The world’s first 3D network — ESPN 3D — will debut at 9:30 a.m. (ET) on Friday, June 11.
The historic first program will be the 2010 FIFA World Cup match between host nation South Africa vs Mexico at Soccer City in Johannesburg.
It will be the first of 25 matches broadcast in 3D throughout the month-long event, including tournament favorites Brazil, Germany, Italy and Spain, as well as the United States, culminating with the FIFA World Cup Final Sunday, July 11 at 2 p.m.
ESPN 3D, which will not be 24/7 but will broadcast specific sporting events, will utilize a 3D world feed provided by and produced by FIFA for all 25 matches.
Sony was named the first official sponsor of the network in January 2010. DirecTV and Comcast will distribute ESPN 3D.
The full 2010 FIFA World Cup Schedule:
Date Time (all ET) Match
Fri, June 11 9:30 a.m. South Africa vs. Mexico
Sat, June 12 9:30 a.m. Argentina vs. Nigeria
Sun, June 13 2 p.m. Germany vs. Australia
Mon, June 14 7 a.m. Netherlands vs. Denmark
Tues, June 15 2 p.m. Brazil vs. North Korea
Wed, June 16 9:30 a.m. Spain vs. Switzerland
Thurs, June 17 7 a.m. Argentina vs. South Korea
Fri, June 18 9:30 a.m. Slovenia vs. United States
Sat, June 19 7 a.m. Netherlands vs. Japan
Sun, June 20 2 p.m. Brazil vs. Ivory Coast
Mon, June 21 2 p.m. Spain vs. Honduras
Tues, June 22 2 p.m. Nigeria vs. South Korea
Wed, June 23 2 p.m. Ghana vs. Germany
Thurs, June 24 9:30 a.m. Slovakia vs. Italy
Fri, June 25 9:30 a.m. Portugal vs. Brazil
Sun, June 27 2 p.m. Round of 16 match
Mon, June 28 9:30 a.m. Round of 16 match
2 p.m. Round of 16 match
Fri, July 2 2 p.m. Quarterfinals
Sat, July 3 9:30 a.m. Quarterfinals
Sat, July 3 2 p.m. Quarterfinals
Tues, July 6 2 p.m. Semifinals
Wed, July 7 2 p.m. Semifinals
Sat, July 10 2 p.m. 3rd place match
Sun, July 11 2 p.m. Finals
Previously, ESPN 3D announced the new network would show the 2011 BCS National Championship game in Glendale, Ariz., as well as NBA, X Games 16, Winter X Games 15, college football and basketball.
ESPN has produced several 3D telecasts, including the Masters in April 2010, a Harlem Globetrotters game in February 2010 and in 2009 the USC vs. Ohio State college football game.
— By Scott Hettrick