U.S. Open: Despite Decline, Final Round Solid on NBC

Though not on par with last year, when coverage ran further into primetime, NBC scored solid numbers for the U.S. Open last week.

Final round coverage of the 2013 U.S. Open drew a 5.4 final rating and 8.4 million viewers on NBC, down 10% in ratings and 13% in viewership from last year (6.0, 9.6M), but up 20% and 14%, respectively, from 2011 (4.5, 7.4M).

Excluding 2012, 2010 and 2008, when final round coverage ran further into primetime in the Eastern time zone, Sunday’s final round ranks as the second-most viewed since 2002 (8.9, 13.1).

Sunday’s coverage peaked with a strong 8.4 and 13.7 million from 7:00-7:30 PM ET, topping last year’s peak rating of 7.5 by 12% (10-10:30 PM).

Third round action on Saturday drew a 3.7 final rating and 5.4 million viewers, down 26% in ratings and 29% in viewership from last year (5.0, 7.6M), but up 19% and 18%, respectively, from 2011 (3.1, 4.6M).

Overall, weekend coverage averaged 6.8 million viewers on NBC — down 21% from last year (8.6M), but up 13% from 2011 (6.0M).

Wrapping up NBC’s coverage, second round coverage last Friday drew a 2.0 and 2.8 million viewers, and opening round action last Thursday scored a 1.8 and 2.45 million.

Ratings/Viewership For Weekend Coverage of the U.S. Open

Past decade
* 2008 and 2009 tournaments ended on a Monday

(This year’s numbers from NBC Sports Group Press Box)