NFL Network provides 12.5 hours of pregame and postgame coverage of Super Bowl XLIX from Arizona, beginning at 7:00 AM ET with NFL GameDay First.
At 9:00 AM ET, a special 8.5-hour edition of NFL GameDay Morning is live from various locations throughout Arizona leading up to kickoff.
Super Bowl Sunday Edition of NFL GameDay First
Sterling Sharpe, Shaun O’Hara, Michael Robinson & Brian Billick – NFL Experience
Jeff Darlington – New England Patriots team hotel
Aditi Kinkhabwala – Seattle Seahawks team hotel
Featured on the Super Bowl Sunday edition of NFL GameDay First by hour:
7:00 AM ET Hour
Super Bowl champions Shaun O’Hara, Michael Robinson and Brian Billick share the mindset for players and coaches on Super Bowl Sunday
Who has the edge in the Super Bowl XLIX running back battle: Marshawn Lynch or LeGarrette Blount?
Former Seattle Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson explains what to expect from running back Marshawn Lynch
Would a fourth Super Bowl win make Tom Brady the greatest quarterback of all-time?
Who has the edge in the secondary matchup in Super Bowl XLIX?
Following their dramatic comeback win in the NFC Championship Game, how do the Seattle Seahawks avoid a letdown in Super Bowl XLIX?
How will the Seattle Seahawks contain New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski?
Who has the edge – the Patriots defensive front or the Seahawks defensive front?
Super Bowl-winning head coach Brian Billick compares one Patriots defensive player to one of his former Baltimore Ravens defensive stars
8:00 AM ET Hour
NFL Network’s Melissa Stark with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick
NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson
Super Bowl champions Shaun O’Hara, Michael Robinson and Brian Billick share some of their fondest Super Bowl memories
Former New York Giant Shaun O’Hara revisits the David Tyree catch from Super Bowl XLII
What is the key to a New England Patriots win in Super Bowl XLIX, and what is the blueprint for a Seattle Seahawks repeat?
NFL GameDay First breaks down the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2015 class
Former Seahawk Michael Robinson revisits Seattle’s win over New England in 2012, and explains what fuels cornerback Richard Sherman
Who has the edge in Super Bowl XLIX – Tom Brady or Russell Wilson?
Who has the edge in Super Bowl XLIX – Bill Belichick or Pete Carroll?
Brian Billick breaks down both Super Bowl XLIX head coaches and how they’ve transformed into the coaches they are today
Shaun O’Hara explains what makes the New England Patriots offensive line so effective
Who will win Super Bowl XLIX?
Who will win Super Bowl XLIX MVP?
Super Bowl Sunday Edition of NFL GameDay Morning
Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp & Michael Irvin – University of Phoenix Stadium main set
Ian Rapoport – University of Phoenix Stadium
Melissa Stark, Deion Sanders, Willie McGinest & Michael Robinson – Fan Plaza
Chris Rose, LaDainian Tomlinson & Terrell Davis – NFL Experience
Brian Billick & Shaun O’Hara – Booth set
Stacey Dales & Heath Evans – Seattle Seahawks team hotel
Kimberly Jones & Nate Burleson – New England Patriots team hotel
Steve Wyche – Seattle Seahawks sideline
Alex Flanagan – New England Patriots sideline
Michael Silver – Various
Featured on the Super Bowl Sunday edition of NFL GameDay Morning by hour:
9:00 AM ET Hour
NFL GameDay Morning is live at both team hotels
NFL Media’s Mark Kriegel’s feature on the connections between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots
NFL Media’s Steve Cyphers’ feature on the Super Bowl and its impact on society
The NFL GameDay Morning analysts give their Super Bowl shout outs
10:00 AM ET Hour
What do you expect to see from the New England Patriots?
Melissa Stark, Deion Sanders, Willie McGinest and Michael Robinson join from Fan Plaza and discuss how the Seattle Seahawks can stop tight end Rob Gronkowski
Players Only – What is the mindset for players on Super Bowl Sunday?
11:00 AM ET Hour
NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson
NFL Media’s Andrea Kremer’s feature on the coach-quarterback relationship, including thoughts from Steve Young, Jason Garrett, Andrew Luck and Tom Brady
NFL Media’s Mark Kriegel’s feature on Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman
What would back-to-back Super Bowls mean for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson?
Super Bowl champions Brian Billick and Shaun O’Hara examine the challenges of preparing for New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick
Melissa Stark, Deion Sanders, Willie McGinest and Michael Robinson discuss who is more important for the Seattle Seahawks to have success – Russell Wilson or Marshawn Lynch?
Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders debate who is the better cornerback – Darrelle Revis or Richard Sherman
Super Bowl XLIX Bold Predictions
12 Noon ET Hour
NFL Media’s Michael Silver with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll
Chris Rose, LaDainian Tomlinson and Terrell Davis join from NFL Experience to discuss who is more important – Marshawn Lynch or LeGarrette Blount
What is the impact of a fourth Super Bowl victory – or third consecutive Super Bowl loss – to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s legacy?
Willie McGinest and Michael Robinson discuss the Pete Carroll from McGinest’s time with the New England Patriots and Robinson’s time with the Seattle Seahawks
Marshall Plan – Marshall Faulk breaks down Marshawn Lynch and LeGarrette Blount
NFL GameDay Morning highlights the X-Factors in Super Bowl XLIX
Players Only – What is the impact of the longer halftime for the Super Bowl?
1:00 PM ET Hour
NFL Network’s Melissa Stark with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick
NFL Media’s Andrea Kremer with New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis
Melissa Stark, Deion Sanders and Willie McGinest analyze the impact of cornerback Darrelle Revis on the Patriots’ defense
Best of Mini Mooch from the season
Steve Mariucci breaks down Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson
Will the Seattle Seahawks be able to stop New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski?
Should New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady challenge Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman?
Warner’s Corner – Kurt Warner breaks down the matchup of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and the Seattle Seahawks secondary
2:00 PM ET Hour
Which quarterback would you want leading your team today – Tom Brady or Russell Wilson?
Feature on the Seattle Seahawks’ lucky barber
Melissa Stark, Deion Sanders, Willie McGinest and Michael Robinson discuss this year’s Seattle Seahawks vs. last year’s Super Bowl champions
3:00 PM ET Hour
NFL Media’s Andrea Kremer with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski
NFL Media’s Michael Silver’s feature on Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch and the city of Oakland
Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk and Michael Silver discuss if running back Marshawn Lynch is the most important player for the Seattle Seahawks
Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci and Michael Irvin discuss the impact of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski
Who could be the surprise Super Bowl XLIX MVP?
Players Only – What are the emotions as kickoff gets closer?
Live from Pike Place in Seattle and Jerry Remy’s in Boston
Astronauts check in from the International Space Station
4:00 & 5:00 PM ET Hours & Remaining Half Hour
NFL Network’s Melissa Stark with New England Patriots Chairman & CEO Robert Kraft
Model Adriana Lima joins Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci and Michael Irvin on-set
Actor Chris Pratt on-set
NFL GameDay Morning puts Super Bowl XLIX to the Tale of the Tape
Super Bowl XLIX picks
Following the game, NFL GameDay Final is live from University of Phoenix Stadium with postgame interviews with players and coaches, in-depth analysis and complete game highlights.
ABOUT NFL NETWORK
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Currently in more than 72 million homes, NFL Network has carriage agreements with each of the country’s largest television providers including Comcast, DirecTV, DISH Network, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-Verse.
For fans on the go, all NFL Network programming can also be streamed live on the NFL Mobile from Verizon app (NFL.com/mobile), the NFL app delivered on XBOX from Microsoft, and through Watch NFL Network (NFL.com/watch), with participating cable and satellite providers. For more information, log on to NFL.com/nflnetwork. NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/super-bowl-live/0ap3000000465882/Roger-Goodell-addresses-DeflateGate
“Listen, it has been a tough year,” Goodell said at his annual state of the league. “It’s been a tough year on me personally. It’s been a year of, what I would say, humility and learning. We obviously as an organization have gone through adversity, but more importantly it’s been adversity for me.

“And that is something, we take that seriously, it’s an opportunity for us to get better, it’s an opportunity for us, for our organization to get better. So we’ve all done a lot of soul searching, starting with yours truly. And we have taken action.

“A lot of it, concerns that we had back in August where we didn’t have a policy that addressed a very complex issue, we didn’t have answers for that. We didn’t fully understand those issues, but now we have experts in the field. They’re in our office, they’re helping us understand this.”

Here were some other interesting nuggets to come out of Goodell’s press conference:

1. Goodell expects the league’s ownership to “advance ideas” to make extra points more competitive.

2. The NFL will hire a Chief Medical Officer, a newly created position.

3. The Commissioner was not as optimistic about expanding the playoffs as he was in the past.

“The possibility of expanding the playoffs has also been a topic over the last couple of years,” Goodell said. “There are positives to it, but there are concerns as well, among them being the risk of diluting our regular season and conflicting with college football in January.”

Maybe this is not a fait accompli as was previously believed.

4. The league is looking at expanding the use of replay for penalties. Expect more discussion on that in March.

5. On the Patriots’ deflating footballs, Goodell said the league has made no judgments.

“We are focusing principally on two questions: Why were some footballs used in the game that were not in compliance with the rules? And was this the result of deliberate action?”

6. The league is discussing streaming a game on the internet for the first time, on top of a regular broadcast. This would be for a “worldwide” audience.

7. Multiple teams are interested in moving to Los Angeles, although Goodell insisted the league’s first priority was to keep teams in their current home.

8. Goodell on Marshawn Lynch’s handling of media: “When you’re in the NFL, you have an obligation to the fans. It is part of your job.”

9. Goodell did not rule out having a team in Las Vegas someday, although he says the league hasn’t discussed it.

10. Saints owner Tom Benson currently faces a lawsuit from his family regarding his ability to make decisions about running the team. Goodell says he has spoken to Benson recently and the owner is in “complete control.” The league offered support for Benson.

11. Goodell disputed the idea that there are conflicts of interest when hiring independent investigators, saying Robert Mueller and Ted Wells have “impeccable” integrity.

PLANO, Texas, – Attention party people, Super Bowl XLIX is around the corner and it’s time to make your mark. Tostitos, the brand known for bringing the party, is headed to Arizona to celebrate its role as the official chip and dip sponsor of the NFL in a way only the Tostitos brand can – with the most unexpected, over-the-top Super Bowl party experience fans have ever seen. From Wednesday, Jan. 28 through Sunday, Feb. 1, party meets sport as the Tostitos brand challenges fans to complete a series of larger-than-life party games and other tailgating experiences for top party honors. So put your game face on, get your smack talk primed and be ready to dial up the good times – this isn’t your average tailgate.

“Tostitos Party Blvd.” will span two city blocks, establishing itself as one of the ultimate party destinations in downtown Phoenix, complete with Tostitos chips and dips for party-goers to enjoy. Fans also can test their speed, agility and humility as they tackle a variety of backyard party games, including:

Slingshot Blitz: A party game favorite reimagined as an arcade-style experience complete with surprising special effects.
Double Dipper Dunk: A twist on the classic dunk tank, this game invites participants to hit a target opposite them with a football, which results in being “dunked” into a massive bowl of Tostitos dip. Can you say, “yum?”
Mega-Mecha Cornhole: The biggest and baddest game of beanbag toss anyone could ever imagine – a true test of man vs. machine.
“All season long, we’ve challenged Tostitos fans to show us their party awesomeness – from the videos they’ve posted online, to our in-stadium tailgates throughout the season. Our fans proved time and again, they have what it takes to party like pros,” said Jeff Klein, vice president of marketing, Frito-Lay, North America. “With Tostitos Party Blvd. we’re wrapping up this NFL season with one final party for the ages – complete with awesome fans, over-the-top games, delicious snacks and two NFL greats to kick off the festivities. We can’t wait to see what our fans bring to Phoenix this week – game on.”

NFL GREATS JOIN THE PARTY
Joining the Tostitos brand for this one-of-a-kind experience will be Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Chip Kelly who earlier this year relinquished his unofficial title as the “Official Chip of the NFL” to Tostitos, the official “Official Chip and Dip Sponsor of the NFL” through a series of humorous digital shorts available online since early January.

Also joining for the fun will be NFL legend LaDainian Tomlinson, arguably one of the greatest players of the game and a guy who knows a thing or two about an awesome tailgate party. Tomlinson, who spent 11 successful seasons as an NFL running back playing for the San Diego Chargers and New York Jets, became the NFL MVP in 2006, was selected to five Pro Bowls, named an All-Pro three times, and won two rushing titles (2006 and 2007). Kelly and Tomlinson will be on hand, offering tips and coaching fans as they take turns testing their own skills on each party challenge.

DIALING UP HOMEGATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Fans who can’t make it to Arizona can still get in on the Tostitos Party Blvd. action. Follow @Tostitos to see the latest highlights.

And the party doesn’t stop there. Whether fans are throwing a tailgate of their own, or just hosting some friends to watch the game, the Tostitos brand has party-goers covered with a variety of chips and dips that will turn any gathering into a full-on celebration. This includes two new additions to the Tostitos portfolio: Tostitos Rolls! tortilla chips and Tostitos Dip-etizers dips.

NEW Tostitos Rolls! tortilla chips are made for dipping and dunking with a unique, tube-like shape and hearty crunch, sure to dial-up the fun factor of any gathering.
NEW Tostitos Dip-etizers dips come in two delicious flavors, Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke and Mexican Style Four Cheese Queso. Packaged in re-heatable, re-sealable bowls, they can go from pantry, to microwave, to party spread in minutes.
For more details on Tostitos Party Blvd., including information on how to participate, please visit www.Tostitos.com, follow @Tostitos and check us out at Facebook.com/Tostitos.

To check out the Tostitos brand ousting Chip Kelly as the “Official Chip of the NFL,” visit www.youtube.com/user/tostitos.

About Tostitos
The Tostitos brand is one of the many brands that make up Frito-Lay North America, the $13 billion convenient foods business unit of PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), which is headquartered in Purchase, NY. In addition to Frito-Lay, PepsiCo business units include Pepsi-Cola, Quaker Foods, Gatorade and Tropicana. Learn more about Frito-Lay at the corporate Web site, http://www.fritolay.com/, the Snack Chat blog, http://www.snacks.com/ and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/fritolay.

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $66 billion in net revenue in 2013, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose – our goal to deliver top-tier financial performance while creating sustainable growth in shareholder value. In practice, Performance with Purpose means providing a wide range of foods and beverages from treats to healthy eats; finding innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment and reduce our operating costs; providing a safe and inclusive workplace for our employees globally; and respecting, supporting and investing in the local communities where we operate. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

PURCHASE, N.Y., – Yesterday, over 7,500 football fans in Rochester, N.Y. experienced the magic of a Pepsi Super Bowl halftime show after recently being crowned the most hyped hometown in America. As a reward for showcasing their hype, Rochesterians received the ultimate Super Bowl halftime experience with an exclusive concert headlined by popular singing/songwriting duo Nico & Vinz on Sunday. Pepsi continued to deliver the hype in unexpected ways by surprising the town with special guest appearances from Buffalo Bills new head coach, Rex Ryan, and star wide-receiver Sammy Watkins. The town takeover also included mobile Hype Squads and vending machines offering fans a chance to win VIP passes or meet and greets.

In addition to scoring a once-in-a-lifetime Pepsi halftime extravaganza, nearly 40 Katy Perry fans from Rochester were the lucky winners of tickets to the Pepsi Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show in Arizona featuring global superstar Katy Perry on February 1.

“We can certainly see how Rochester, NY won Pepsi’s ‘Hype Your Hometown’ contest – their energy was electrifying last night,” said Nico & Vinz. The Norwegian duo’s 2014 debut album Black Star Elephant was led by last year’s multi-platinum song of the summer “Am I Wrong,” which was No. 1 in 50 countries and streamed over 200 million times alone on Spotify.

Pepsi first launched the rally cry in search of the most Hyped Hometown in America on Thanksgiving with a TV spot featuring country music superstar Blake Shelton, inviting fans across America to visit www.pepsi.com/halftime, register by specific location and share how they and their friends get hyped for a chance to win the ultimate halftime experience. The contest is just one of the many ways the brand is inviting fans to get “Hyped for Halftime,” as part of Pepsi’s mission to deliver the spirit of halftime in unexpected ways all season long.

For more information on Pepsi’s “Hype Your Hometown” contest visit Pepsi.com.

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $66 billion in net revenue in 2013, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose – our goal to deliver top-tier financial performance while creating sustainable growth in shareholder value. In practice, Performance with Purpose means providing a wide range of foods and beverages from treats to healthy eats; finding innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment and reduce our operating costs; providing a safe and inclusive workplace for our employees globally; and respecting, supporting and investing in the local communities where we operate. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – GoDaddy, the world’s largest technology provider dedicated to small businesses, has a new member of the team and his first order of business is to help bring puppy ‘love’ to customers and employees, as needed. Buddy, GoDaddy’s Super Bowl puppy, is taking a C-suite role as the company’s Chief Companion Officer starting today. This means he’s putting his ‘off-the-chart’ cute-factor to work even before the new Super Bowl commercial airs.
In case you missed the wave of news reports, Buddy is the adorable golden retriever cast in the starring role of this year’s GoDaddy Super Bowl commercial. He was given the name “Buddy” after thousands of people offered suggestions via social media.

Last month, Buddy wrapped his first Hollywood-style commercial shoot in California, shooting one of his most critical scenes with GoDaddy spokeswoman and NASCAR superstar Danica Patrick. While working on-set, GoDaddy team members fell in love with the puppy and started rallying support to adopt the adorable canine.

“As our Chief Companion Officer, Buddy will be interacting with customers, mostly small business owners who are looking for relaxation and a reprieve from their hectic workday,” said GoDaddy Chief Marketing Officer Barb Rechterman who was on-set for Buddy’s two-day commercial shoot. “We’re already booking time with customers … and our own employees are lining up to meet the little guy. All you have to do is look at him and ‘bam,’ your stress level goes down and your mood goes up. It’s a proven scientific fact.”

Many small business owners turn to social media during the work day for a break and some quick online entertainment, which is where Buddy and the GoDaddy social media team can contribute with fun photos, short videos and his own Twitter account, @GoDaddyBuddy.

GoDaddy already has an established Pet Therapy program at three of its Arizona facilities, with help from a mixed-breed rescue dog named Ox. The company is also extending its employee volunteer program to include work shifts at animal shelters located in GoDaddy communities across the country.

Buddy, who has grown significantly since the commercial shoot, has his own office inside GoDaddy’s corporate headquarters in Scottsdale. His office features a doggy door and a desk equipped with food and water dishes. He’ll do some traveling and community outreach. He’ll spend nights and weekends with a GoDaddy employee who volunteered to make Buddy part of his own family.

As for the commercial, Buddy performed very well under a bit of pressure on-location when an early December weather disturbance, referenced as the “storm of the century,” blew into Los Angeles after the first day of shooting. Buddy had a full complement of caretakers and trainers at his side, along with a veterinarian. He gave the director his full attention on-camera for the commercial, trotting in a ravine, walking a narrow wooden bridge and riding out a (fake) lightning storm.

The Super Bowl ad, created by Barton F. Graf, is called “Journey Home” and reflects the journey of many small business owners who have to be tenacious to triumph. “We’re not revealing plot specifics just yet, but I can tell you the commercial will be unpredictable and twists Super Bowl advertising convention in a way that speaks to how GoDaddy helps make business owners’ lives better by way of easy-to-use technology,” Rechterman said.

Danica Patrick has been in more Super Bowl ads than any celebrity in history, (all with GoDaddy) but had never worked with an animal. Like her sponsor, Danica fell in love with Buddy within the first few seconds of meeting him. She was seen on-set playing with Buddy, carefully holding him for publicity photos and even uttering some ‘baby talk’ with him. “He’s totally irresistible,” Danica said. “I’m looking forward to Dallas (Danica’s dog) having her first play date with Buddy. I am quite sure they’ll have fun together.”

Look for Buddy on Twitter at @GoDaddyBuddy.

For a photo of GoDaddy’s Super Bowl “celebrities,” click:

Link to high-res photo – Buddy

Link to low-res photo – Buddy

Link to high-res photo Buddy and Danica

Link to low-res photo Buddy and Danica

Link to rendering of Buddy’s CCO office

Link to rendering of Buddy’s office door

Connect with GoDaddy on Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn.

Read why our customers recommend GoDaddy.

About GoDaddy
GoDaddy’s mission is to radically shift the global economy toward small businesses by empowering people to easily start, confidently grow and successfully run their own ventures. With more than 12 million customers worldwide an more than 59 million domain names under management, GoDaddy gives small business owners the tools to name their idea, build a beautiful online presence, attract customers and manage their business. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

The Super Bowl, Pro Bowl and NBC’s wild-card playoff games will be streamed online and on mobile phones for the first time, the NFL announced Tuesday.

The games will be streamed online at NBCSports.com and NFL.com through SNF Extra, which features an HD broadcast, DVR-style controls, additional camera angles, in-game highlights, live statistics and interactive elements.

NBCSports.com and the NFL have streamed games online since 2008 with SNF Extra, NBC Sports’ exclusive video, but this is the first time playoff games have been streamed.

“We are especially excited to now bring our unique and innovative SNF Extra video experience to the NFL playoffs, Pro Bowl, and Super Bowl,” said Rick Cordella, vice president of NBC Sports Digital Media.

NBC’s streams on Sunday nights typically average 200,000-300,000 viewers, compared with 21 million for the telecasts. The network has seen no evidence it hurts the traditional broadcasts’ healthy TV ratings. If anything, the extra options online may help keep fans glued to the games on their sets.

“We don’t want to limit ourselves to people not in front of the TV,” Cordella said. “The playoffs are appointment viewing,” he added. “People schedule their day around it.”

NFL Mobile from Verizon will stream the broadcasts for the first time on a mobile platform, the NFL announced.

“We are pleased to work with our partners NBC and Verizon to bring our fans more ways to watch their favorite sport during their favorite time of the year,” said Hans Schroeder, NFL senior vice president of media strategy and development.

The Super Bowl is Feb. 5 in Indianapolis. The game is annually by far the biggest attraction on television, with last season’s Packers-Steelers matchup drawing a record U.S. audience for any show with 111 million viewers.

YORBA LINDA, Calif. – John Force Racing, Inc. and Chevrolet announced today they will join forces to back the 18-time NHRA Funny Car championship team starting with the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.

The multi-year agreement will see all three John Force Racing Chevrolet Camaro Funny Cars adorned with the iconic gold bowtie as well as the JFR Top Fuel dragster.

“John Force is a champion and a legend both on and off the track, as a driver and as a team owner,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet vice president for Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “John Force is a racer’s racer and a fierce competitor, and we are excited to welcome John and his team back to Chevrolet.”

The first 60 starts of John Force’s illustrious career were behind the wheel of a Chevrolet product. From 1978-80 he raced a Corvette before switching to a Citation (1981-82), Camaro (1983-84), Corvette (1985), and then a Cavalier (1986). Force won the 1994 NHRA Funny Car championship racing a Chevy Lumina to a 50-8 record, 11 finals, 10 wins, and 12 No. 1 qualifiers.

“It is great to be back with Chevrolet,” said Force, CEO John Force Racing and 16-time Funny Car champion. “I started my career in a Chevy and my plan is to keep racing with them for many years to come. This is a great American company and we are excited about the opportunities in front of us,

“I won my first round of racing, went to my first final and got my first No. 1 in a Chevy,” he said. “Since then I have won more rounds, races and championships than anyone in the sport. I have the record for most No. 1 qualifiers too and I can’t wait to get to the Winternationals and start adding to those records in a brand new Chevy

Chevrolet completed one of its most successful years in its motorsports history in 2014, earning five manufacturer and six driver championships in NHRA, NASCAR, IndyCar, United SportsCar Championship and World Challenge series.

In addition, Chevrolet drivers won several noteworthy races in 2014, including the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Pro Stock and Stock Eliminator classes, Daytona 500, Brickyard 400, IndyCar Dual in Detroit, and the 24 Hours of Daytona.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive & active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

About John Force Racing
John Force Racing, Inc., based in Yorba Linda, Calif., and Indianapolis, Ind., is a professional sports dynasty, one that has earned 18 Mello Yello championships and claimed 237 professional tour victories. Led by team owner and driver John Force, a 16-time Funny Car Champion, 1996 Driver of the Year for all of American motor racing, and 2011 International Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee JFR is additionally comprised of Robert Hight, driver of the Auto Club Chevrolet Camaro, 2009 Funny Car Champion and 2005 NHRA Rookie of the Year; Courtney Force, driver of the Traxxas Chevrolet Camaro and 2012 NHRA Rookie of the Year and Brittany Force driver of the JFR Top Fuel Dragster and 2013 NHRA Rookie of the Year. For more information, please visit www.johnforceracing.com.

LAS VEGAS, — Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc. (“CEOC”), a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Corporation (“Caesars Entertainment”) (Nasdaq: CZR), today announced that it is moving forward to implement its previously announced financial restructuring plan. The plan, which has received support from more than 80% of first-lien noteholders, is intended to significantly reduce long-term debt and annual interest payments, while providing for significant recoveries for creditors and ensuring no interruption of operations across the company’s network of properties.

To implement the balance sheet deleveraging, CEOC and certain of its U.S. subsidiaries have voluntarily filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago. All Caesars Entertainment properties, including those owned by CEOC, are open for business and are continuing to operate in the ordinary course. All properties are continuing to host meetings and events and provide the facilities, amenities and experiences that guests expect. The entertainers who perform at Caesars properties will continue to do so on their ordinary schedule. Caesars Entertainment, Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties and Caesars Growth Partners, which are separate entities with independent capital structures, have not filed for bankruptcy relief.

“Today, with the overwhelming support of our first-lien bondholders, we are moving forward to implement our previously announced restructuring plan, which is intended to strengthen CEOC’s financial condition and significantly reduce debt,” said Gary Loveman, Chairman of CEOC. “We believe this restructuring is in the best interests of all of CEOC’s stakeholders and will result in a sustainable capital structure for CEOC and value creation for all stakeholders. The restructuring of CEOC is the culmination of a years-long effort to improve the health of CEOC’s balance sheet, which has included substantial investment in new and upgraded assets, especially in Las Vegas. I am very confident in the future prospects of our enterprise, which will combine an improved capital structure with a network of profitable properties.”

Loveman added: “The properties across the entire Caesars Entertainment network are open and will operate without interruption throughout CEOC’s reorganization process. Our guests will continue to earn benefits through the Total Rewards loyalty program, and our team remains entirely focused on delivering the same outstanding service and unforgettable entertainment experiences guests have come to expect from Caesars Entertainment. Going forward, we will continue to develop and deliver new, innovative hospitality experiences to our guests.”

CEOC has filed, and expects to obtain approval for, various customary First Day Motions in the bankruptcy court in support of its financial restructuring. CEOC intends to pay suppliers in full under normal terms for goods and services provided on or after the filing date of January 15, 2015. Vendors and suppliers who work with affiliated entities that have not filed Chapter 11 petitions, including Caesars Entertainment, Caesars Growth Partners and Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties, will not be impacted.

Restructuring Details
As previously disclosed, under the terms of the proposed financial restructuring, CEOC will convert its corporate structure by separating virtually all of its U.S.-based gaming operating assets and real property assets into two companies: an operating entity (“OpCo”) and a newly formed, publicly-traded real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that will directly or indirectly own a newly formed property company (“PropCo”).

The proposed transactions would reduce CEOC’s debt by approximately $10 billion, providing for the exchange of approximately $18.4 billion of outstanding debt for $8.6 billion of new debt. Annual interest expense would be reduced by approximately 75%, from approximately $1.7 billion to approximately $450 million. PropCo would lease its real property assets to OpCo in exchange for annual lease payments of $635 million, subject to certain adjustments, with the lease payments guaranteed by Caesars Entertainment.

Under the proposed plan, Caesars Entertainment will make substantial cash and other contributions to support the restructuring. The completion of the previously announced merger of Caesars Entertainment and Caesars Acquisition Company will allow Caesars Entertainment to make these contributions without the need for any significant outside financing. The merged company will be in a strong position to serve as a guarantor for the lease payments OpCo will make to PropCo. Following the merger and the restructuring, OpCo will have sufficient cash to support its operations and obligations.

The restructuring is conditioned upon the release of all pending and potential litigation claims against Caesars Entertainment, Caesars Acquisition Company and related parties. The proposed restructuring plan remains subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court and the receipt of required gaming regulatory approvals.

Chief Restructuring Officer Appointed

Randall S. Eisenberg, a managing director at AlixPartners, has been named Chief Restructuring Officer of CEOC. In this role, Eisenberg will oversee the Chapter 11 cases and implementation of the restructuring transactions at the operational level.

CEOC’s legal advisor for the Chapter 11 proceedings is Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Perella Weinberg Partners serves as financial advisor to CEOC and AlixPartners is restructuring advisor. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is counsel to Caesars Entertainment and Blackstone Advisory Partners, LP is financial advisor to Caesars Entertainment.

CEOC has established a dedicated website, www.ceocrestructuring.com, for stakeholders to access current information about the restructuring. Court documents pertaining to the Chapter 11 proceedings can be accessed directly through the Claims Agent website, http://cases.primeclerk.com/ceoc. Suppliers with inquiries can call 844-762-7052 (weekdays, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time) for assistance.

About Caesars Entertainment Operating Company Inc.
Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc. (“CEOC”), a majority owned subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Corporation, provides casino entertainment services and owns, operates or manages 44 gaming and resort properties in 13 states of the United States and in five countries primarily under the Caesars, Harrah’s and Horseshoe brand names. CEOC is focused on building customer loyalty through providing its guests with a combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership as well as all the advantages of the Total Rewards program. CEOC also is committed to environmental sustainability and energy conservation, and recognizes the importance of being a responsible steward of the environment.

About Caesars Entertainment
Caesars Entertainment Corporation (CEC) is the world’s most diversified casino-entertainment provider and the most geographically diverse U.S. casino-entertainment company. CEC is mainly comprised of the following three entities: the majority owned operating subsidiary Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, wholly owned Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties and Caesars Growth Properties, in which we hold a variable economic interest. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, 75 years ago, CEC has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions and its portfolio of subsidiaries now operate 50 casinos in 13 U.S. states and five countries. The Company’s resorts operate primarily under the Caesars®, Harrah’s® and Horseshoe® brand names. CEC’s portfolio also includes the London Clubs International family of casinos. CEC is focused on building loyalty and value with its guests through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership. The Company is committed to environmental sustainability and energy conservation and recognizes the importance of being a responsible steward of the environment. For more information, please visit www.caesars.com.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.- An additional 12 locations have joined the growing movement led by African-American business leaders to raise funds for students across the country to see the Academy Award®-nominated film “SELMA,” expanding the first-of-its-kind campaign to 25 locations nationwide.

Due to the generous contributions by so many of the country’s most prominent African-American business leaders, more than 275,000 middle and high school students across the U.S. will experience the critically acclaimed film for free at participating theaters while supplies last.

The new locations joining the movement are Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Central Florida/Orlando, Connecticut, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Montgomery, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, and St. Louis.

“Paramount Pictures is extremely proud of this film, which is so clearly resonating with audiences young and old,” said Megan Colligan, President, Worldwide Distribution and Marketing, Paramount Pictures. “It’s a testament to the extraordinary talents of Ava DuVernay, David Oyelowo and the entire cast and crew that ‘SELMA’ is being celebrated by communities all over the country.”

The business leaders who are leading the efforts in the new locations are:

Dr. Meria Carstarphen, Superintendent, Atlanta Public Schools; Dr. Michael Lomax, President & CEO, United Negro College Fund; Hala Moddelmog, President & CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Dr. John Silvanus Wilson, President, Morehouse College, in Atlanta

“This movie is an educational moment for more than 10,000 Atlanta Public Schools students who we are inviting to see this film. I am proud and humbled by the immediate outpouring of support from our Atlanta community who has joined this growing national movement,” said Meria J. Carstarphen, superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools and Selma, Alabama native. “Our Atlanta education partners believe in our students, and I am grateful for the opportunity they are providing our students to see one of the most pivotal moments in American history.”

“‘SELMA’ is such an important film for young people to see now in the wake of Ferguson, Cleveland and New York. The struggle for justice is a long one, and Selma is history that a new generation needs to know more fully,” said Lomax. “So, I felt it was imperative to join with others around the country who were raising funds so middle and high school students can see the film, learn their history and be inspired to make civil rights and justice lifelong pursuits.”
Robert F. Smith, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, in Austin

“It is of the utmost importance to expose our young people to the courage, compassion and integrity that is brought to life in the film ‘SELMA.’ It illuminates a period of American history that is very relevant today,” said Smith. “Dr. King has been a source of inspiration for me and for many people of all races and ethnicities. I consider this not just an opportunity, but a responsibility, to bring his message and his dream to the students of Austin.”
Sylvia Brown, Board Member, Johns Hopkins Healthcare Advisory Board, in Baltimore

“Baltimore is proud to be a part of this wonderful effort. We hope that young audiences find inspiration and encouragement in the film and in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s story,” said Brown.
Grant Hill, former NBA player; Harold Mills, Chief Executive Officer, ZeroChaos; Clarence Otis, retired Chairman & CEO, Darden Restaurants; and Ron Williams, former Chairman & CEO of Aetna in Central Florida/Orlando

“The story of Dr. King’s historic journey in Alabama is one that students all over the country should know intimately,” said Otis. “It’s an honor to provide the opportunity for students in Central Florida to see Ava DuVernay’s beautiful film.”
Dr. Laurence C. Morse, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Fairview Capital Partners, Inc., in Connecticut

“I am privileged to have been able to join with an extraordinary group of concerned, civic-minded individuals in the State of Connecticut to provide an opportunity for a number of young people who might not otherwise have been able to do so, to see and experience this deeply moving, engaging film about a critically important period in our nation’s recent history, and in the continuing evolution of our democracy,” said Morse.
Faye Alexander Nelson, President, DTE Energy Foundation; Tonya Allen, President & CEO, The Skillman Foundation; Lisa Dancsok, Vice President, Quicken Loans; Mariam C. Noland, President, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan; Vivian R. Pickard, President, General Motors Foundation; Laura Trudeau, Managing Director, Detroit, Kresge Foundation; and Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation in Detroit

“Detroit students will have the opportunity to join with students across the country to view ‘SELMA’ thanks to the generosity of a group of national and local foundations and corporations. We are pleased to help coordinate the generous commitments of the DTE Energy Foundation, Ford Foundation, General Motors Foundation, Kresge Foundation, The Skillman Foundation, and Quicken Loans,” said Noland.
T. Warren Jackson, Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer, DIRECTV, and Debra Martin Chase, CEO, Martin Chase Productions, in Los Angeles

“It’s important that the civil rights struggle depicted in ‘SELMA’ reach as many young people as possible so that the enduring lessons of the civil rights movement can be harnessed to inspire them to transform their lives and communities. We appreciate the support of the California Endowment, and have enlisted the Constitutional Rights Foundation to work with the schools in creating a broader educational program to insure just that,” said Jackson.

“As a filmmaker, I recognize the transformative power of film; that’s why the overwhelming response to the ‘SELMA’ initiative here in Los Angeles and across the nation is so heartening. It’s a reminder of the importance of voting and civic engagement and demonstrates how anything can be accomplished through creativity and collective effort,” said Martin Chase.
Gayle S. Rose, Chief Executive Officer, Electronic Vaulting Services, in Memphis

“On behalf of former Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Jr., we are thrilled to provide 10,000 7th, 8th and 9th grade Memphis students the gift of this film and what history has to teach us,” said Rose. “We thank Paramount Pictures, Malco Theaters, and many generous donors who made this happen in a matter of days. This is a testament to the charitable nature of our people.”
Ira D. Hall, resident of Miami Beach, FL, and Dr. Sherrlyn Scott, Supervisor, Department of Social Sciences Miami-Dade County Public Schools, in Miami

“Over 5,500 Miami Dade and Ft. Lauderdale students can now see for free ‘SELMA,’ the movie that so powerfully portrays the courage, tenacity, humanity and moral strength of Alabama citizens, combined with the extraordinary brilliance and moral conviction of key civil rights and national leaders. That unstoppable coalition jointly fought for and won the rights of African Americans to vote! It is wonderful that students today can feel and sense this history so strikingly brought to life in ‘SELMA,’” said Hall.

“We are thankful to our contributors in Miami who quickly organized to support such a worthy endeavor,” said Scott. “Their generosity will make a lasting impact on the students in our community.”
Alden McDonald, President, Liberty Bank, and Neill Wright, First Tuskegee Bank President, in Montgomery

“This effort is an integral part of our corporate philosophy of linking our heritage to our vision of true equality for all the people we serve,” said McDonald.

“In as much as Montgomery is part of the journey we took as a people to gain voting rights in the 1960s, we have joined with other business leaders and concerned citizens to provide free access to the ‘SELMA’ film for local students. We believe that we continue to make the historical connections for this generation to ‘keep the dream’ of true equality alive and well,” said Wright.
Dr. Eugene Flood, Jr., EVP and President of Diversified Financial Services, TIAA-CREF, in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill

“We are pleased to support this unprecedented program for North Carolina students to be able to see this remarkable film,” said Flood.
Rev. Starsky Wilson, President & CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, in St. Louis

“It is important that students are aware of this moment in history and make connections between the struggles of earlier generations and the challenges facing today’s youth,” said Rev. Starsky. “We are grateful to the Ford Foundation and other funders for joining us in this effort. We hope that this film will encourage civic engagement among young people and demonstrate to them that systemic change is possible through cooperative, intentional, and well-planned efforts.”
These African-American business leaders are following the lead of those in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, Washington D.C. and Westchester.

“This was an important opportunity to educate our children about the heroes of the civil rights movement and keep an important legacy intact. I am proud that our community seized the moment,” said Fletcher “Flash” Wiley, Counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, who helped to organize the efforts in Boston.

The nationwide efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets.

Viacom’s Paramount Pictures, which is distributing “SELMA,” is coordinating the programs with participating theaters in the U.S. For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets.

The students who present a current student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater will receive free admission while tickets last.

To help get the word out about the program, tweet using the hashtag #SelmaForStudents.

Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” is nominated for Academy Awards® for Best Picture and Best Original Song for “Glory” by Common & John Legend. The film earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Song for “Glory” and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.

Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.

“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”

“SELMA” is playing in theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, go to http://www.selmamovie.com.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

SEATTLE– (NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced it will premiere all ten episodes of its first hour-long drama series Bosch on Friday, February 13 on Prime Instant Video in the US, UK and Germany. Based on Michael Connelly’s internationally best-selling Harry Bosch book series with nearly 50 million copies sold, Bosch stars Titus Welliver (Sons of Anarchy, Argo) as Harry Bosch, Jamie Hector (The Wire) as Jerry Edgar, Amy Aquino (Being Human) as Lt. Grace Billets, Lance Reddick (Fringe, The Wire) as Deputy Chief Irvin Irving, and Annie Wersching (24, Extant) as Julia Brasher, with Sarah Clarke (24) as Eleanor Wish and Jason Gedrick (Luck) as Raynard Waits. The series follows the relentless LAPD homicide detective as he pursues the killer of a 13-year-old boy while standing trial in federal court on accusations that he murdered a suspected killer in cold blood. Guest stars on Bosch include Scott Wilson (The Walking Dead) as Dr. Guyot and Troy Evans (ER) as Detective Johnson, and was developed for television by Eric Overmyer (Treme, The Wire, Homicide: Life on the Streets) and Executive Produced by Overmyer, Connelly, and Henrik Bastin (The Killing, Burn Notice).

Primarily based on elements from Connelly’s books City of Bones (2002), The Concrete Blonde (1994) and Echo Park (2006), Harry Bosch’s investigation takes on a life and death urgency when a killer who has confessed to the boy’s murder escapes custody and begins a murderous rampage across Los Angeles. Bosch and the killer are locked in a cat and mouse game, with the killer taunting Bosch as the investigation turns deeply personal. The case unearths Bosch’s buried past as well as entangling his ex-wife and 14-year-old daughter. The season takes the viewer through back streets and neighborhoods of Los Angeles rarely seen on-screen. There have been 19 Harry Bosch novels published since 1992, including 2014’s number-one bestseller The Burning Room.

Amazon Prime members can watch the first episode of Bosch now on their TVs using the Amazon Instant Video app on Fire TV, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, and smart TVs. They can also use the Amazon Instant Video app to watch on mobile devices, including Fire tablets, Fire phone, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android phones, as well as hundreds of other connected devices—or customers can visit Amazon.com/PIV to watch online. Prime members can add Bosch to their Watchlist and easily access new episodes when they premiere on February 13.

“We had a very strong response to the pilot from our customers and, after years of anticipation from the fan community, we are delighted to launch the complete first television season of Michael Connelly’s classic works of LA Noir,” said Roy Price, Vice President, Amazon Studios.

“I am very pleased with season one,” Connelly says. “We have been extremely loyal to the character and city in the books. I think anybody who likes Harry Bosch on the page is going to like him on screen too. Titus Welliver is perfectly cast and viewers are going to be drawn to him whether they’ve read the books or not.”

“With its high production values, star-studded cast and huge fan base already established from the book franchise – Bosch will be the crime drama series of 2015!” added Henrik Pabst, Managing Director at Red Arrow International.

Other guest stars in Bosch include Veronica Cartwright (Resurrection) as Irene Saxon, Abraham Benrubi (The Bridge) as Rodney Belk, Mark Derwin (The Secret Life of the American Teenager) as Captain Harvey Pounds, Mimi Rogers (Austin Powers) as Honey Chandler, and Alan Rosenberg (The Guardian) as Dr. Golliher. The series is co-Executive Produced by Pieter Jan Brugge (Heat, The Pelican Brief) and Produced by Pat McKee (Longmire) and Rachel Rusch (Bill Maher: The Decider). Episodes were directed by Jim McKay, Kevin Dowling, Ernest Dickerson, Roxann Dawson, Matt Earl Beesley, Alex Zakrzewski and Thomas Carter.

About Amazon Studios

Amazon Studios most recently debuted its dramatic comedy Mozart in the Jungle from Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, Paul Weitz, John Strauss and Alex Timbers as well as Jill Soloway’s multi-Golden Globe Award-winning dark comedy Transparent; its first live-action series for kids 6-11, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street; and a second season of the Garry Trudeau political comedy Alpha House. The studio has also launched three additional children’s series, the Annecy International Animated Film Festival Award-winning and Annie Award-nominated Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment; Creative Galaxy from Angela Santomero and Out of the Blue Enterprises, the creators of Blue’s Clues; and Annedroids, from Emmy nominated Sinking Ship Entertainment.

Amazon Studios has also announced five additional, original series to debut in 2015 including Michael Connelly’s Bosch; Hand of God from Marc Forster and Ben Watkins; Red Oaks from Steven Soderbergh, David Gordon Green, Greg Jacobs and Joe Gangemi; and kids series Wishenpoof! from Angela Santomero and Out of the Blue Enterprises; as well as a second season of Transparent.

Amazon Studios launched in 2010 as a new way to develop feature films and episodic series—one that’s open to great ideas from creators and audiences around the world. Anyone can upload a script online and Amazon Studios will read and review all submissions. Those who choose to make their projects public can also receive feedback from the Amazon Studios community.

Comprehensive cast and crew information, including bios and filmographies, is available on Amazon’s IMDb (www.imdb.com), the world’s most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content.

About Amazon

Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.

About Red Arrow International

Red Arrow International is a leading worldwide programming sales-house with a broad selection of scripted, factual and format titles from Red Arrow’s global portfolio of production companies, outstanding third-party creators and digital-content partners.

In addition, Red Arrow International is a prolific co-producer and provides substantial production financing to a wide array of highly acclaimed scripted and non-scripted projects. Recent global highlights include: “Bosch” (Amazon), “Lilyhammer” (Netflix); “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers” (NBC), and “The Taste” (ABC).

With offices in Munich, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, the company has a global reach and distributes content to over 180 territories around the world.

Led by Henrik Pabst, Red Arrow International is part of Red Arrow Entertainment Group, which also includes 13 production companies across 7 countries; Los Angeles based MCN, Collective Digital Studios; and creative partnerships and joint ventures with STV, Screenz, Sync Media and United Artists Media Group (Mark Burnett / Hearst).

Red Arrow Entertainment Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of the ProSiebenSat.1 Group, one of Europe’s leading media groups.

COPENHAGEN, – TV viewers in 2015 will be able to enjoy a third season of Rita, the Danish comedy-drama about a politically incorrect school teacher.

Rita premiered on TV 2 in 2012. The series has also attracted an international following on Netflix. Season 3 continues the story of school teacher Rita who is independent, outspoken and adored by her students, but still has some growing up to do in her personal life.

“We’ve wanted a new season of Rita for a long time because Rita is a strong and modern piece of TV drama, which focuses on our public school system and how we organize it,” said TV 2’s Program Director, Anne Engdal Stig Christensen. “The financial partnership with Netflix has been crucial for the production of the third season of Rita.”

“A key part of our mission is to curate the best TV series from around the world and make them available to our viewers globally,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix. “Denmark is world famous for great TV dramas and Rita is beloved by many Netflix members. We are excited to partner with TV 2 and SF Film Production so a third season of Rita is produced.”

Season three of Rita will be produced by SF Film Production and it is funded by a partnership between TV 2 and Netflix. The production also receives support from Copenhagen Film Fund and The Public Service Fund.

“Netflix loves these wonderfully off-beat Danish TV series as much as we do,” said Thomas Gammeltoft, Director of the Copenhagen Film Fund. “Without the involvement of Netflix, season 3 of Rita likely would not have happened. We’re thrilled, this third season means additional growth and jobs for our area and the export of yet another TV series.”

“Season three is made possible through a new co-operation between TV 2, Netflix and The Public Service Fund and other partners where Netflix invests in original Danish drama. This is an interesting co-operation which can become of importance in future financing of Danish drama,” says Claus Ladegaard, Head of Department, Production & Development, Danish Film Institute.

The new season of Rita is scheduled to air in the spring 2015 on TV 2 in Denmark and to be available on Netflix shortly thereafter. Netflix will offer all seasons of Rita to its members throughout Europe, the US, Canada and Australia and New Zealand later in 2015.

About Netflix
Netflix is the world’s leading Internet television network with over 53 million members in nearly 50 countries enjoying more than two billion hours of TV shows and movies per month, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

HOLLYWOOD– In an unprecedented effort led by a team of African-American business leaders in New York, organizations across the U.S. coordinated a massive national campaign to find African-American business leaders to underwrite free admission to the Golden Globe-nominated film “SELMA” for students around the country.

New cities Boston, Nashville, New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, and Westchester have come together to create funds that will allow students in these locations to see “SELMA” for free at participating theaters.

The efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets.

“Our goal was to educate as many children as we could about the historical importance and contemporary relevance of the march in Selma,” said Bill Lewis, Co-Chairman of Investment Banking, Lazard. “Seeing so many business leaders in other cities join this spontaneous initiative is a wonderful outcome for the children and for our country.”

The students in these cities will show a student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater for free admittance. The programs begin today, January 12th and run through January 19th (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) or while tickets last.

Business leaders in additional cities are currently organizing commitments and participation from community organizations. Those cities and leaders will be announced Wednesday, January 14th.

The local business leaders who are leading the efforts are:

Bennie Wiley, Principal, The Wiley Group and Flash Wiley, Counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, in Boston (10,000 tickets)
“How inspiring to see so many members of the African-American community come together to expose our young people to this important chapter in history,” said Bennie Wiley and Flash Wiley. “We are delighted to join this extraordinary effort.”

Lawrence Jackson, Chairman, SourceMark, LLC, Former President, Dollar General, in Nashville (10,000 tickets)
“Director Ava DuVernay has created a film about an important piece of American history,” said Jackson. “Nashville is privileged to raise funds to help bring the film to as many students as possible.”

David R. Jones, President & CEO, CastleOak Securities, L.P., Anré Williams, President, Global Merchant Services, American Express, and Carla A. Harris, Vice Chairman, Morgan Stanley in Northern New Jersey (10,000 tickets)
“New Jersey is honored to join its friends in New York in bringing ‘SELMA’ to students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to hear Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message,” said Jones. “We are grateful to the leaders in New York, whose generosity and vision lead to this movement.”

Leslie Brun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SARR Group, LLC, in Philadelphia (10,000 tickets)
“Philadelphia is happy to do its part in helping students experience the story of Dr. King’s journey in Alabama,” said Brun. “The challenges he faced there will still ring true today for many of our country’s youth.”

Charles Ward, Chief Development Officer, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, in San Francisco (10,000 tickets)
“We’ve managed to raise $100,000 in a relatively short period of time. That will send 10,000 kids to see the movie,” said Ward. “We do expect that there may be even greater demand. We’d like to cover as many admissions as possible.”

The Grain Family in Sarasota, FL (1,000 tickets)
“‘SELMA’ tells the story of Dr. King’s march so powerfully and so beautifully, that we are honored to contribute to such a worthwhile cause,” said the Grain Family.

Michael V. Littlejohn, Partner, IBM Global Business Services in Westchester (6,000 tickets)
“We are so inspired by the program in New York City and are humbled to be able to contribute to its success,” said Littlejohn.

For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets.

To help get the word out about the program, tweet using the hashtag #SelmaForStudents.

Directed by Ava DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” earned a Golden Globe for Best Song for “Glory” by Common and John Legend and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.

The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”

Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.

“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.

“SELMA” is playing in theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, go to http://www.selmamovie.com.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

SAN JOSE, Calif., The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they have signed a long-term ticketing products and services partnership for Avaya Stadium with Ticketmaster, a division of Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV).

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES AND AVAYA STADIUM PARTNERS WITH TICKETMASTER
“As we move into our new stadium in 2015, Ticketmaster will be an integral part of our operations, helping us reach new fans and sell more tickets while providing a great fan experience,” said Earthquakes president Dave Kaval . “We are impressed with Ticketmaster’s industry-leading product portfolio and believe that Earthquakes fans are going to love the new experience.”

The comprehensive ticketing solution includes a number of new features for season ticket holders and single-game buyers alike. Among the highlighted features for Earthquakes season ticket holders is an improved account manager platform that will allow fans to transfer tickets to their friends, as well as enhanced re-sale options and the ability to print match tickets at home for free. Additionally, Earthquakes tickets will now be available at select Ticketmaster locations, including Walmart and Chavez Supermarkets.

“Transitioning the San Jose Earthquakes onto the Ticketmaster system will provide their fans a much improved ticket-buying experience, including a comprehensive mobile solution where fans can find, buy and transfer tickets and enter the stadium all with their mobile phones. Additionally, our data and analytics will help the team connect with more fans and enable them to sell more tickets,” said said Clay Luter , senior vice president of stadium and outdoor sports clients, Ticketmaster.

Fans can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster’s mobile app starting next year. Specific on-sale dates and times have not yet been announced.

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit: www.livenationentertainment.com.

About Avaya Stadium
Avaya Stadium (capacity: 18,000) is currently under construction on Coleman Ave. adjacent to the San Jose International Airport. The European-inspired building is the first cloud-enabled venue in Major League Soccer and will be among the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world. The stadium features a canopy roof and the steepest-raked seating in Major League Soccer to provide the best possible fan experience. Additionally, the north end zone houses the largest outdoor bar in North America, a two-acre fan zone and a double-sided video scoreboard. The suites and club seats are located at field level, giving fans a premium experience unlike any other in professional sports.

Burbank, CA – “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” charged to the top of the global box office, and has now earned more than $350 million. The film, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), is the conclusion to Peter Jackson’s acclaimed “The Hobbit” Trilogy based on the timeless classic by J.R.R. Tolkien. The joint announcement was made today by Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Operating Officer, New Line Cinema; Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures; Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures; and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Beginning with sold-out preview screenings in the U.S., the film has earned $90.63 million domestically. “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” also expanded across the majority of international markets, taking in $105.5 million over the weekend. The international total stands at $265 million and counting.

Internationally, opening day showings for “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” were sold out, some weeks in advance, and thousands of fans waited in line to journey to Middle-earth one last time. The film enjoyed the biggest opening day of year in a number of key markets, including Germany, Scandinavia and the director’s home country of New Zealand, where it had the widest release ever in that country. The film also became the biggest Warner Bros. opening in Russia, Serbia and Ukraine, and shot to #1 in Brazil and Mexico, where it went up against the final match of the Mexican Soccer League. “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” also broke records for the biggest opening of all time in Sweden, Finland, Croatia and Czech Republic; and the biggest opening of the year in Spain, Germany, Russia, Holland, Switzerland, Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Slovakia and Slovenia. The film is yet to open in a number of markets, including China on January 23, as well as Australia, Argentina, Iceland and Uruguay, as well as Poland and other Eastern European territories.

Additionally, the film set records in IMAX®, taking in $13.62 million on 360 domestic screens, marking the biggest December opening and the biggest opening for “The Hobbit” Trilogy. Internationally, the weekend total was $6.5 million on 217 IMAX screens for an international total of more than $15 million to date, including the biggest IMAX opening of all time in the UK, Germany and Austria.

In making the announcement, Emmerich stated, “For Peter Jackson, the adventure that began with his benchmark ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy has reached a high water mark with this incredible response to the epic finale of ‘The Hobbit’ Trilogy. Along with our colleagues at Warner Bros. and MGM, we congratulate Peter on this exciting conclusion to his 16-year endeavor to bring this enduring saga to life for millions of moviegoers all over the world.”

Kroll stated, “We are very proud to have accompanied Peter Jackson and his remarkable team of collaborators on his hugely successful cinematic journey. The positive response of both critics and audiences to this final film in ‘The Hobbit’ Trilogy is a tribute to the talents of everyone who dedicated years to bringing these ambitious films to fruition, and we applaud them all on this tremendous success.”

Fellman said, “This is an extraordinary start for our final adventure in Middle-earth. We are excited by the enthusiasm of moviegoers, who have already made ‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ a blockbuster, and this is just the beginning. We expect word of mouth to continue to drive the box office through the holiday season and well into the new year.”

Kwan Vandenberg noted, “This is a timeless story that speaks to audiences all over the world, and the anticipation for the Trilogy’s electrifying finale has yielded tremendous results. Everywhere it’s opened, the film has seen huge debuts, strong holds and amazing buzz, and the momentum will only build as we move into 2015.”

In all releasing markets, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” surpassed the #1 openings of the two preceding films in the Trilogy, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” which were released a year apart, starting in December 2012, with the first going on to earn more than a billion dollars worldwide and the second earning upwards of $950 million.

From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” the third in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. The international ensemble cast is also led by Evangeline Lilly, Luke Evans, Lee Pace, Benedict Cumberbatch, Billy Connolly, James Nesbitt, Ken Stott, Aidan Turner, Dean O’Gorman, Graham McTavish, Stephen Fry, and Ryan Gage. The film also stars Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Orlando Bloom, Mikael Persbrandt, Sylvester McCoy, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Jed Brophy, William Kircher, Stephen Hunter, Adam Brown, John Bell, Manu Bennett and John Tui.

The screenplay for “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Jackson also produced the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Philippa Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers. The associate producers are Matthew Dravitzki and Amanda Walker.

New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Present a Wingnut Films Production, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.” As with the first two films in the Trilogy, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” the final film is a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television distribution being handled by MGM. Like the first two films in the Trilogy, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” was released in High Frame Rate 3D (HFR 3D) in select theaters, other 2D and 3D formats, and IMAX®. www.hobbitmovie.net #OneLastTime

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.–Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed film “INTERSTELLAR” has surpassed $100 million in IMAX® Theatres worldwide since its release on November 5, marking the fourth time an IMAX film has crossed the $100 million threshold.

While “INTERSTELLAR” concluded its circuit-wide domestic run in IMAX theaters on December 14, the film will continue to play through at least the weekend of December 19 in the following North American IMAX 70mm film locations:

Austin, TX IMAX Theater Austin
Branson, MO Elite Cinema 3/Ozark IMAX
Chantilly, VA Udvar-Hazy Center IMAX
Dearborn, MI Henry Ford IMAX
Des Moines, IA SCI IMAX Dome Theater
Huntsville, AL Spacedome IMAX Theater
Indianapolis, IN White River IMAX
Philadelphia, PA Tuttleman IMAX – Franklin Institute
San Jose, CA Hackworth IMAX
Seattle, WA Boeing IMAX – Pacific Science Center
Tampa, FL Museum of Science and Industry
Washington, D.C. Lockheed Martin IMAX Theatre
Continuing the legacy begun by IMAX trailblazer Nolan and his use of the 15 perf 65mm IMAX® cameras in The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, more than an hour of “INTERSTELLAR” was shot using IMAX cameras. Exclusively in IMAX theatres, these sequences expand to fill the entire screen and deliver unprecedented crispness and clarity and provide audiences with a truly cinematic and immersive experience.

Sequences of “INTERSTELLAR” shot in 35mm film have been digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

“INTERSTELLAR” stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, John Lithgow and Michael Caine. With our time on Earth coming to an end, a team of explorers undertakes the most important mission in human history; traveling beyond this galaxy to discover whether mankind has a future among the stars.

The film is directed by Christopher Nolan, written by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, and produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Lynda Obst.

To date, “INTERSTELLAR” has earned more than $621 million at the worldwide box office.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

About Warner Bros. Pictures

Warner Bros. Pictures meets worldwide tastes and demands with a diverse mix of filmed entertainment and is a global leader in the marketing and distribution of feature films. The International Division operates offices in 24 countries and releases films in over 125 international territories, either directly to theaters or in conjunction with partner companies and co-ventures. Internationally, the Studio has been the market leader in six of the last 13 years, having surpassed $1 billion in grosses a total of 15 years, 12 of which were consecutive years, and crossed $2 billion five times, including 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

About IMAX Corporation

IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you’ve never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX’s network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. As of September 30, 2014, there were 880 IMAX theaters (751 commercial multiplexes, 19 commercial destinations and 110 institutions) in 60 countries.

IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, The IMAX Experience® and IMAX Is Believing® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), a global branded play leader, today announced the release of its 2013 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report.

This CSR report provides a detailed look at the progress Hasbro made throughout 2013 in the Company’s three key CSR priorities—product safety, environmental responsibility, and ethical sourcing—in addition to other focus areas including human rights, responsible marketing, global philanthropy and more.

“More than ever before, CSR is a critical part of Hasbro’s approach to doing business, and we are incredibly proud of the work that our teams are doing every day to think differently, act responsibly and come up with smarter and more sustainable ways to run our operations,” said Brian Goldner, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This report illustrates how our CSR initiatives are fundamental to our business and aligned with our strategy to develop brands and play experiences that consumers have come to trust across generations and geographies.”

Below are some of the 2013 performance highlights from the CSR Report:

Product Safety: Children’s safety is always a top priority; Hasbro had zero product recalls in 2013 – and has had no recalls since 2008.
Environmental Responsibility: The Company implemented several product and packaging sustainability innovations including the elimination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from Hasbro toy and game packaging, replacing PVC with polyethylene terephthalate (PET); Hasbro derived 85 percent of its paper and paperboard packaging from recycled material or sources that practice sustainable forest management and is on track to achieve 90 percent by 2015; and the Company implemented a new product to packaging ratio of no more than 5 to 1 by volume, thereby ensuring that the Company prevents over packaging, and reduces waste.
Ethical Sourcing: In 2013, Hasbro developed a set of goals and key performance indicators to guide and measure its progress in improving working conditions among its third-party suppliers.
Human Rights: In 2013, the Company developed a Human Rights Policy that outlined Hasbro’s commitment along with the human rights focus areas, implementation strategies, and governance structure.
Global Philanthropy: The Company contributed $14.5 million through product donations and financial contributions to organizations that benefit children in need, thereby positively impacting 3.5 million children worldwide; and engaged 75% of Hasbro’s global workforce to volunteer in their communities during 2013.
Building on commitments made in 2008 and achieved in 2012, Hasbro is making progress on its sustainability goals for 2020, including the following sustainability goals announced earlier in the year:

Reducing waste to landfill at owned/operated facilities by 50 percent from 2012 levels. This goal builds upon Hasbro’s 2008 commitment to reduce non-hazardous waste by 15 percent by 2012, which it surpassed, achieving a 40 percent reduction.
Reducing energy consumption at owned/operated facilities by 25 percent from 2012 levels. This builds upon the Company’s 19 percent energy reduction through 2012 compared to 2008 baseline.
Reducing global Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from owned/operated facilities by 20 percent from 2012 levels. In 2008, Hasbro set a 10 percent global GHG emissions reduction goal to be achieved by 2012. The company exceeded its goal and achieved a 32 percent GHG reduction over its 2008 baseline.
Reducing water consumption from owned/operated facilities by 15 percent from 2012 levels. Hasbro achieved a 31 percent water consumption reduction, exceeding its initial commitment to reduce water use by 15 percent through 2012 compared to 2008 baseline.
Additionally, Hasbro earned LEED Gold certification for its renovated facility in Providence, Rhode Island. The facility features a number of design improvements that reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, and employ sustainably sourced materials.

“In addition to the tremendous progress that we have made in our key focus areas, we established new strategies, policies, and goals to raise the bar and continuously improve,” said Kathrin Belliveau, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Government Affairs and Compliance. “By focusing our innovation and investments in these key areas, we are building a better business and creating a better world.”

About Hasbro, Inc.
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling the fundamental need for play for children and families through the creative expression of the Company’s world class brand portfolio, including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF and LITTLEST PET SHOP. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere. The Company’s Hasbro Studios is responsible for entertainment brand-driven storytelling around Hasbro brands across television, film, commercial productions and short-form. Through the company’s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies®” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” Learn more at www.hasbro.com and follow us on Twitter @Hasbro.