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SPORTS ILLUSTRATED FEATURES STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA IN SERIES

OF 50 STATE-SPECIFIC WEEKLY SECTIONS

SI Senior Writers and Pennsylvania Natives Michael Bamberger and Austin Murphy Square Off in a Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh Duel

New York, NY, August 20, 2003 — This week’s Sports Illustrated features sports in the state of Pennsylvania, marking the sixth of 50 state-specific sections to be published in the magazine as part of SI’s yearlong 50^th anniversary celebration.

Profiling the Little League World Series in Wiiliamsport as an event unique to Pennsylvania, the six-page section also includes dueling essays by SI senior writers Michael Bamberger of Philadelphia and Austin Murphy of Pittsburgh, and a wide range of facts, figures and photographs highlighting the most memorable moments and personalities that have shaped Pennsylvania’s sports landscape. As with the PA section, SI features one of the 50 United States each week for 50 weeks and celebrates a sport or sporting event unique to that state.

The Pennsylvania section is one of 50 state-specific sections to be published in conjunction with SI’s 50^th Anniversary. The magazine will hit newsstands today and copies in Pennsylvania will feature a cover-flap identifying the special Pennsylvania section.

Highlights from the special section include:

"Little Big Time," in which SI writer Stephen Cannella describes how the Little League World Series is now a major league event.

"Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia," SI senior writers Austin Murphy of Pittsburgh and Michael Bamberger of Philadelphia debate the sporting merits of Steeltown and the City of Brotherly Love.

The Poll : Pennsylvanians weigh in on sports in a Harris Interactive poll that found these results:

Favorite major league baseball team: Pirates, 31% vs. Phillies, 26%

Favorite NFL team: Steelers, 36% vs. Eagles, 25%

Favorite announcer: John Madden, 17%

State’s biggest rivalry: Penn State — Pitt, 29%

More a fan of college or pro sports? Pro, 67% vs. College, 17%

Enemy of the State : Current Ravens and former Browns owner Art Modell received 12% of this vote beating out Raiders owner Al Davis (14%) and hockey coach Mike Keenan (5%) for the title of PA’s biggest sports villain. Not surprisingly, Modell and Davis placed #1 and #2 in Ohio as well.

Greatest Moment : The Immaculate Reception.

SI’s 50^th Anniversary program, America’s Sports Illustrated: 50 Years, 50 States, 50 Sports , is a wide-ranging multimedia platform that is the most ambitious initiative in the history of the franchise. The grassroots effort, which was launched in July 2003 and continues through July 2004, is a yearlong celebration of sports in America. It will include editorial coverage in the magazine and online, a community sports outreach campaign with the YMCA and National Recreation and Park Association, as well as The Toyota Presents Sports Illustrated’s 50^th Anniversary Tour that will travel to unique sports events in cities and towns throughout the country. SI’s actual 50th anniversary date is August 16, 2004. Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the Tour; Starter and Best Buy are program sponsors.

Contacts: Rick McCabe (212) 522-1375, Sports Illustrated Julie Sprich (212) 522-9511, Edelman


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