Sure, there will be a big game at the Rihanna concert in Glendale, Arizona this evening. However, the most compelling matchup of the weekend will air at 2 p.m. EST on February 12, 2023. Bringing together 122 puppies from 67 shelters across 34 states, Puppy Bowl XIX is set to air on Discovery+ and Animal Planet.
“The three-hour television matchup will showcase more puppies, more animal shelters and rescues and more inspiring adoption stories than ever before as the puppy players from Team Ruff and Team Fluff take to the gridiron in the Puppy Bowl stadium to win the Wayfair ‘Lombarky’ trophy,” a press release from Animal Planet reads.
“In addition to the ear pulls, tail tugs, sloppy kisses, and puppy penalties, this feel-good sports competition will highlight the incredible work of rescue and shelter workers who dedicate their lives to helping animals find their forever homes. Puppy Bowl XIX will feature 122 puppies, 67 shelters and rescues across 34 states — and for the first-time will feature a Native American animal organization and a puppy player from Dominica, West Indies.”
Coverage of the big game will kick off at 1 p.m. EST as the puppy players sit down for a few pre-game interviews and the coaches deliver their final speeches. Then, the dogs will take the field as Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report and Steve Levy of ESPN provide commentary. Recently, Rooks has been covering the NBA regular season, NFL Honors and Super Bowl LVII. Meanwhile, Levy has been assisting with ESPN’s coverage of the NFL.
