DIRECTV Launches Third Annual Nationwide Search for America’s Ultimate Displaced NFL Fan

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DIRECTV, the world’s most popular video service, is giving die-hard NFL fans another opportunity to show just how ferociously obsessed they are with their favorite out-of-market NFL team with the launch of the third annual Ultimate Displaced Fan Contest.

“We’ve pulled out all the stops to promote NFL SUNDAY TICKET this year, but this is one way we can really get the fans involved and excited, especially by giving them an opportunity to vote for their favorite entries and win great prizes throughout the campaign.”

This one-of-a-kind contest, promoting DIRECTV’s exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET™ package, seeks displaced NFL fans across the country, challenging them to display their passion for their favorite team through videos, essays, or photos that show why they are America’s most die-hard, displaced NFL fan. The contest is underway and entries should be submitted to the DIRECTV Ultimate Displaced Fan website at www.ultimatedisplacedfan.com. One lucky grand prize winner will receive an NFL fan’s ultimate prize: Super Bowl tickets and a host of other unforgettable experiences during Super Bowl week in Dallas.

In addition to entries from fans vying to be the Ultimate Displaced Fan, DIRECTV has created a new fan-voting feature that allows NFL fans across the country to vote on a list of top entries and be automatically entered for random prize drawings twice a month to win prizes, including autographed memorabilia from Peyton and Eli Manning, Kingsford BBQ kits and much more. Fan voting will begin on Oct. 1 once the initial list of top entries has been received and posted to the contest website.

“The Ultimate Displaced Fan Contest has become an exciting and effective way to engage NFL fans, and demonstrates the enormous value of our exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET package as the only place you can see every minute, of every game, every Sunday,” said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development, DIRECTV.

“We’ve pulled out all the stops to promote NFL SUNDAY TICKET this year, but this is one way we can really get the fans involved and excited, especially by giving them an opportunity to vote for their favorite entries and win great prizes throughout the campaign.”

The grand prize includes a trip for two to Dallas and tickets to Super Bowl XLV. While in Dallas, they will experience an NFL fan’s dream week, including participation in their own media tour at the Super Bowl media center’s famed “radio row” alongside a player from their favorite NFL team. The winner will also participate in the nationally televised DIRECTV Celebrity Beach Bowl flag football game where their teammates will include former NFL stars and Hollywood celebrities. In addition, they will receive a year of complimentary DIRECTV monthly programming, along with the 2011 NFL SUNDAY TICKET service.

Last year’s winner, Phil Roberts, from Lexington, Ky., wrote an original song and produced a one-of-a-kind video humorously portraying himself as a zombie lamenting his untimely death and blaming it on his wife’s decision to take away his NFL SUNDAY TICKET, eliminating his access to his beloved Steelers weekly game broadcasts. Roberts was selected from thousands of die-hard NFL fan entries from across the country.

DIRECTV is in the middle of its biggest advertising and marketing push since it launched the package 16 years ago. The exclusive service still offers up to 14 out-of-market games every Sunday, but now fans can get HD, Red Zone, Game Mix and Short Cuts at no extra charge, and a rebranded online/mobile service called NFL SUNDAY TICKET To-Go, offering live streaming games every Sunday, Red Zone Channel, game highlights, and detailed stats, along with several new enhancements to the online and mobile experience, including live games available on the iPad™. For more information visit: www.DIRECTV.com/nfl.

About DIRECTV

DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is the world’s most popular video service delivering state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming, the most comprehensive sports packages available and industry leading customer service to its more than 26.3 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 18.7 million customers access to 160 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality sound (when available), access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, award winning technology like its DIRECTV® DVR Scheduler and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for 10 years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay-TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to 7.6 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include three Regional Sports Networks (Northwest, Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh) as well as a 65 percent interest in Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please call 1-800-DIRECTV or visit directv.com.