Tara & Johnny to Join NBC’s Coverage of the Kentucky Derby

One of the best things to come out of the 2014 Sochi Olympics, the Tara & Johnny Show from the figure skating venue, will be in the spotlight once again in May. Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir who were just tremendous in their commentary and in bringing fashion to the broadcast booth, will be out and about in Louisville reviewing the fashion at the Kentucky Derby.

As NBC takes its “Big Event” approach to the Run for the Roses, Tara & Johnny will be seen on the Kentucky Oaks coverage on NBCSN on Friday, May 2 and on the Derby coverage on NBC on Saturday, May 3.

With the dresses, hats and Derby-themed outfits, who better than to have Tara & Johnny there?

Your official announcement.

JOHNNY WEIR & TARA LIPINSKI TO JOIN NBC SPORTS GROUP’S COVERAGE OF THE 2014 KENTUCKY DERBY

Duo to Serve as Fashion Experts at Churchill Downs for the 2014 Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby
NBC Sports Group’s Live Coverage from Churchill Downs Begins April 30

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 22, 2014 – Olympic figure skaters Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinksi, who received critical acclaim for their figure skating analysis on NBCSN’s coverage of the 2014 Sochi Games, as well as for their conversational rapport on topics ranging from twizzles to tres chic attire, will join NBC Sports Group for its coverage of the 2014 Kentucky Derby, it was announced today.

Weir and Lipinski will work as fashion experts for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3 and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 2. Most recently, Weir, a three-time U.S. figure skating champion, and Lipinksi, the 1998 Olympic figure skating gold medalist, were also fashion critics for Access Hollywood’s coverage of the 2014 Academy Awards.

“Johnny and Tara have an infectious energy that will bring a fun and fresh perspective to our Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks telecasts,” said Rob Hyland, Coordinating Producer for NBC Sports Group. “They will be in their element amid the big-event atmosphere and pageantry of Churchill Downs.”

The 2013 Kentucky Derby was the second-most watched in a quarter century with 16.2 million viewers. Women comprised 51% of that audience ranking as the highest percentage of female viewership for any major sporting event in 2013.

Weir and Lipinski will contribute to NBC Sports Group’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3 (4-7 p.m. ET on NBC and Noon ET-4 p.m. ET on NBCSN) and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 2 (3-6 p.m. ET on NBCSN). NBC Sports Group’s live Kentucky Derby coverage begins Wednesday, April 30 with the Kentucky Derby Draw at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

That is all.

About Ken Fang

Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013. He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television. Fang celebrates the three Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.

Quantcast