Dream Stage Entertainment Confirms Several Pay-Per View Carriers To Feature PRIDE FC in 2003
Los Angeles, CA
January 30, 2003
Evidence of growing interest in the world of mixed-martial arts and full-contact sports, Dream Stage Entertainment today confirmed the PRIDE Fighting Championships (PRIDE FC) event line-up for 2003. PRIDE FC will present a full schedule of action-packed events starting March 16th in Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan.

"After a highly successful 2002 that included sell-outs for each event, we are looking forward to an exciting and even more successful 2003," said Yukino Kanda, Dream stage Entertainment's Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Talent Relations. A major highlight of 2002 was PRIDE FC being sanctioned by the respected Nevada Athletic Commission. "As a foreign-based company", says Kanda, "we are extremely proud that the Nevada Commission put its trust in us".

With its rapidly growing fan base in North America, PRIDE PC is gearing up for a banner year. Together with its pay-per-view carriers and partners, Dream Stage Entertainment will soon be able to bring the incredible excitement of PRIDE to virtually every cable and satellite home in the U.S. and Canada.

The tentative schedule of PRIDE Fighting Championships 2003:

March 16th
PRIDE Fighting Championships: Body Blow
Location: Yokohama Arena
PPV Carriers: DIRECTV, DishNetwork, Bell ExpressVu, Viewer's Choice Canada

May 24th
PRIDE 26*
Location: Osaka Castle Hall
PPV Carriers: DIRECTV, TVN, DishNetwork, Bell ExpressVu, Viewer's Choice Canada


August 10th
PRIDE Fighting Championships Grand Prix 2003: Opening Round
Location: Saitama Super Arena
PPV Carriers: DIRECTV, TVN, DishNetwork, Bell ExpressVu, Viewer's Choice Canada

November 9th
PRIDE Fighting Championships Grand Prix 2003: Final Round
Location: Tokyo Dome
PPV Carriers: DIRECTV, TVN, DishNetwork, Bell ExpressVu, Viewer's Choice Canada

Additional Events: TBA
*Event name TBD

ABOUT PRIDE FC
Originating in Japan, PRIDE Fighting Championships combine the most highly skilled MMA competitions with a 21st Century entertainment philosophy to create the next generation in cutting edge sports entertainment. PRIDE competitions include athletes from across the globe, including the United States, Japan, Brazil, Europe, Russia and many other countries. PRIDE allows techniques from a myriad of martial arts and combat sports, solidifying its place as an authentic and unique fighting style that is built on tension and excitement, appealing to the growing audience of 21st Century entertainment fans.