Final ratings were the lowest in more than a decade for the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. In other news, ratings are flat for the Women’s NCAA Tournament, and NASCAR’s Nationwide Series had a slight bump in viewership at Fontana.
Bay Hill Final Round Lowest Rated in At Least 17 Years
- Final round coverage of the PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational earned a 1.4 final rating and 1.9 million viewers on NBC last Sunday, down 67% in ratings and 70% in viewership from Tiger Woods‘ victory in 2012 (4.3, 6.5M). Last year’s final round was postponed due to rain. Excluding rainouts, the 1.4 rating is the lowest for final round coverage since at least 1997 (ratings prior to 1998 were not available). Saturday’s third round action drew a 1.0 and 1.3 million, down 50% in ratings from last year (2.0), and down 63% and 67%, respectively, from 2012 (1.0, 1.3M). (Wknd numbers from Sports Business Daily)
Women’s NCAA Tournament Flat Thru First Two Rounds
- Coverage of the 2014 Women’s NCAA Tournament averaged a 0.3 U.S. rating on ESPN and ESPN2 through the first two rounds, even with last year. Keep in mind ESPN aired more early round telecast windows this year than last. (ESPN)
Nationwide at Fontana Sees Viewership Uptick
- Last Sunday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race from Fontana (CA) earned a 1.2 U.S. rating and 1.8 million viewers on ESPN, flat in ratings and up 2% in viewership from last year (1.2, 1.7M), but down 20% and 22%, respectively, from 2012 (1.5, 2.3M). (ESPN)
